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Last year, the inaugural Best of Upper Keys raised $19,060 for the Florida Keys Children Shelter. The second running of the premier people’s choice awards will again benefit the local nonprofit, which provides care and solutions for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Nominations for Best of Upper Keys begin at noon on Thursday, Sept. 21. Visit keysweekly.com/ buk23

BEST OF UPPER KEYS IS BACK NOMINATIONS FOR THE BEST IN TOWN BEGIN SEPT. 21

HOW THE BEST OF THE UPPER KEYS WORKS

Nominate your favorites: Sept. 21 to Oct. 8

Visit keysweekly.com at noon on Thursday, Sept. 21 to nominate your favorites in each category. Find the category list on the back cover. Nominate once per day for all categories, and must fill out 75% of the ballot to cast a valid submission. So visit often, or daily, throughout the nomination process to propose your favorite finalists.

By Keys Weekly staff

2022 marked the beginning for the Upper Keys’ new premier people’s choice awards. A year later, the Best of the Upper Keys is back and bringing new categories, bragging rights and an unforgettable awards night that raises money for a worthy cause.

The time has come to crown the best there is to offer on the upper island chain. The second annual Best of Upper Keys lets the people choose the nominees and winners in the food and drink, community and business divisions. A total of 65 awards are up for grabs, with several new categories added this year, including best margarita and wings, best artist and best fishing guide, to name a few.

The Best of the Upper Keys is similar to the Key West People’s Choice Awards, which began in 2014, and the Best of Marathon, which began in 2008. Voters will have the chance to vote for all of their favorite people, places and things that encapsulates what makes Upper Keys communities the most desired locations to visit and live on the planet. So whether it’s local celebrities, favorite neighborhoods, best local musician or best local business – locals will name the very best of the best that the Upper Keys has to offer.

First Horizon Bank, Baptist Health Mariners Hospital, Dr. Michelle, audiologist, Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina, Going Aire and Artisan Group Builders are among the event sponsors. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.

“We are humbled and honored to bring this event back to our friends and neighbors in the Upper Keys,” said Jason Koler, Keys Weekly publisher. “This is about bringing everyone together to celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to their professions and service. The voting is subjective and we want everyone to have fun with the nominations while putting a spotlight on those who exemplify excellence in business and dedication to community.”

The top three nominees in each category are placed on the finalists’ ballot. We do not create the top three (a commonly asked question). You, the voters, decide the top three finalists from among your nominees. Nomination voting begins at noon on Thursday, Sept. 21 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 8. Updates and reminders will be provided by the Keys Weekly in print, digital and social media throughout the process.

Choose the best: Oct. 12-29

The top three nominees in each category make the finalists’ ballot. The highest vote-getter among the finalists in each category receives the Best of the Upper Keys Award.

Voting for the finalists in each category begins at 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 12 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 29 at keysweekly.com. During this stage, voters can submit one ballot per day and must fill out 75% of the categories to cast a valid ballot. So visit keysweekly.com often throughout the process and submit one ballot a day. Updates and reminders will be provided at keysweekly. com, in our daily e-blast, Upper Keys Weekly print editions and social media. The winners’ celebration is Nov. 11 p.m. at Whale Harbor Events.

The Event: Nov. 11

The Best of the Upper Keys celebration this year is on Nov. 11 at Whale Harbor Events, situated along the Islamorada shore. Tickets are not generally made available to the public due to demand. Winners, nominees and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional attendees are selected from a first-come, first-served waiting list. To be placed on this list, please email Jill@ keysweekly.com.

COURT CONSOLIDATION CONCERNS

KEYS FLOOD STATE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE WITH 1,000- PLUS SURVEY RESPONSES

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Florida Keys residents aren’t holding back their opinions over a potential consolidation of Monroe County’s court system with a larger neighboring county.

In June, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner tasked the state Supreme Court with analyzing a consolidation of the 20 judicial circuits. In his letter to Chief Justice Carlos G. Muniz, Renner said the courts have gone unchanged for decades despite significant population and demographic shifts over that time. Renner’s letter alluded to the size of certain judicial courts, specifically the 2.7 million people within the 11th Circuit, which encompasses MiamiDade, and the fewer than 100,000 people in Monroe County within the 16th Circuit.

A 14-person judicial assessment committee made up of judges, attorneys and a court clerk has until Dec. 1 to submit a final recommendation report. The committee’s representatives span from the Fourth Circuit in Duval County, the Sixth Circuit in Pinellas County to the 11th Circuit in MiamiDade County. There’s no representative from the 16th Circuit, however.

In August, a public survey released by the committee resulted in a total of 2,087 responses throughout the state. Of the respondents, 1,490, or 71%, came from Monroe County residents, many who believe a consolidation could pose a severe detriment to the marine and wildlife cases which could fall to the wayside.

Bay County was the next closest in public surveys sent, with a total of 200.

The large number of responses from Monroe County caught the attention of committee member Lile Laird, a Naples-based attorney, during a Sept. 15 virtual committee meeting. He asked the data presenter, Dustin Metz of the state courts administrator office, whether the flood of surveys from the Keys affected data integrity with only 29% of respondents from other areas of the state.

“It’s an anomaly there,” Lile said.

A majority of residents responding to the survey believed the judicial circuit courts appropriately expedited cases with judges issuing appropriate

WILL U.S. 1’S ‘BIKINI BEACH’ GET A NEW COVERUP?

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

There’s a piece of the Overseas Highway in Key Largo where traffic can slow to a standstill for only one reason: “Bikini Beach.”

That’s local slang for the roadside sandbar next to heavily traveled U.S. 1 at MM 109, where the view of people partying on boats – often in bikinis and swim trunks – distracts many drivers.

Monroe County Commissioners are in the process of choosing a new coverup for Bikini Beach.

The Florida Department of Transportation and Monroe County are discussing plans to install landscaping to prevent distracted drivers and traffic slowdowns on the Overseas Highway, from MM 108 to MM 112. FDOT/Contributed

decisions. Residents responding to the survey also believed judges and staff are educated, highly skilled and able to perform their duties.

An overwhelming number of respondents, 93%, said a consolidation would not enhance the effectiveness of the courts. And 82% of the survey responses believed the current size and geographic boundaries of the judicial circuit wouldn’t further foster public trust and confidence. And 76% of respondents didn’t believe any cost savings would come out of consolidating the courts.

Results from a separate survey issued to court, government and legal professionals showed similar beliefs. In all, 83% of respondents to the survey believed the effectiveness of the courts wouldn’t improve if consolidations occurred.

With telling survey results also came written comments from attorneys, law enforcement officials and residents. Rev. Allison Defoor, former public defender, assistant state attorney and judge in Monroe County, submitted a letter to the committee explaining the importance of maintaining a small circuit court like the 16th.

“From all of these seats in the justice arena, I say flatly that the delivery of justice closest to the people is more just, and more respected by all concerned, and suspect more economical with less waste. We should be looking at the idea of more, not fewer circuits,” he wrote.

Members of the judicial assessment committee will convene for another virtual meeting on Friday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. to examine surveys from the public and law professionals.

In February 2022, they asked the Florida Department of Transportation for a visual covering along the milelong stretch of U.S. 1 to cut down on the congestion that Sheriff Rick Ramsay said is a threat to public safety.

FDOT put up a fabric screen along the existing fence at MM 109 with mixed reviews from locals. The county maintains the screen.

Now, FDOT is designing a 4.5-mile landscaping project from MM 108 to MM 112, which will fit the “Bikini Beach” section of U.S. 1.

The state agency wants Monroe leaders to consider taking up the responsibility of maintaining the new greenery, “since many of the plant species that could be utilized for a visual barrier will overgrow the narrow shoulder area and require maintenance,” according to a county staff agenda item report.

FDOT provided two illustrations predicting what the landscape barrier would look like either way. In the futuristic drawing where Monroe County tackles the maintenance, there are palm trees, while FDOT’s is a uniform tree line.

Also on the thick agenda is a proposed resolution for the county commission to declare its opposition to a proposal for Florida to consolidate Monroe’s 16th judicial circuit court system with Miami-Dade’s 11th judicial circuit. The Judicial Circuit Assessment Committee was formed July 14 and charged with evaluating the strengths of consolidating Florida’s judicial circuit courts within District Courts of Appeal boundaries.

After a series of planned public hearings, the committee is set to deliver findings and recommendations to the Legislature by Dec. 1.

This is what the Florida Department of Transportation says the landscape barrier will look like if Monroe County were to maintain the area.

This is what the Florida Department of Transportation says the landscape barrier will look like if the state handles maintenance.

The county commission can’t do anything to stop the courts being combined, but the resolution would send a message to lawmakers and let residents know where their elected leaders stand on the issue.

