Key West Weekly 23-0928

ROYAL KING & QUEEN FUNDRAISERS NOW

BENEFITTING THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

EVERY MONDAY ALL CANDIDATE FUNDRAISER THROUGH OCT. 16 AT AQUA NIGHTCLUB:

6P - 7:30P

CANDIDATES FOR 2023 FANTASY FEST KING

DONALD WELLS

Saturday 9/30

Oktoberfest with Cruisin' Tiki's Key West

12-4pm @ Snipes Sandbar

Thursday 10/5

Orchid Auction, 4:30pm @ The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. Featuring pots from around the world!

SHAWN MONTGOMERY

Sunday 10/1

Drag Queen Bingo 5pm @ 22&Co, 504 Angela St.

Wednesday 10/4

Gaucho Party, 6-8pm @ Viva Argentina, 903 Duval St. $75 entrance fee (including light fare and music by DJ Sanaris). Costumes for costume contest encouraged.

CANDIDATES FOR 2023 FANTASY FEST QUEEN

Donations & tickets

TANGELA TORRES

Friday 9/29

Flip Flop Ball, 3-9pm @ Havana Cabana, 3420 N. Roosevelt Blvd

$20 entrance fee

Sunday 10/1

Bowties & Pearls Luncheon

12-2pm @ Mangoes, 700 Duval St.

$35 entrance fee

VICKY ROWDEN

Tuesday 10/3

Donations & tickets

BEN HENNINGTON

Saturday 9/30- PART 1

Ultimate Barbie... and Ken Bar Crawl

4-6pm @ Lower Duval Bars (Bar List TBA!) $40 tickets include party favors, Barbie theme drinks, and prizes for best dressed/costumes.

Saturday 9/30- PART 2

Pre-POSH Margarita Party

6-9pm @ Smokin' Tuna, 4 Charles St. Live Entertainment provide by Smokin' Tuna and Mile 0 Fest

Sunday 10/1

Let the Good Times Boil- A Sandbar

Low Country Boil sponsored by Fury

9:30am-1:30pm @ departing on Fury Boat from corner of Greene & Elizabeth $150 ticket includes half day private charter to secluded sandbar, shrimp boil, beer, wine and drinks. Tickets available by scanning the QR code!

Let the Spirits Move You 4-9pm @ Bobby's Monkey Bar 900 Simonton St.

Bartender Battle & Liquor Auction!

fkspca.org/donate/royal-campaign

Donations & tickets

you'll find 713 Emma Street, Unit 3. This three bedroom, two and one half bathroom condo is where quintessential island living begins. Just blocks away from Duval Street and the Truman Waterfront sits this 4-unit secured gated association with a shared dipping pool. This distinguished unit features Brazilian hardwood floors, central a/c and an ideal Old Town location. From the moment you set foot into the home you are greeted by an inviting open floor plan with abundant natural light. The spacious living area makes way to a kitchen with granite wrap-around countertops and a breakfast bar. From the kitchen you will find a guest bedroom/den with a half bath. French doors lead to a private outdoor patio area that is shaded by a large neighboring mango tree. As you make your way up the stairs, you will find two bedrooms each with en-suite bathrooms and large walk-in closets. One of the bedrooms offers French Doors that lead to a private balcony that overlooks the courtyard garden and allows you to hear the zen sounds of the waterfall from the shared pool below and get lost in blissful peace. The other primary bedroom offers a loft sleeping area with its own TV and lighting. This condo is in the most ideal location on the island. Walk to Santiago's Bodega for an evening of tapas or get on your bike and ride to Fort Zachary Taylor beach to work on your tan!

KEY WEST | $1,300,000 | Listing ID: 605560

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

Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Editor / Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

305.743.0844

Se habla español

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

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

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Postmaster

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

News Deadline Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts Oct. 1. And 4 million is the number of women with a history of breast cancer in the United States. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment, according to breastcancer.org.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts Oct. 1, and there are plenty of Key West events supporting the cause. See page 7. Cover art is the cover of the book, ‘BOOBS: Art for Breast Cancer’ available on Amazon.)