“We’re just coming out loudly to support the judicial system and our residents,” said County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, of Marathon. “This is not going to be good for anyone in Monroe County.”

The county commission was scheduled to meet from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo, with a budget hearing set for the evening with a start time of 5:05 p.m.

Keys residents have been granted time to speak to the commission about Key Largo neighborhood flooding issues. Sandy Milhiser and David Hughes are set to talk about the Twin Lakes/ Sands Neighborhood sustainability projects. Richard Ward wants to talk about flooding on Michael Drive.

Courtroom A inside the Plantation Key Government Center. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

YOGA LIFE

NEW STUDIO OWNER IN KEY LARGO FOCUSED ON GROWTH

Incorporating something into your life that not only aids physical fitness but also provides healing and peace? The Keys Weekly recently met with the new owner of Key Largo Yoga, Tami Marano, to learn more about her background and the vision for the future of this well-established yoga studio.

When my husband Nick and I moved to Key Largo in July 2021, it was important that I had a local yoga studio to practice. I had been practicing yoga sporadically until 2018. In 2019, I tragically lost my brother and found that it was the only way to heal. It was unexpected, and nothing prepared me for how hard it hit me. Triggered by the loss of my brother, my daughter Kristen (a yogi and now an instructor) suggested it — she sent me in the right direction.

After my practice, I had clarity and peace of mind. It helped me and my personal transformation to heal. I have been healing others as a registered nurse for 37 years, which was a way I could also help others. It was the healing power of yoga, along with solace and peace.

What inspired you to become an instructor? Both my daughter and Kathy Shirley (the former owner and founder) encouraged me since I was there every day. I realized I could become a better practitioner and learn things I didn’t know. However, I never imagined I would end up teaching and now owning the studio. I loved teaching as a nurse, so it just happened; it wasn’t planned.

When I was approached to purchase the studio, I was surprised that she was retiring and wanting to sell, but I felt honored that she considered me as she built this from the ground up. She put so much into the business. I was thrilled and discussed it with my husband Nick a lot.

Nick is wonderful. We have been married for 34 years. We have two children (Nick Jr., 31, and Kristen, 28) and I couldn’t do it without him. He is my best friend and the best support person I could ever dream of. He is

100% supporting me in everything I do. Opportunities come in your lifetime, but you may not have seen it coming. You need to trust it’s the direction, and I felt like I was supposed to do this. I wanted to do this. “Okay, here we go!” I have always just realized you have to take opportunities that come your way and trust it will be okay.

It’s been a super positive, seamless transition and support among the teachers, students and community. It was important to me because they are such amazing individuals. It’s a lot of fun, but I didn’t know all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes. That’s been the biggest surprise.

Key Largo Yoga is a vinyasa studio. I teach the hatha style, which is more traditional. The only thing we don’t do is hot yoga because we don’t have the heat. But we have 13 teachers, including myself, who teach all kinds of yoga. We just had an ashtanga workshop that was well attended.

What are some benefits of having a regular yoga practice? It depends on what you want to get out of yoga. Physical strength, balance and length of your body. Also, the mental component — the spiritual mind-body connection to your chakras. It’s an opportunity to be in tune with yourself. You get out of yoga what you put in and take what your body needs. I encourage students to listen to your body and take what you need. We all have different needs on different days.

Who is yoga for? Honestly, I wasn’t sure even for myself when my daughter suggested it was for me. I was always a runner and did weights. I had never considered the benefits of peace of mind, and my daughter suggested, “I don’t know how to do yoga; okay, I am going to try.” And I learned it is for everyone, including men, as many male practitioners are attending our classes.

In addition to seven days of classes (over 20 so far), we also offer one-on-one or group private sessionsin the studio or onsite. Private yoga group sessions are perfect for wedding parties and other celebrations. Sunset Yoga is every Monday at Baker’s Cay

a half-an-hour before sunset. Jessica Shafer has held that for years; it’s a vinyasa flow, all levels, and a lot of fun.

We offer two sound bowl experiences. One is called Tune-Up Tuesdays and it is weekly with Kris Friedman on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. The other is with Kat Wheatley, who has been with the studio the longest, and she offers sound bowl healings once a month with a unique theme — Friday, Sept. 22 from 6-7 p.m is fall equinox sound bowl healing. Sound bowl sessions are amazing. For most people who haven’t been to one, it’s an opportunity to connect with the sound and your body. No yoga is involved — just being comfortable and resting.

Being the new owner has been

exciting, a quick learning curve, and an amazing opportunity. I feel alive, and I love it. The vision is to keep what’s been here for 10 years, as our community is special and loves the studio the way it’s been run.

We have excellent, experienced instructors, so we look forward to adding more classes at different times and maybe branching out by adding more workshops and retreats — stay tuned.

On Saturday, Sept. 23rd, Wheatley is hosting an all-levels yoga essentials workshop from 12-2 p.m. Learn more on the website about this class and other classes www.keylargoyoga.com and sign up. Connect further on Instagram or Facebook @keylargoyoga.

From left, Tami Marano, Key Largo Yoga owner; Yvette Doherty; Cathy Guinovart; Kris Friedman, instructor; and Valeriya Klenkova, instructor.

Tami Marano, Key Largo Yoga owner, left, and instructor Valeriya Klenkova. CONTRIBUTED

MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

LOBSTER LOOKOUT

FILM HIGHLIGHTS

COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY & HARVEST CHALLENGES

Members of the Florida Keys lobster fishing industry were the stars of a recent documentary short film screening cohosted by Sereia Films and the Ocean Conservancy.

During a Q&A session at the event, which was held on Sept. 10 at Islamorada’s Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, local lobstermen revealed that the 2023 harvest so far has been a challenging one, while conservation experts debated whether recreational fishing has a “pillage mentality.”

Audience members included the filmmakers, local nonprofit staffers, charter fishermen and excited friends and family of the lobstermen who were a focus of one of the short films: “Florida Spiny Lobster,” a documentary by seafood education nonprofit Sereia Films and part of its series Eating Out: The Hunt for Sustainable Seafood.

At one point, when Islamorada commercial fisherman Jesse Hayes’s dog Porter appeared on the giant screen, the audience couldn’t help but say, “Awww,” and clap. A hometown audience, for sure.

“This is the first of hopefully more events like this, so our organization can create these connections in the community,” Sereia Films founder and sustainable seafood journalist Sarah Curry told Keys Weekly. “It’s helpful to get folks together and talk.”

For example, the Q&A panel members discussed the alarmingly high ocean temperatures.

“It’s a seafood boil out there,” said Hayes from the panel, noting that the heat made finding lobster difficult inshore, particularly when he was bully-netting in shallow water.

“It’s like we have put a microwave on in the ocean,” said commercial lobsterman Gary Nichols, who runs a 6,000-trap operation out of Conch Key. He explained that at the hottest point in late July, his boats’ computer equipment recorded a water temperature of 100 degrees.

FWC lobster biologist Tom Matthews, who also played a large part in the sustainable seafood film, assured the audience that the bug army is still around. “The lobsters moved — they didn’t die,” he said from the panel.

He explained to Keys Weekly that the hot water was not the worst of all possible scenarios: “It’s not a red tide that traps organisms. Hot water starts shallow and moves away, so the fish and lobsters can leave. We didn’t see mass fish die-offs.”

Also, the lobstermen were concerned about their bottom line.

“We’re not making any money out there,” said Nichols, noting that just by leaving the dock for the day, he has spent around $2,000 on fuel, staff and bait. “We’re getting $4.50 or $5.50 a pound for lobster. … At Wendy’s, a hamburger is $10. A lobster sandwich would be cheaper.”

Matthews said the Florida commercial lobster industry is highly dependent on the Chinese market for sales, which have been low due to the country’s challenged economy and plummeting value of its currency.

Questions from the audience addressed whether recreational fishing — especially the locally unpopular lobster mini-season — hurts the fishery.

Trap molestation by the recreational crowd can take a hefty bite out of the profits of Hayes’s modestly sized business.

“During the first week of commercial lobster season, divers will rob me blind,” he said.

But Matthews pointed out that while many locals perceive that recreational fishers have a “pillage mentality,” his research shows otherwise.

“We interviewed 400 recreational lobster fishermen during mini-season,” he said. “For the majority of them, the most important thing they do is hang out with friends and family — not all of them want to ‘pillage.’”

— Visit keysweekly.com for the full story.

1: The Sereia Films documentary captured Islamorada fisherman Jesse Hayes as he bully-netted for lobster. SEREIA FILMS/Contributed. 2: FWC lobster biologist Tom Matthews was one of the experts shown in the short documentary made by Sereia Films. 3: Commercial fisherman Gary Nichols, seen here in a still from ‘Eating Out: The Hunt for Sustainable Seafood — Florida Spiny Lobster,’ was documented tending to a few of his 6,000 lobster traps.

TAKING A BITE OUT OF LIONFISH A RECORD 1,898 INVASIVES REMOVED THANKS TO DERBY

Atotal of 22 teams of scuba divers took to the water, collecting a record 1,898 invasive lionfish during the 2023 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival, held Sept. 8-10.

Hosted by Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), teams fished from sunrise to sunset on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9. The event concluded on Sept. 10 at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada with an outdoor festival featuring lionfish tastings, cooking and dissection demos, games, interactive booths and live music.

More than $7,000 in cash and prizes were awarded to teams bringing in the most, largest and smallest lionfish. The “Most Lionfish” category included the competitive Apex Predators division and the Reef Defenders division for casual lionfish hunters. Forever Young led the Apex Predators with 648 lionfish, setting a record for the most lionfish harvested by a single derby team. Volitans finished second with 291 lionfish, and Team Trash placed third with 101 lionfish.

Fourth, fifth and sixth places went to ZooKeeper with 91 lionfish, The Hunters with 80 lionfish, and Will 2 Spear with 71 lionfish.

In the Reef Defenders division, Men of Science won first place with 156 lionfish. Sea Venom Creations brought in 128 lionfish for second place, Barnacles won third place with 121 lionfish, and Reefreaks placed fourth with 55 lionfish.

Competition was close in the largest and smallest lionfish categories. Barnacles won first place in the “Largest Lionfish” category with a 428-millimeter fish, nearly 17 inches long. Men of Science’s second place fish measured 421 mm, and Forever Young won third place with a 415 mm fish. The smallest fish of the derby was 60 mm (just over 2 inches) and was collected live by ZooKeeper. Will 2 Spear won second place with a 72 mm fish, and Tequila Little Time brought in a 76 mm fish, also live, to win third place. The two live lionfish will be part of an educational exhibit at the REEF Campus.

Full results from the derby are at reef.org/pastderby-results.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, lionfish are an invasive species in the tropical western Atlantic, and are harming native marine life, including important fisheries like grouper and snapper. REEF lionfish derbies educate the public about invasive species, gather data about lionfish populations and promote a consumer market for lionfish. Regular removal events have been found to significantly reduce lionfish populations on a local scale.

REEF has been hosting lionfish derbies in the Florida Keys since 2010, and the invasive lionfish harvested during this year’s derby is the most that have ever been caught during a REEF Lionfish Derby in the Florida Keys.

“Lionfish derbies show how a community can come together to support ocean conservation while combating invasive species. It’s so exciting that our teams set a new Florida Keys record of 1,898 invasive lionfish removed. We are very thankful to all of the derby participants, event volunteers, and everyone who attended and helped make the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival such a great success,” said Alli Candelmo, REEF conservation science manager.

The 2023 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival was made possible thanks to Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Reef Conservation Association, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, TRIAD, Mesara Foundation, and Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina. Activities occurred within NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary under permit.

REEF will host the 15th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival on June 20-23, 2024. Fishing will take place June 21 and 22, and the festival will be on Sunday, June 23 at Postcard Inn Beach Resort and Marina. More information is at reef.org/lionfishderbies. — Contributed

1. Forever Young caught 648 lionfish and took first place in the “Most Lionfish” category in the Apex Predators division. Pictured from left are Tony Young, Luke Rankin, Jason Vogan and Billy Moscatello. MADDIE BROWNFIELD/REEF. 2. Asavari Shanker of REEF holds an invasive lionfish during the 2023 REEF Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. WILL GAO/REEF. 3. Team Barnacles caught the largest lionfish of the derby, measuring 428 millimeters, or almost 17 inches. Pictured from left are Marilyn Steadman, Michael Ryan, Cassandra Clark, and Doug Hoffman. MADDIE BROWNFIELD/REEF. 4. Sierra Barkdoll of REEF conducts a lionfish dissection to help educate festival attendees. WILL GAO/REEF

GET TO WORK

MARINE REPAIR CLASS GETS HIGH MARKS AT CORAL SHORES

Two high school kids lean intently over a metal table, surgically studying the splayed innards of an outboard engine.

It’s 10 a.m. on a Friday morning in the marine repair lab at Coral Shores High School.

Dozens of outboard engines — mainly Mercury and Yamaha — line the work stations in the lab, in various stages of disassembly.

Erik Schottler’s 100 or so students learn the science behind marine propulsion and the construction and operation of outboard engines. He walks them through hands-on lessons about fuel systems, electrical systems and drive systems.

“We have students who want to do this as a career, which makes perfect sense being here in the Keys,” said Schottler. “I want them to be able to get in at a local dealership’s service department right after graduation.”

At the very least, he said, kids who don’t pursue it as a career can at least help maintain and service their parents’ boat at home to save the family some money.

The marine repair class at Coral Shores is one of the school district’s Career and Technical Education, or CTE, programs, and one some would like to see offered at Key West High School.

Kurt Lewin, a senior vice president at First State Bank of the Florida Keys, is a big supporter of career education.

Each year, the bank arranges for Coral Shores’ marine repair students to attend the powerboat races in Key West and Marathon. They meet the teams, drivers and mechanics, and see the workings of high-performance machines.

“They love it,” Lewin said. “They get to be down in the wet pits and see people with good careers doing what they’re learning to do.”

Upper Keys school board member Sue Woltanski is another ardent supporter of career education programs, particularly ones that make sense for the Florida Keys.

“We need career programs that serve kids from our community,” she said, and equip them for jobs that

will enable them to be successful and remain in the Florida Keys.

Along with marine repair, Woltanski said she’d like to see captains’ classes offered at local high schools. Real estate, appraisal, computer programming, business math and bookkeeping would also be relevant to a community with so many small businesses.

She said there is a renewed commitment toward career education nationwide and in Florida. Funding is available for programs but is distributed based on a program’s proven success and track record of graduates, making new programs difficult to fund.

We can’t just assume all students are striving for college, Lewin said.

Back in the marine repair lab at Coral Shores, Schottler, who is teaching the class for the first time this year, is working to establish partnership and apprenticeship opportunities with local businesses and the College of the Florida Keys.

“The problem is, I only have these kids for 50 minutes a day,” he said.

“That’s not enough time. For kids who want to pursue this as a career, they need more time with hands-on instruction.”

Woltanski was optimistic that there could be a way to make that happen — and encouraged that career education is once again getting attention and increasing support from state and federal education officials.

“The college prep curriculum shouldn’t be the only option,” Lewin said, adding the state-mandated college prep classes take time away from the more beneficial career-based electives.

From left, Logan Sena, a junior at Coral Shores High School, marine repair teacher Erik Schottler and senior Cody Walsh diagnose an issue with a marine engine. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

ISLAMORADA SETS FINAL MILLAGE & SPENDING PLAN

COUNCIL MAJORITY ELECTS TO KEEP A VACANT DIRECTOR POSITION

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Islamorada council members considered several millage rates for the upcoming 2023-24 fiscal year during a final budget hearing on Sept. 19 at the Founders Park Community Center. In the end, the dais agreed to go with a rate of 2.7992, or $2.79 per $1,000 of a property’s home valuation, to bring in roughly $15.7 million in property tax revenue to the village.

Kicking off discussions, Councilman Henry Rosenthal proposed the council approve a rolled-back rate of 2.6634 to raise roughly $14.9 million in property taxes. Last year, a previous council adopted a 3.0000 millage rate, which brought in $14.6 million. Rosenthal’s proposal to go with the rolledback rate didn’t get support from the council, however. He then moved to go with a 2.7500 millage rate. Again, the dais didn’t support the request.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin’s initial motion to set a 2.7992 millage rate didn’t get council support, as discussion ensued over the elimination of funding in the budget for three transportation projects. Jolin said those projects, which include repairing village hall, resealing the roads and embarking on a road elevation study, could still be funded. Maria Bassett, finance director, explained that the village has added to its fund balance over the years between unanticipated revenues and expenses that came in less than originally projected.

“Considering the substantial amount we have, $14 million in fund balance, it strikes me as a fiscally responsible middle ground to land on,” Jolin said.

Jolin again moved for a 2.7992 millage rate; this time the dais unanimously agreed following back-andforth discussion. Before the motion and vote, Rosenthal said he wanted a lower tax rate to benefit the local residents.

“In many cases, it lowers the rent. The guy who owns the property doesn’t have a reason to raise the rent,” he said. “I’m looking at afford-

able housing, which is No.1.”