MAYOR WANTS NEW FACES ON HOUSING BOARD

TERI JOHNSTON DECLINES TO REAPPOINT BOB DEAN

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Key West’s mayor wants to make changes to the longserving, and admittedly aging, board of the Key West Housing Authority. And she hopes to do it at the October city commission meeting “with no drama.” That may be the sticking point, as few things in Key West occur without drama. Mayor Teri Johnston has already faced opposition to proposed changes to the five-member housing authority board, which oversees millions of dollars in property as well as federal, state and local housing funds. It manages the city’s public housing developments, plus Poinciana Gardens assisted-living facility, and scores of affordable housing units, including the Henry Haskins Senior Citizen apartments on Kennedy Drive and the brand new Garden View Apartments on College Road.

“I will be appointing new members to that board,” Johnston told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 25. “I plan to bring two names forward at the October city commission meeting.”

Johnston has declined to reappoint longtime board member Bob Dean, who has served for more than 40 years and is 92 years old. Dean wrote to the mayor in June, asking to be reappointed for another fouryear term.

Members of

“Over my past four-year term it has been extremely fulfilling to work with the other members of the board on numerous projects, particularly the Garden View Apartments. I believe that the Key West Housing Authority and the City of Key West have made significant progress in achieving our shared goals and I am

committed to continuing this work for the betterment of our community,” Dean wrote.

Johnston replied with a letter thanking Dean for his service and saying, in part, “Your dedication to our community should be a source of pride for you and your family. It was a very special moment to see you, Mr. Frank Toppino and Mr. Roosevelt Sands presiding over the ribbon-cutting for Garden View Apartments.

“As you know, I will be making a number of new appointments to the Key West Housing Authority board in the near future to add different skill sets, new ideas and experience levels as we move forward in arguably the most challenging times in our community to provide quality housing for our residents. For this reason, I will not be renewing your appointment to the board.”

Dean told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 26, “I really don’t have any recourse other than the city commission. I wrote her a letter and applied. She declined. But I’m not going to let this get into a peeing match.”

Johnston last year declined to reappoint Sands to the board. At 91 in 2022, Sands was the second-oldest member of the housing authority board.

Chairman Frank Toppino is 100 years old. Prior to Sands’ retirement in 2022, the average age of the board was 86.

Johnston told the Keys Weekly that Thaddeus Cohen, an architect, former city planning director and candidate for the Key West city manager position, “has put his name forward to replace Roosevelt Sands.”

“And Frank Toppino’s son, Richard, wants to replace his father, when Mr. Frank steps down. I be-

lieve that will be an ideal fit, and my appointment to replace Bob Dean is Robert Cintron,” Johnston said.

Cintron is a Key West attorney who has “served on nearly every board in the city, and is a trusted community member,” Johnston said.

“It’s just time to bring some different skill sets and experience to that board, which controls 10% of all housing in the city of Key West,” Johnston said, adding that the city is in the process of taking over administration of the Community Development Office, which handles many housing issues, from the housing authority.

“The city will take a more active role in verifying the income of people living in public housing and validating who is in these units,” she said.

But the approval process for the new board appointments may not be smooth sailing.

In February 2021, Johnston tried unsuccessfully to expand the board from five to seven members, again to add new faces and skill sets. But the city commission voted against the change.

Johnston said this week that “there’s some confusion” about whether her appointments require the approval of a majority of the commissioners.

“They’re mayoral appointments, so it should just be a formality for the commission to approve my appointments,” she said. “Hopefully they will pass in October with no drama.”

It remains to be seen whether City Commissioner Lissette Cuervo Carey, who works for the Key West Housing Authority, will have to recuse herself from the October vote about board appointments.

“We’ll have to ask the city attorney about that,” Johnston said.

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Florida Keys leaders – and a wide range of residents – have united in full force to oppose the idea of consolidating Monroe County’s circuit court with that of Miami-Dade.

County Attorney Bob Shillinger plans to travel to Tampa on Oct. 13 to tell a state judicial committee – appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to consider the consolidation – that what they’re hearing is true: The Keys are overwhelmingly against consolidation of the 16th Judicial Circuit with the 11th Circuit.