Property tax income continues to increase in the village, and that’s due to rising property values – increasing from $5 billion during the 2022-23 fiscal year to $5.7 billion this year. The village is expected to gather $15.7 million in property taxes for the upcoming fiscal year. In 2020-21, the taxable value in the village was just under $3.9 billion, with $12 million raised through property taxes.

Homesteaded properties in the village are protected under a Save our Homes amendment passed in 1995 to limit annual increases in the assessed value of a property to 3% of the change in the National Consumer Price Index. According to Bassett, 65% to 70% of Islamorada homes aren’t homesteaded

The village is expected to have $14.6 million in its fund balance for the 2023-24 fiscal year, of which 40%, or $8.7 million, is designated for hurricane response.

Following approval of the millage, the village council unanimously supported a $20-plus-million spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Local law enforcement and fire rescue accounts for roughly $10 million in spending, followed by general government, which includes the majority of other departments in the village besides public works and parks and recreation.

Council members agreed to add a human resources position and a maintenance worker for the parks and recreation department. The dais also decided to maintain a currently vacant planning and development services director position previously held by Dan Gulizio. A decision to keep the job wasn’t unanimous, however.

During a first budget hearing on Sept. 12, a lengthy discussion ensued over the planning and development services director, which oversees staff in the planning, code and building departments. Three council members elected to keep the position with the other two believing the departments are currently operating well under Jen-

nifer DeBoisbriand, planning director, and Sheila Denoncourt, chief building official. Evie Engelmeyer, human resources director, told the dais the job came and went with different village managers. She said the position is highly compensated with a $205,000 salary.

Upon her hiring in December, DeBoisbriand said there was a lot of confusion during the first few months over who was in charge — Gulizio or her — and who was assigned to what duties.

Bassett said while Gulizio was in the position, he realized there was a skillset void in the planning department.

“He (Gulizio) prioritized bringing her in,” Bassett said. “Her skillset differed from his and she’d be a benefit to him and his role.”

Rosenthal, who voted to keep the position, believed the planning department needed someone like Gulizio, who began to address issues surrounding inconsistencies and gaps in the village code. Gulizio was let go by then-manager Ted Yates in late May.

“I got numerous calls from folks who disagreed with Mr. Gulizio, but on the way out the door they respected him with his decisions,” he said. “If we can’t bring Gulizio back, I strongly suggest interviewing someone of that ability to plug into the planning department.”

In speaking to DeBoisbriand, Councilman Mark Gregg said she’s ready to dive into issues surrounding the code. DeBoisbriand has 25 years of experience in zoning, affordable housing and community economic development.

“Jennifer’s talents are grossly underutilized,” he said. “She’s processing files. … Some people call it grunt work. We haven’t even tapped into her talents of proposing ordinances.”

Rosenthal, Jolin and Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney chose to fund the development services and planning director position. Gregg and Mayor Buddy Pinder voted to leave the position out of the budget.

Mayor Buddy Pinder discusses the village’s millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year at a final budget hearing on Sept. 19. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Councilman Henry Rosenthal, left, and Mayor Buddy Pinder discuss setting a final millage rate.

Maria Bassett, village finance director, speaks with Councilman Henry Rosenthal before the final budget hearing on Sept. 19. Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin is at left.

SHARKS ON BIG PINE KEY

PROCESSING PLANT BROUGHT SMELLS & GRISLY STORIES

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.

Big Pine Key is found a couple of islands south (or really west) of the Seven Mile Bridge, and is one of the Lower Keys. It is the second largest of the Florida Keys — only Key Largo is larger.

Unlike Key Largo and some other islands connected to the mainland by the Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key has remained relatively slow to develop, which is a good thing. While the gobs of high-end resorts have yet to arrive, it only seems like a matter of time before they do.

Big Pine is probably most famous for the Key deer, the alligators at the Blue Hole, and for being home to one of the last stands of slash pines in the Florida Keys. It is also the turnoff for the short drive to No Name Key, home to some fascinating Overseas Highway history, and an old brothel that is now home to the world-famous pub that greets visitors with a sign reading “You Found It.”

Technically, the No Name Pub is on Big Pine Key — but the pub, the

highway and the deer are not the focal point of this Big Pine Key story. Later on, however, a Key deer does lend a leg. One of the things the island is not necessarily known for is that it was once home to a shark processing plant. The company, based out of New York, was called the Hydenoil Products Company.

While it might not be obvious at first glance, the name Hydenoil defines the primary products the company was making: hides and oil. The Hydenoil Products Company arrived in 1923. It was determined that sharks had several commercial uses. Primarily, for Hydenoil, the skin could be used to make leather, and the liver boiled down to produce oil. The plant also produced a pungent odor that rose from the mess and wafted across Big Pine Key (and No Name Key) like a big chum bag.

The plant is said to have been located where Bogie Channel flows between Big Pine and No Name Key. A Miami News article, dated Nov. 16, 1930 and headlined “Shark Industry is Lusty One,” described aspects of the operation. According to the writer, Cecil R. Warren, who interviewed the company’s Florida representative, Mr. Eddy, Hydenoil planned to establish shark processing plants up and down the Florida coastline.

By 1930, the Big Pine plant had processed 20,000 sharks, including sawfish – 6,000 sharks had gone through the plant the previous summer. According to Eddy, nearly every

part of the shark was used: “Hide for leather, liver for oils, fins for delicacies highly enjoyed by the Chinese, white meat for food, eyes and teeth for bead, buttons, and jewelry, bone for ornaments (sharks have cartilage, not bones), and dark meat and residue for chicken meal and fertilizer.”

As one would imagine, for a shark to be processed, its belly had to be sliced open and the stomach emptied of its contents. For some, that visual may bring to mind one of the classic scenes from Steven Spielberg’s movie “Jaws.” In the scene, Police Chief Brody and shark expert Matt Hooper are in a warehouse with a dead tiger shark. To determine if it was the movie’s killer shark, the tipsy characters cut its belly open. The contents spilled out across the warehouse floor and included fish, beer cans and a Louisiana license plate, but no human parts.

In one story about the Big Pine plant, when one of the sharks was cut open, the hindquarters of a ravaged Key deer came out. There is another story written by Captain W. E. Young, a shark expert in his own right and author of the book “Shark! Shark!” that reveals a more grisly event. In his story, he writes about a large shark, reportedly 12 feet long, that was caught and brought to the Hydenoil plant at Big Pine Key. When the shark’s belly was sliced open, a hand attached to a human arm covered by a blue sleeve was discovered.

The arm reportedly belonged to a passenger aboard an Aeromarine

Airways seaplane that had been flying to Havana from Key West on Jan. 13, 1923. About 20 miles out of Havana, the seaplane experienced engine failure and was forced to land in the Straits of Florida. According to some accounts, 10-15 foot waves were battering the plane when the hull was compromised and began filling with water.

Fortunately, the Florida East Coast Railway ferry H.M. Flagler, also connecting Key West and Havana, happened to be passing by at almost the perfect time. The crew aboard the ferry rescued two crew members and three of the seven passengers. The other four perished at sea, and, for the most part, were never seen again. However, what is suggested is that the blue material covering the severed arm that came spilling out of the shark’s belly in 1923 matched a description of one of the missing victims of the doomed Aeromarine Airways flight.

By 1930, the Great Depression was affecting the country, and in 1931, the Hydenoil plant at Big Pine ceased to exist. The employees were not being paid, with one manager reportedly owed thousands of dollars. Sometime in October or November, the sheriff came to the plant, seized the company’s assets and the operation was shut down once and for all.

It was not the last shark processing plant that would pop up along the island chain, but those are stories that can be told another time.

Worker with shark at Hydenoil plant on Big Pine Key. JOHN HAROLD SANDS, JR. COLLECTION/Florida Keys History Center

HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

STUDENTS & ATHLETES FROM AREA SCHOOLS PARADE ON THE OLD HIGHWAY

Exuberant kids and athletes hopped on floats, boats and truck flatbeds as they waved, tossed candy and celebrated homecoming week with a parade on Sept. 15. The procession on the Old Highway began at Islamorada Dry Cleaners, rolling up to the school where high school floats decorated to the decades stopped in front of a tent to perform in front of administrators. Families and friends situated alongside the road looked on as the floats, convertibles with the homecoming court and Miss Coral Shores passed by with smiles and waves. The parade also welcomed other Upper Keys schools, including the Plantation Key School and Key Largo School bands, Treasure Village Montessori and Ocean Studies Charter School. Young athletes from Islanders Soccer and Key Largo football, as well as dancers from On Your Toes also participated in the parade.

— Jim McCarthy

CORAL SHORES CROWNS HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN

Coral Shores seniors JonAnthony Molinaro and Demi Kemmer were crowned homecoming king and queen during halftime of the football game against SmartEN Sports Academy on Sept. 15. Molinaro and Kemmer donned their royal crowns as the crowd erupted with cheers. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

1: The Plantation Key School band plays some tunes as they march in the parade. 2: Coral Shores football players ride in a trailered Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation boat during the homecoming parade. 3: Miss Coral Shores waves to the crowd. 4: Homecoming king and queen hopefuls wave to the crowd from a black convertible. 5: Young athletes with the Islanders Soccer program toss candy from a boat. 6: Ocean Studies Charter School students hold signs and decorations as they parade the Old Highway. 7. Riley Cooper rides in a convertible. 8. Monroe County Sheriff’s Capt. Derek Paul, left, and school resource officer Tony Conde attend the parade.

— Photos by Jim McCarthy. Full gallery at keysweekly.com

A WAVE OF INSPIRATION ART

EXHIBIT PROMOTES CONSERVATION AND NEW PROTECT CENTER

Art and libations brought a close to the art exhibit “A Wave of Color: Promoting Ocean Conservation,” on Sept. 7 at Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder’s (DPMMR) new Protect Center in Islamorada.

The exhibit, which began on June 20, celebrated the oceans and local artists. Attendees had the opportunity to meet some of the artists and ask questions about their process and inspiration. The summer art exhibit featured the results of the imagination of a wide variety of local and regional artists.

From the iridescence of the water to the sun’s rays through the trees, the moonlight illuminating lonely docks, to the bottle shade green of the mangroves, the Florida Keys holds keys to different perspectives. Spectators had the chance to view the artists’ vision and how each artist sees their home and environs.

With the free summer exhibit, the Protect Center — the only whale and dolphin hospital in South Florida — sought to connect people with its more than 20 ocean-themed artworks, and to raise awareness for ocean conserva-

tion and the new center, located at 82748 Overseas Highway.

Inside the new center, people get the feeling they are in the interior of a ship of yore. It was the perfect vehicle for celebrating the ocean, being surrounded by nautical works of art.

A larger-than-life marlin looks down from above, a remnant from the Latitude 25 store which used to be at that location for decades. Nancy Cooper, director of DPMMR, who hosted the exhibit, said it blends in with the theme of ocean conservation.

The mission to protect oceans is not over with the art exhibit. Cooper said DPMMR has more projects coming up, one of which is the holiday season’s Sea of Trees. Starting Nov. 24, more than 100 uniquely themed trees will be sponsored by local businesses and donors. On select nights, Santa’s Village will be open with holiday themed snacks and cocktails, crafts, paint nights, complete with a Santa’s workshop where kids can shop.

Recent Testimonial From Survey:

Staff is amazing. Calling for assistance is always top-notch. Staff is just the nicest you will ever have. Very happy with everything. Thank you for all you do for us and our community!

SERVING ISLAMORADA PROUDLY SINCE EARLY 2020 TRUSTED SERVICE PROVIDER IN MONROE COUNTY SINCE 1995.

1. Artist Barbara Bernstein stands next to her artwork during the closing of the art exhibit ‘A Wave of Color: Promoting Ocean Conservation.’ CAROLYN DePAULA/Keys Weekly. 2. Hunter Kinney, DPMMR director of fundraising, marketing and Nancy Cooper, DPMMR president. 3. Lourdes Berg and Andy McAlister from Islamorada Shell Designs.

CAROLYN DEPAULA www.keysweekly.com

CARING FOR JASPER

Jasper the fox lives at Key Largo’s Pawsitive Beginnings; the animal recently underwent surgery to remove a mass on his foot. CONTRIBUTED

A DIAGNOSIS ON FOX’S MASS IS REVEALED

lymph-node, the node that the lymphatics from that toe drain into.

SCRAPPY DOO

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

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” On Aug. 26, Jasper the fox underwent surgery to remove a mass from his paw at a vet clinic at the jail farm on Stock Island.

Overall, Jasper made a full recovery as the mass from his paw was sent to a pathologist to determine the cause. Dr. Geraldine Diethelm, Jasper’s inhome veterinarian, recently provided an official diagnosis and plan of action.

“Jasper’s histopathology report on the mass on his toe came back as ‘adenocarcinoma with lymphatic invasion,’” she said. “The report further states that the margins of the mass are not clean, meaning the tumor cells go up to the edges of the growth. This is a malignant tumor that has spread to surrounding tissues and into the lymphatic system.”

Diethelm said the next step is to remove the toe, as that tissue is “contaminated,” as well as the popliteal

“We are looking for any signs that the tumor cells have migrated there. This will give us the best chance of catching the cancer before it has spread or at least knowing whether or not it has and what to expect from there,” she said.

X-rays came back clear, and surgery to remove the toe and lymph node is scheduled for Oct. 9 with Dr. Doug Mader.

In addition to this procedure, Diethelm will be consulting with an animal naturopath and iridologist specializing in holistic equine and canine cellular regeneration and detoxification specific to his condition to give him the best possible chances of overcoming this.

Our friends over in the United Kingdom at Animal Equals Wild Fox Rehab Center have also sent along some tinctures specific to aiding in Jasper’s health, so those will be added to his program of care.

Right now, we are estimating a low-end cost of $5,000 and a high end of $8,000 for care Jasper needs to move past this. If you are able to make a donation to Jasper’s care, no amount is too small. Checks can be sent to: Pawsitive Beginnings at P.O. Box 1165 Tavernier, FL 33070 or by visiting our website at pawsitivebeginnings.org

I know my mom, Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro, will do everything possible to give Jasper the best chance of beating this cancer. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Scrappy Doo is an adorable 6-month-old pup looking for his forever home. A lab-shepherd mix, he was discovered abandoned in Key Largo. Despite his rough start, he’s proven to be a bundle of love with endless energy. Scrappy Doo is sweet, playful, well-behaved, smart and eager to please. He has been vetted and vaccinated and is scheduled for neutering soon. Scrappy Doo is not only cute but also ready to be your loyal companion through thick and thin. While he may need some training, Scrappy Doo’s intelligence and eagerness to learn make him the perfect pupil. With a little patience and love, he’ll become the best furry friend you’ve ever had. If you’re interested in adopting this pup, please contact MarrVelous Pet Rescues today. Together, we can give Scrappy Doo the happy ending he’s been dreaming of.

Thursday, Sept. 21

• Art for adults from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Key Largo library. Supplies are provided. Registration encouraged.

• JOY (Just Older Youth Inc.) intro to ukulele at 12:30 p.m. at Key Largo library.

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

Sept. 22-24

• Key Largo Rotary Club’s Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. Visit www.keylargorotary.org to learn more.

Monday, Sept. 25

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

Tuesday, Sept. 26

• Tour through Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral nursery at 2 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, 79891 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Reserve tickets at mote.org/keystours.

• Florida Keys Toastmasters meeting at 6 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, Islamorada.

Wednesday, Sept. 27

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

Thursday, Sept. 28

• Islamorada council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

Sept. 28-29

• Conch Scramble charity golf tournament. Visit conchscramble.com to learn more.

Overseas Highway 305-451-1800

With 20-plus di erent avors to choose from, Sandbar Donuts is the go-to mobile food truck to treat any sweet tooth whether you want chocolate sweet or fruity sweet. Donut varieties include blueberry, cinnamon toast, French toast, key lime, mint chip, strawberry delight and more. Established in 2022, Sandbar Donuts serves up fresh, hot cake-like donuts made to order and customized. Beverage o erings include traditional and specialty co ees, juice or soda.

"Sandbar Donuts as a food truck strives to create good vibes and great donuts for every customer who stops by," owner Lindsay Ashba said. "Developing good relationships with locals is extremely helpful and we want to ensure all customers have an exceptional experience during the visit."

Sandbar Donuts is located in Key Largo in the parking lot of Sundiver Snorkel, 102840 Overseas Highway. Open Thursdays (starting Aug. 31) and Fridays 7 a.m.-1 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Also available to cater for special events (weddings, bridal/baby showers, birthday parties). Call 305.619.4541 or email sandbardonuts@gmail.com. for more information.

305.664.2692 www.loreleicabanabar.com

Open a 4.25%APY Bump Up Share Certificate starting September 7, 2023 and earn more!*

If rates go up during the term of your Certificate, you can BUMP UP to the higher rate!*

ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA

REGULARVILLAGE COUNCIL MEETING

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 , 2023

5:30 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Flor da Statutes, Section 286 0105, all interested persons are advised that the Village Council will meet for a Regular Village Council Meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 5:30 p.m at the Founders Park Community Center 87000 Overseas Highway Islamorada Florida The pub ic is encouraged to attend or participate remotely via the Zoom v deo conferencing application Details for participating via Zoom, are as follows:

• If pho ning in, dial 305- 224- 1968 and ent er t he webinar ID: 911 0656 4 166 followed by # When the Mayor opens publ ic comment pertaining t o t he agenda item you are interested in d al *9 to be recognized by t he Zoom meeting monitor

If watching online via Zoom: Open the Zoom webinar l nk https://zoom.us/j/911065641 66 and follow t he prompts to join the webinar. When t he Mayor opens publ ic comment use the “raise your hand” f eature to be recognized by t he Village Clerk

Marne McGrath Village Clerk

Daily

BAR

THURS Sept. 21 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m.