Shillinger said at the Sept. 20 Monroe County Commission meeting that he wants the committee to hear from him in person at their meeting.

“It is the result of this community coming together in opposition to this stupid idea –those are my words – and express that to them, and say, ‘You’ve done something that is hard to do,’” Shillinger told commissioners at their regular meeting in Key Largo. “You’ve united the Florida Keys from Key West to Key Largo against this idea. That’s how bad an idea it is.”

Shillinger recalled that someone at the state committee meeting this month reacted to the number of surveys from Monroe County residents opposed to the consolidation proposal by doubting the data.

“They thought our numbers were skewed or fake,” Commissioner Michelle Lincoln said. “It truly angered me.”

Monroe County Commissioners on Sept. 20 unanimously approved a resolution in opposition to consolidation. But the local panel has no say in the decision-making. The appointed committee is tasked with making a recommendation to the state legislature in December about whether to pursue consolidation.

For starters, consolidation would mean Monroe voters’ choices for officials, including the local state attorney, public defender and judges, would compete with voters in Miami.

“We would lose a lot of access for justice for all of our residents if we were consolidated with the biggest circuit in the state,” said Holly Elomina, the Monroe County circuit court system administrator.

“Our votes would not stand a chance with the 2.7 million voters in Miami,” Elomina said.

ANTI-COURT CONSOLIDATION RALLY SET FOR OCT. 8 IN UPPER KEYS

Keys bail bondsman Albert Vigil on Sept. 20 announced a “Save Our Courts” rally set for Oct. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the front parking lot of the Juice House, at MM 103 in Key Largo.

“It’s our right to vote on our judicial system,” Vigil told commissioners. “I’d be here talking if we were voting for a dog-catcher.”

‘FIX THE ROAD,’ SAY FLOODED KEY LARGO RESIDENTS

After years of requests and trudging through standing water outside their homes,

Key Largo residents continue to demand government agencies solve the almost decade-long wait for relief from street flooding in the Twin Lakes neighborhood and other areas such as Stillwright Point.

“It’s time to stop the eight years of persecuting these neighborhoods and do a simple flooding fix,” said Sandy Millhiser of Key Largo, reading from a prepared statement at the Sept. 20 commission meeting.

Millhiser was among the speakers, dressed in yellow T-shirts that included slogans like “Fix the road,” who blasted the county for failing to come up with what she called “common sense solutions” to neighborhood flooding.

The creation of county projects to address the flooding has only increased government spending, Millhiser said.

“What we the people don’t need is the perpetuation of the ridiculousness cloaked in the name of sustainability,” Millhiser said.

David Hughes of Key Largo said he and others had to cross through 3 to 6 inches of standing water stretching some 200 feet to get to the commission meeting at the Murray Nelson Government Center.

“We’re tired of this,” Hughes said.

“Specifically Shaw Drive, Crane Street and Adams Drive,” Hughes said, ticking off troubled

areas where he said standing water threatens health and safety. “This affects all the low-lying roads from Key West to Key Largo.”

County Mayor Craig Cates angrily defended the county’s work on the flooding issues.

“What do you think you’re accomplishing yelling at us?” he asked one woman after she spoke. “Don’t act like we don’t want to do anything here.”

The county is in the process of designing a plan for Stillwright Point and is working to secure more funding for another area, Cates said.

“It’s not our fault the cost of construction has increased,” Cates said. “Have you heard of inflation?”

Cates said, “A billion dollars to fix all these roads, that’s the reality.”

Monroe County Commissioner David Rice, of Marathon, said, “These figures are getting so huge. If that’s the solution, we’re going to sit here and watch Monroe County sink out of sight.”

Monroe County Facilities Maintenance employee Leo Morin on Sept. 20 hangs a memorial plaque honoring the late County Commissioner Sylvia Murphy in the lobby of the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. Murphy’s office was located in the building. KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Monroe County

IN MEMORIAM

Commissioners on Sept. 20 paid tribute to the late Sylvia Murphy, who was the District 5 commissioner for 14 years and named Mayor Emeritus of Monroe County.