FRI Sept. 22 Shin Dig 6-10 p.m. Michael Trixx @ Sunset

SAT Sept. 23 Lime Rock 6-10 p.m.

SUN Sept. 24 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m.

MON Sept. 25 Carousers 6-10 p.m. Michael Trixx @ Sunset

TUES Sept. 26 Steve Venini 6-10 p.m.

WED Sept. 27 Webb & Davidson 6-10 p.m. Michael Trixx @ Sunset

Contact: Marne McGrath Village C erk

Clerk@islamorada fl.us

305- 664- 6412

www islamorada fl.us

Anyone wishing to appeal any dec sion made by the Islamorada Village Council w th respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing w ll need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding s made, which record nc udes the te st mony and evidence upon wh ch the appeal is to be based

Two or more members from various Village Committees may be present at this meet ng

disabled and

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Americans with Disabili t ies Act of 19 90 a l p

ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA

LAND USE VILLAGECOUNCIL MEETING

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 , 202 3 5:30 P.M.

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

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

Marne McGrath Village Clerk

Contact: Marne McGrath Village Clerk Clerk@islamorada.fl.us 305-664-6412 www.islamorada.fl.us

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

Two or more members from various Village Committees may be present at this meeting.

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A NEW YORK STATE OF EATING GO WITH GOLDBELLY

SAMANTHA DELLILO

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

In South Florida, and especially in the Florida Keys, we have a lot of New York “transplants.” Not only do I meet them everywhere, but half of my New York-born-andbred family now sports Florida on their license plates. If I may be so bold as to speak on behalf of these Floridian New Yorkers, I bet they miss the food up north.

If you’ve ever been to the Northeast, the food scene is like no other. Fresh bagel shops are on every corner, bakeries are piping cannolis at your request, big logs of hand-pulled mozzarella, or “mutz” as they would say. Well, guess what? I found the solution to these homesick cravings. It’s called goldbelly.com and this website has changed the game in my house. Think Amazon Prime getting you a lobster roll from your favorite restaurant in Maine in one day. In my first glance at Goldbelly, I thought they were pricey. Upon busting out my calculator and comparing, they aren’t bad at all. For example, one of my most recent orders was two dozen bagels and a pound of cream cheese from Zucker’s bagels in Man-

hattan. For all of that and shipping, my total was $86. For comparison, if I ordered the same thing in person in Manhattan it would have been probably $69. That’s a difference of $17, which I think is a heck of a lot cheaper than a plane ticket to New York. For those of you wondering what I do with 24 perfect New York bagels, I blast Billy Joel’s “New York State Of Mind” so they don’t feel far from home when I open the box. I then proceed to vacuum seal each individual bagel and throw it in my freezer. If you didn’t know, bagels freeze phenomenally and reheat like champs. It’s like I’m transported to Long Island every time I toast one of those bad boys up.

If you looked in my freezer you would see said bagels and a lot of other treasures like cheesecake from Ferrara Bakery, rainbow cookies from Veniero’s Pastry and cannolis from Carlo’s Bakery, all from you guessed it, New York City. Goldbelly doesn’t end there; you can think of any meal at any restaurant and chances are they’ll be able to get it to you. Biscuits from Nashville, brisket from Texas and Boston cream pie from none other than Boston. You can literally order pineapples from Hawaii. My traveling has always been food-based, so this website is heaven-sent.

I know leaving the Keys, AKA “the rock,” is hard for all of us sometimes, so at least let your palate go on an adventure. Give Goldbelly a try.

Two dozen bagels and a pound of cream cheese from Zucker’s bagels in Manhattan.

A‘PAR-TEE’ IN ISLAMORADA

Floating greens, golf boats and biodegradable fish-food golf balls highlight the annual “par-tee” on the water during the popular Conch Scramble charity golf tournament Saturday, Sept. 30, in Islamorada.

A full field of 50 teams has entered this one-of-a-kind golf experience to have a “hole” lot of fun honing their swings and raising money for charity one shot at a time. Boating and golf enthusiasts can still participate as spectators, including attending the kick-off party Friday, Sept. 29.

The opening party, from 6 to 10 p.m. at SD Marine Group, MM 85, bayside at the base of the Snake Creek Bridge, includes games, food and drinks. A silent auction and a 50/50 cash raffle will highlight the evening. Nongolfers are encouraged to attend the festivities and can purchase tickets for a $50 donation at conchscramble.com/events.

During the tournament, teams of four and a designated boat driver “caddy” make stops at Islamorada waterfront venues and come ashore to tee off. Each player will take shots at the floating holes using biodegradable golf balls that dissolve into fish food after 90 hours in the water.

Other locations where patrons can see and cheer on the fundraising teams include Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, the Oceanview Inn & Sports Pub — known locally as the “OV” — and Marker 88. An awards ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. at a to-be-named waterfront property. Trophies await the top three teams with the best scores, while additional honors are to recognize the best hole location, most team spirit and best costumes. Proceeds from the popular lighthearted golfing challenge help fund Florida Keys charities.

— Contributed

A Conch Scramble participant attempts to tee off during last year’s golf charity tournament. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Law enforcement phone scam reported

Multiple Keys residents have reported scammers posing as Monroe County Sheriff’s Office members asking for money or making threats about fake arrest warrants.

These criminals are using the names of real sheriff’s office members and often use phone numbers that appear real on caller ID. They also use computer software that may mimic the voice of a real public official or loved one. In the latest case, scammers are posing as Sheriff’s Office Maj. Tim Age. In the past, scammers have even posed as Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

Law enforcement will never call you asking for money via gift cards — a sure sign you are being scammed — or money via an electronic financial transfer network such as Zelle or a mobile payment service such as PayPal or Venmo.

Phone scams often involve criminals posing as law enforcement officers, utility workers, insurance adjusters, lawyers or computer or business professionals. The thieves often ask for information such as the victim’s full name, address, passport, phone number and other personal information, as well as money for fake administration costs.

Always hang up and contact the government organization, family member or company the caller claims to be affiliated with.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office rescues divers

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. James Hager rescued two divers who were drifting from their vessel at Molasses Reef south of Key Largo on Sept. 15.

The Sheriff’s Office, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, were notified and responded to the distress call at 4:37 p.m. Hager responded in a Sheriff’s Office vessel and was first on the scene, locating the men, ages 53 and 19, both of Davie, about a half-mile from their 28foot private vessel.

The men were wearing dive gear and were in good health when Hager found them and returned them to their vessel without incident. They declined medical attention.

DPMMR hosts open house this weekend

The Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder will host a free open house and a celebration for dolphin

Tug’s seventh birthday. The open house will take place Sunday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tag along on a behind-the-scenes tour, catch a demonstration, participate in a research activity or learn about the brand new Protect Center located in Islamorada.

America’s last frontier talk on Sept. 29

Alaska cruise experts from Holland America Line are coming to Key Largo with an informational program on America’s Last Frontier. This opportunity to learn about Alaska through the experts’ eyes is part of a travel-themed community event cohosted by Voyage Blue Travel and the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. Share travel stories, ask questions and enjoy refreshments on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Center in Key Largo. Register at keylargochamber. org/events or contact Ilja Chapman at 305-998-8348 or travel@voyageblue. com for more information.

Mobile Dental Bus visits Key Largo

First Baptist Church of Key Largo, located at MM 99, will host the Mobile Dental Bus Oct. 16-20. The program, sponsored by the Florida Baptist Convention and the Florida Department of Health, offers free dental care to those in the community who meet income and health requirements. Appointments may be made by calling the church office at 305-451-2265 beginning on Monday, Sept. 25.

AAA: Gas prices rise 8 cents

Florida gas prices increased last week, as anticipated. The state average of $3.69 per gallon on Sept. 17 is 8 cents more than the week before.

“Global fuel supplies continue to tighten, putting upward pressure on oil prices and subsequently, the price of gasoline,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group.

OPEC oil production cuts have caused crude oil prices to strengthen through the past month. On Sept. 15, the U.S. price of oil closed at $90.77 per barrel. That was the highest daily price of 2023, and the most expensive since early November 2022. Sunday’s state average remains 16 cents below this year’s high of $3.85 per gallon. On average, Florida drivers are currently paying $55 to fill an average-sized tank of gas. That’s nearly $3 less than when gas prices were at their 2023 peak.

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

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

This week’s neighbor is Vianey Diaz, a Tavernier resident who’s a personal lines account manager with Regan Roth Insurance Agency. Before that, she worked at Simply IOA for five years.

VIANEY DIAZ

What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I’m super clumsy and absent-minded. I make fun of myself all the time.

What can people find you doing when you’re not working? Hosting dinner parties, relaxing by the pool and boating.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Travel the world.

What’s the best part and worst part of the Keys? Our community is the best part. The lack of affordable housing is the worst part.

What is your spirit animal?

Owl.

The name of my autobiography would be … “Short and Fiesty.”

Favorite movie? I don’t have one, but I can watch Mel Brooks movies over and over and still enjoy them.

Favorite app on your phone? Tik Tok.

GUARDIAN SCHOOL

MARINE

SANCTUARY HONORS OCEAN STUDIES’ ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) recently honored Ocean Studies Charter School with a plaque for completing a five-year stewardship project as part of the Ocean Guardian Schools program.

Marlies Tumolo, FKNMS education and outreach leader, awarded the plaque to science teacher Martha Loizeaux, who led the project at Ocean Studies School, where over 200 students have participated in projects ranging from habitat monitoring and restoration to seagrass surveys and trash removal.

“Students and teachers at Ocean Studies Charter school have shown tremendous dedication to protecting and preserving our beautiful marine environment in the sanctuary, which is evident through their work to plant nearly 100 native mangroves and remove over 13,000 pounds of marine debris from local shoreline,” said Tumolo, who coordinates NOAA’s Ocean Guardian School program in Florida.

NOAA’s Ocean Guardian Schools is a national program that provides funding support and a framework for educators to implement school- or communitybased conservation projects that protect their local watershed, the world’s ocean and special ocean areas, like national marine sanctuaries. Ocean Studies Charter School is an A-rated, free public charter school that serves students K-8 through a marine science-enriched curriculum.

— Contributed

Ocean Studies Charter School students monitor the health of seagrass meadows in the Florida Keys National Marine Sancutary as part of their NOAA Ocean Guardian School project. OCEAN STUDIES CHARTER SCHOOL/Contributed

Staff from NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary recognize Martha Loizeaux and her students at Ocean Studies Charter School for completing their five-year stewardship project as a NOAA Ocean Guardian School. UNITED WAY OF COLLIER AND THE KEYS/Contributed

FLYING HOME

NEW WILD BIRD LEADER BRINGS ENERGY AND EXPANSION PLANS

JULIA COOPER www.keysweekly.com

Once a horse-loving little girl born in South Miami-Dade, Erin Allison now serves as the executive director of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center.

The 25-year-old Tavernier resident started the job on June 19. She’s young for an executive, but far from inexperienced. A lifetime of interest and studies in animals, conservation and environmental education have landed her here.

Allison is a self-prescribed “horse girl” who grew up going on trail rides through the Everglades and earned a certification in therapeutic horseback riding instruction.

“I have just always been called to a job that is hands-on, active, outdoors,” she said.

Since she was about 9 years old, Allison spent weekends and summers visiting her father at his home in Key Largo. Then, just before the start of high school, Allison moved to the Upper Keys permanently. She graduated from Coral Shores High School in 2016 and received a scholarship from the Upper Keys Rotary Club to attend Florida International University. After a couple changes to her major, which originally was communications, Allison updated the Rotary Club on her academic and professional accomplishments. She was set to complete an environmental education internship with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in the middle of her undergraduate studies. Rotarian Frank Derfler was puzzled by the move.

Allison recalls Derfler asking her why she would go all the way to Georgia when help was needed right at home at the bird center. Six months and a completed internship later, Allison followed up with Derfler who put her in touch with Jordan Budnik, who was the nonprofit center’s former executive director from September 2018 to June 2023.

Budnik hired Allison to be the center’s outreach coordinator.

“I was exactly where I wanted to be,” she said. “Back home in the Florida Keys and working for the bird center.”

She served in that position for about a year starting in 2019. During that time, she increased presence at community events and schools, led volunteer projects, trained ambassador birds, worked with an artist to put up educational signs at the sanctuary and, most notably, created a reserve of educational lesson plans and activities with accompanying kits and materials.

“Something that’s always really struck me about Erin as being impressive is she lets her actions speak for themselves,” Budnik said. “Even when she went back to school and wasn’t working at the center, Allison would step up.

“Anytime we had a community event and she happened to be in town she would be there, without fail, volunteering and asking what she could do and showing that she had faith in the mission,” she

continued.

Budnik is delighted to have Allison succeed her. It’s Allison’s drive, along with her compassion and gregarious personality that has already “breathed new life into the organization,” Budnik said.

“I really love seeing women in STEM fields and seeing young women in these executive STEM field positions is especially impressive to me,” she said. “I love the legacy of crazy bird ladies. I know people lovingly called me that when I was the director and I hope that the community carries that title on and gives it to Erin as well.”

Taking care of the people behind the rescued birds is a huge aspect and responsibility of the job, according to Budnik. Among the pressures of leading a nonprofit in the Florida Keys are dealing with a high cost of living and lack of affordable housing. FKWBC provides housing for the interns who work with the center for 6 months to a year. But even staff members struggle to afford to live in the Keys, according to Allison.

Among her many goals for the future, Allison hopes to eventually be able to secure staff housing so the organization can keep the people who love what they do.

Between her position as outreach coordinator and her title now, Allison decided to attend grad school at West Liberty University in West Virginia, where she earned a master’s degree in biology. The field biology program she became a part of allowed her to work on an education program called Project Crawdad under the Loughman Crayfish Conservation Lab. Elementary-age students in southern West Virginia were given hands-on experience collecting and learning about crayfish from local streams during a yearlong science series. She also worked on an online survey study that focused on improving the public’s perception of rattlesnakes. This work was formative for Allison, and she came away with much more than the stick-and-poke crayfish claw tattoo visible on her forearm: a deeper understanding of how people perceive and form connections with the natural world.

“It was the hardest thing I ever did and it absolutely prepared me for this,” she said.

But taking on the mantle of leading the bird center is no small feat either. Allison oversees a staff of five, with four interns and an avian care fellow. That team handles the hundreds of birds a year that are treated at the hospital and over 60 non-releasable birds that found a permanent home at the sanctuary. As of Aug. 23, 545 bird patients spanning 77 different species were already documented as getting care at the hospital, according to the center’s assistant director Bayleigh MacHaffie.

— Visit keysweekly.com for the full story.

1. Frederica, a yellow-naped amazon parrot, perches on the door of her enclosure. Frederica outlived her original owner, Laura Quinn, who founded FKWBC, and is now a permanent fixture in their administrative offices. JULIA COOPER/Keys Weekly. 2. Erin Allison holds up a collection of fishing lines removed from injured birds that were treated at the center over the years. 3. Erin Allison kneels beside a creek in West Virginia and holds up a crayfish. As part of her master’s degree program, she worked in Loughman Crayfish Conservation Lab, one of the largest crayfish conservation labs in the country. CONTRIBUTED

SPECIAL OPS TEAMS COMPETE IN KEY WEST

ARMY’S UNDERWATER WARFARE SCHOOL HOSTS BEST COMBAT DIVER CONTEST

Special Forces Green Berets. Army Rangers. Navy SEALs. Air Force Special Operations. Marine Special Operations.

They’re the military’s elite (badass) special operations units — the ones they make movies about — whose training, qualifications and missions make us glad they’re on our side.

They all spent part of their excruciating maritime training in and around Key West, at the U.S. Army’s Special Warfare Center and School on Fleming Key.

But did you ever wonder, who’s the best? Are Navy SEALS better combat divers than the Army’s Special Forces Green Berets? Are Marine Special Operations soldiers better than the Army Rangers? Find out next week.

The inaugural U.S. Army Special Operations Command Best Combat Diver Competition will take place in Key West Sept. 25-27, hosted by the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

The competition determines the best two-man “dive buddy” team while promoting the Army Special Operations Forces core attributes of integrity, courage, perseverance, personal responsibility, professionalism, adaptability, team player and capability, according to a military press release.

“The competition tests academic rigor, physical toughness, mental agility and adaptability while planning for and executing high-risk waterborne operations,” said Maj. Brandon Schwartz, Special Forces Underwater Operations commander. “Competitors from Special Forces Green Berets, Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Operations, and Marine Special Operations will compete in 10 events, putting their advanced-skill capabilities to the test.”

The Special Forces Underwater Operations School is the premier institution in generating the expert special operator in underwater and maritime operations, the release states, adding that, “Combat dive operations reflect one of many advanced capabilities of the special operator in integrated deterrence.”