Murphy, who served on the BOCC from 2006-2020, died in November 2022 at age 86.

“A champion of progress and community,” part of the inscription reads.

Murphy retired from the commission in 2020, after years of speaking her mind without hesitation on county issues and standing up for Monroe County.

The plaque was placed next to a framed photograph of Murphy that hangs in the lobby of the Nelson Government Center, the building where she had her office.

“Her spirit is still here,” said Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein, who now holds the District 5 seat.

HOW DO YOU UNITE THE FLORIDA KEYS? THREATEN TO COMBINE THEM WITH MIAMI

TEMPERS FLARE AT COUNTY MEETING OVER KEY LARGO FLOODING

Flooding in the Twin Lakes neighborhood in Key Largo has plagued residents for years, as seen in this 2020 photo. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

The Studios hosts ‘Brazibit’ for breast cancer awareness

SALE OF ART HELPS WOMANKIND PROVIDE MAMMOGRAMS

Taking a cue (and a break) from its popular annual auction of artist-made brassieres, Womankind has partnered this year with The Studios of Key West to present an exhibit celebrating femininity and the female form in all its wonder.

By turns whimsical, elegant, thoughtful and just a bit naughty, a who’s who of Key West artists are stepping up to support Womankind, Key West’s much-loved nonprofit health clinic.

With an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, the Brazibit will be on display through Oct. 26 and will feature two- and three-dimensional artwork, including photography, sculpture, paintings, costumes and more.

Womankind, a non-profit medical and wellness center in Key West, provides affordable, high-quality direct health care services to Keys’ women and girls, including many who are uninsured.

Sales from this exhibit will be split among the artists, The Studios of Key West and Womankind. “We’re trying something new this year instead of the art bra auction,” said Cali Roberts, executive director of Womankind. “After the opening reception at The Studios on Oct. 5, we’ll have a presentation upstairs about breast cancer and about our exhibit celebrating femininity.”

In addition, Roberts said, Zonta’s ABC 5K Run/Walk for decades has raised money to provide mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women in Monroe County.

“The biggest donors to the ABC Walk, which takes place Saturday, Nov. 4, was always the Parrotheads, who were always in town for the event. But this year, they won’t be in Key West, so we’re really hoping to get a lot of local support for and participation in this year’s walk,” Roberts said. “Over the years, Zonta has raised money to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of mammograms to local women. And each year Womankind gives out hundreds of vouchers for mammograms, which are critical for early breast cancer detection and successful treatment.”

KEY WEST MUSICIAN PLAYS JOHN LENNON’S PIANO

THE SONG ‘IMAGINE’ MADE IT ALL POSSIBLE

“Do you want to play John Lennon’s piano?”

What musician would say no to that question? Hell, what human being capable only of plunking out “Chopsticks” would say no?

Fortunately, Paul Warthen is capable of much more than Chopsticks, as he has been playing professionally for 40 years. And, of course, he said yes.

He and his wife, Ashley, recently sold their home in Frederick, Maryland and moved permanently to Key West, where Paul now plays regularly at the Little Room Jazz Club and The Gardens Hotel.

CONTRIBUTED

• Brazibit to benefit Womankind opens with reception on Thursday, Oct. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Studios of Key West. The exhibit celebrating femininity will be on display through Oct. 26.

• Tattoos & Scars, 512 Greene St., will host its second annual Tats for Tatas fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. All funds raised are donated to Womankind in Key West, which helps women pay for and schedule mammograms. The event includes a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, artistic bra auction and the world-famous motorboating booth. The goal is to top last year’s total of $40,000 raised. Visit Tattoos & Scars on Facebook for more information.

• Lower Keys Medical Center’s Women’s Imaging Center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A discounted self-pay rate is available through October. Call 305-294-5535, extension 3308, for more information. A physician’s order is required.

• On Saturday, Nov. 4, Zonta’s ABC Run/Walk will raise money for mammograms. Registration is available online at mile0events.com and registration opens and the event starts at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 4.

But the momentous question was asked when the Warthens hired a professional piano mover to relocate their prized instruments.