MANDY MILES

1. A soldier descends at Fleming Key during an airborne operation as part of the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course in Key West. K. KASSENS/U.S. Army

2. Students at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Key West resurface following a 1,000-meter underwater swim off Key West.

3. Students in the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course navigate the waters off Key West in an inflatable boat following a helocast at Fleming Key.

4. Soldiers in the Special Forces Combat Diver Qualification Course prepare to dive with closed circuit rebreathers that do not emit bubbles and thus reveal their location.

TEACHING WAS MUSIC TO ALICE ALLEN’S EARS

REMEMBERING A TEACHER & COMMUNITY LEADER

KATHLEEN KASKA

www.keysweekly.com

Lifelong Tavernier resident, Alice Allen, passed away earlier this year at the age of 84. A gathering to remember her will be held on Nov. 18 at Old Settlers Park, MM 92.5, oceanside, starting with light refreshments being offered at 3:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Allen will be remembered for her eloquent public speaking, dry wit and long-range visions. She taught music for 52 years and served tirelessly as a community leader, preserving local history and the environment.

She was born in Amityville, New York in 1938 to Robert Porter Allen, a famous ornithologist, and Evelyn Sedgwick Allen, a 1927 graduate in piano of what is now the Juilliard School. When Allen was 18 months old, the family relocated to Tavernier where her father was sent by the Audubon Society to study the disappearing roseate spoonbill.

During World War II, Allen’s father volunteered for the Army and the family relocated to Sausalito, California. After her father’s discharge in 1946, they returned to Tavernier. Over the next two years the family spent some time near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas and Flotten Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada, while her father researched whooping cranes for Audubon.

In 1948, the Allens returned to Tavernier for good. Alice, then 9, was glad to be home. She often reflected that one of the best parts of being a “Keys kid” was not having to wear shoes – even in school.

She wasted no time getting involved with her community. At age 11, she became an assistant sergeant-at-arms for the Keys Memorial Unit 145, an American Legion auxiliary. By 12, her talents landed her a place at the Miami Daily News as a youth roundup junior editor. She wrote regularly about Coral Shores High School and Tavernier community events. At 14, she showed potential as an investigative reporter. In a piece on teenage reckless driving, her question to a Florida Highway Patrol Officer uncovered that adults were, in fact, the worst drivers.

Allen excelled in school. In 1954, at just 16, she graduated a year early from Coral Shores High School as salutatorian. In the fall of the same year,

she was admitted to the University of Florida where eventually, in 1968, she received a bachelor of arts degree. In the late 1950s she lived in Miami and graduated from business school. During the 1950s and 1960s, in between studies, her curiosity about the rest of the world took her to live in New York and London.

She had studied piano with her mother since age 10 and later continued elective music studies at the University of Florida and at a conservatory in Miami. She never intended to become either a musician or a teacher. However, in 1970 while finishing her master’s research in cultural anthropology, a family tragedy required her to take over her mother’s Tavernier piano studio literally overnight. Finding the teaching delightful, she never looked back.

Former Judge Reagan Ptomey Jr.’s sons took piano lessons from her.

“Miss Allen had the patience for the job, especially with my youngest son, who was not interested. He wanted to be a drummer. He never practiced, and after 18 months with very little progress, I sadly told Miss Allen I was taking him out of class. She teared up, and I thought she was sad over losing him as a student. Instead, she laughed and said she was shedding tears of joy because she no longer had to teach him. We both had a good laugh. Miss Allen had a witty sense of humor.”

The Allen Music Studio presented its 70th annual spring recital in 2018. When COVID hit, Allen, at age 82, learned how to conduct Zoom lessons. She continued to teach up until a few months before she passed away.

She made deep connections with many of her students. Ryan Raines, a student who became a professional musician, started lessons at a young age.

“Ms. Allen always made me feel like I had a profound gift to share with the world — her belief in me as a musician and human being felt unshakable. She was my mentor, both musically and personally, and a dear friend.”

Patricia Watts studied with Allen from 2012 up until she passed away.

“I came for lessons as a nervous adult who had been away from the piano for 30 years. In an early lesson I played a piece, and she was silent for a long

time,” she said. “I expressed my concern about the pause, and she said matter-of-factly, ‘I’m contemplating the depths of your deficits.’ I think I winced. She brushed that aside and said, ‘It’s mostly about rust. I’m figuring out the best way to get the rust off your fingers and what you used to know.’ She was tough, practical and inventive in showing me how to take my playing where it could go.”

Watts described lessons as an adventure, not just in piano playing, but hearing her amazing family history. “I felt adopted by her and miss her every day.”

Along with teaching music, Allen was at the helm of numerous community projects to preserve the history and quality of life in Tavernier. In 1994 the state ordered the purchase of park lands to meet the requirements of the county land use plan. Environmental activist Dagny Johnson called Allen, urging her to secure a 3.2-acre piece of oceanfront property that was for sale in the heart of Tavernier. As Dagny would say, “Alice got it.”

— Visit keysweekly.com for the full story.

Alice Allen and Ryan Raines during the 2012 Allen Music Studio Recital. CONTRIBUTED

The Allen family aboard the U.S. Army Spurgin, a mine planter stationed in Sausalito, California.

Coral Shores High School recital in 1955. CONTRIBUTED

Alice Allen speaks during the Old Settlers Park’s 20th anniversary in 2014. JOHN HOWE/Contributed

TUNING IN TO THE

Brush Strokes

OCEAN & CLASSICAL MUSIC INSPIRE ARTIST MAGGIE FOX

Abstract paintings allow viewers to have their own experience, and they are meant to be interpreted in a personal way. Abstract paintings are a tool for tapping into our emotions. Key Largo artist Maggie Fox creates abstract art that is inspired by musical compositions.

Paintings by Fox are the answer to what a musical composition might look like. She conducts the painting to the music, creating interesting mixed media abstract paintings. Yes, the type of music you would expect to find at a concert hall, music by Vivaldi, Bach and Beethoven, is what inspires her art.

The art is multilayered, using highly textured mixed media. The art mimics the sound and the mood of the art. One of the layers often found in her art is musical notes that help give a hint to the composition. One who reads musical notes can help decipher the art and the musical composition.

At age 10, Fox had a knee injury and couldn’t play much while recovering. It was during this time she came to admire classical music. At the age of 15, she moved to the U.S. from Cuba. Fox continued her art passion by obtaining a fine arts degree. She worked at Artspace Virginia Miller Galleries in Coral Gables. She would paint and create, but it was not until later that she would really take off with her art.

“My paintings celebrate the joy of the music that I love. Classical music is always playing in my studio. I select a classical composition and listen to it while I work on my painting, its title in honor of the piece that inspired it,” she said.

I met Fox and her husband of 57 years, Leo, in her studio to discuss her fierce passion for art. Maggie is kind and knowledgeable. Maggie and Leo make a dy-

namic team necessary while traveling the art festival circuit. To travel to all the various festivals, they got an RV and went from show to show. Maggie would find remarkable success in the art festivals, winning several awards and best in shows. In 2021, Ocean Reef purchased her painting and its copyright, “Spring,” to hang in their cultural center and the cover to a membership brochure.

“Although abstract, my mixed media paintings are not without purpose, energy and meaning,” she said. “They are not painted as much as they are built. The nuances of the undercoats, which show through here and there, the gestural brushwork, the elements that I choose to collage and their placement within the composition are all orchestrated to give the piece movement and tension and are meant to act as ‘magnets’ to bring the viewer closer.”

Fox’s newest art series is ready to be unveiled — it took her more than 14 months to complete. After living in Key Largo for the last few years, she was inspired by beautiful nature. A preserve sits in view outside her studio window. The ocean inspires Fox the most in the Keys. Her new series is titled the “Ocean Wave Series.” All the classical compositions of this series are inspired by the water and sea. The mixed media abstract paintings have ocean-related colors, marine shades of blue, aqua and light green.

“You might say it’s a reflection of where I now live and the coastal views around me,” she said. “They are bold, bright, happy paintings that speak of the Keys, the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, sun and surf. It’s a very cohesive collection of 10 canvases, and I’m quite proud of this body of work.”

“Music is such a universal language and theme,” she continued. “It is my goal to bring a visual connection between classical music, the viewer and my painting.”

To view Fox’s new series, visit magnolia9330.wixsite.com/my-site/graduation-collection. Her work can also be found in the Key Largo Art Gallery.

1. ‘Off to Southern Seas.’ CONTRIBUTED. 2. Artist Maggie Fox stands next to her paintings inside the Key Largo Art Gallery. 3. ‘Atlantic Shades’ by Key Largo artist Maggie Fox. 4. ‘Sailing Southeast.’

the power of art.

WILLIAM DEPAULA

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