The Warthens happened to be telling the mover a story about Paul having recently been playing at the Little Room Jazz Club, where someone had requested “Imagine.”

“That was Paul’s dad’s favorite song, so it’s always special to him when someone requests it,” Ashley Warthen told the Keys Weekly. “So we were telling our piano mover how that one request led to the whole bar singing along to ‘Imagine.’ It gave us goosebumps and was just a magical moment that told us we had made the right decision in moving full-time to Key West.”

While they were relaying that story about a song request in Key West, the piano mover replied, “Guess whose piano I’m moving in two weeks? John Lennon’s.”

The Baldwin Concert Grand piano was being moved to Alex Cooper’s Auction House in Towson, Maryland, where it will be sold to the highest bidder on Saturday, Sept. 30. Proceeds from auction of the piano, which could fetch $3 million to $5 million, will benefit a scholarship fund for Mercersburg Academy in Maryland.

“The mover invited us to the auction house to see the piano when they were installing it in the showroom, and while we were there, they asked Paul if he’d like to play it,” Ashley Warthen said. “He, of course, couldn’t say yes quickly enough. And then when we got there and he sat down on the bench, he was overwhelmed and said, ‘Oh God, I think I just forgot how to play.’”

But the skills came rushing back as Warthen played “Imagine” and “Let It Be” on Lennon’s piano — one that had been in the home he shared with Yoko Ono at the Dakota Apartments in New York City, where Lennon was shot and killed out front in December 1980.

But wait, the story gets better.

While playing the piano at the auction house, managers asked Warthen if he’d be willing to play the piano for a few hours during a Sept. 27 preview party for potential bidders. Again, the answer was yes.

The piano belonged not only to Lennon, but also, for a time, to Andy Warhol:

Lennon bought the instrument, which was built in 1929, from the Baldwin Factory Store in New York City in 1978.

“In 1979, John Lennon and Yoko Ono gifted the piano to Sam Green. ... Then, in 1983, Green loaned the piano to Andy Warhol, who placed it prominently at the ‘Interview’ magazine office in New York City. In 1987, Green loaned the piano to the New York Academy of Art.

“...The piano’s journey from Lennon to Green and its temporary residence with Andy Warhol add layers of cultural and artistic context to its story,” the auction site states. “This piece represents an iconic era where music, art and cultural movements converged.”

MANDY MILES

Artist Eric Anfinson’s ‘Study in Rose’ will be on display and available for purchase during the Brazibit at The Studios of Key West. The exhibit is a partnership with Womankind to celebrate femininity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Key West musician Paul Warthen, wearing a Sloppy Joe’s shirt, plays ‘Imagine’ on a piano owned by John Lennon of the Beatles that will be auctioned on Sept. 30. ASHLEY WARTHEN/ Contributed

ARRIVING AT EYW: NEW BARS, A CHILI’S, AN 8TH GATE

AIRPORTS DIRECTOR SAYS PROJECT ‘IS NOT INCREASING FLIGHT ACTIVITY’

MONROE COUNTY FINALIZES BUDGET & 17% TAX HIKE

NON - HOMESTEADED PROPERTIES TO BE HIT HARDEST

KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/Contributed

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

The $119 million expansion in full swing at the Key West International Airport has added an eighth gate, while plans for food and drink options include a brand new bar at baggage claim.

And a Chili’s restaurant – with a full bar –is on the way, along with a Farm 2 Air Market. A bar called the Southern Point is planned for the seating area at gates 5 and 6.

The First Call Beach Bar is coming to the arrival area near baggage claim, complete with barstools and a far sleeker look than the present-day bar that for years has greeted passengers arriving in Key West.

Detailed designs for EYW’s future were shown to the Monroe County Commission at its Sept. 20 meeting in Key Largo.

Once a sleepy hub where you could count on making your flight with barely a wait, the airport is not just being made larger, it’s being reinvented with new concessions and refitted with boarding bridges, or “jetways,” which are standard on the mainland.

That means the days of walking the tarmac to and from the planes are numbered. The sweeping expansion of Key West’s airport, dubbed “Concourse A,” is set to open in the first quarter of 2025, while the overall completion date is early 2026.

Four years ago, airport officials were envisioning only six gates with the addition of Concourse A, designed to make the only major commercial airport in the Florida Keys large enough to match the record number of passengers coming through the gates. Then, the Federal Aviation Administration offered EYW a seventh. Now, the project is about to grow to eight gates.

“They’re going to give us that approval in about 30 days,” said Richard Strickland, the county’s airports director, of the FAA. “So Gate 8 will be formally added to the program.”

Strickland said he believes there is enough money to pay for the additional

gate, but there are opportunities to go after additional grants if needed.

JetBlue and Allegiant airlines, already operating out of EYW, will use Gate 8, having done very well in Key West.

“They are very happy serving the market,” Strickland said.

Air travel in Key West rose significantly after the 2020 shutdowns ordered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2021 about 1.4 million passengers had chosen EYW, setting a new record.

“We have not exceeded that number again,” Strickland said. “There will be a flux and an ebb and a flow. But this so far has reduced the number of flights.”

Larger, newer planes are quieter and can mean fewer flights landing, Strickland said.

“This is not increasing the total flight activity,” Strickland said.

“It’s important we get that message out,” said County Mayor Craig Cates, of Key West. “You’re just going to make it operate smoother.”

One Key West classic won’t go the way of the tarmac walk.

The legendary Conch Flyer isn’t departing EYW, but it will be rebuilt.

“It will be a bar with food service as well,” Strickland said. “But it will be rather extensive in the bar area.”

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 20 finalized the proposed $667 million fiscal year 2024 (FY24) budget, which represents a 17.5% tax hike — the biggest in decades that will be shouldered mainly by non-homesteaded properties.

Such properties include second homes, rental properties and commercial buildings that are not primary residences.

The budget includes the Board of County Commissioners, the constitutional officers, like the Sheriff’s Office, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections and Clerk of Court, and other appropriations for the Tourist Development Council, capital projects, and reserves.

Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi and Budget and Finance Director Tina Boan presented the budget with FY24 estimates of residential real estate trends, taxable property values, sales taxes, and state shared revenues, along with fund balance, reserves, and general fund.

“We are a little county with big-county problems plus 5 million visitors a year,” said Gastesi. “This budget continues to meet our increased service demands for our residents, sustainability for our future, public safety and more.”

Though lamenting the increase, some county officials pointed out how everything, nationwide, is more expensive.

With the finalized budget and countywide average property values, a homesteaded residential property owner with an average appraised taxable value of $484,735 will see an $11.24 monthly increase in their property tax for the FY24 year with the tentative budget.

Non-homesteaded properties will pay about $340 per $100,000 of taxable property value.

FY24 budget key points

• Countywide millage rate: 2.7191 or $271.91 per $100,000 of value, most likely the lowest in Florida again (largely due to Monroe County’s higher-than-most property values).

• Reflects a property value increase with a total taxable value of $41.2 billion, another historical high. Property values have doubled in the past 10 years.

• Reflects continued investment in roads and bridges, resilience adaptation, facilities and public safety infrastructure. A number of notable capital projects are funded in whole or in large part with non-local funding and grants. Twelve notable projects with $106 million in total costs have $83 million in grant funding (78.5 percent of costs).

• Funds for expanded programs and public services, like the transit program, community and senior centers, affordable housing projects, library improvements, recreation programs and playground renovations.

• Funds higher operational costs like CPI-based increases for vendor contracts; higher cost of fuel, supplies and materials; higher utility and property insurance costs; and higher personnel costs. (South Florida regional inflation rate has stayed around 9 percent CPI, while the rest of the nation is trending down. Over the past two years, it has been around 19 percent.)

• Provides more than $2.2 million in funding for 30 community-based nonprofit organizations.

The budget will go into effect Oct. 1, 2023 and run through Sept. 30, 2024. The Monroe County Office of Budget and Finance provides coordination and development of the budget. More information is at monroecountyfl.gov/budget.

Key West International Airport’s future includes plans for new bars such as the First Call Beach Bar and the Southern Point Bar. MONROE COUNTY/Contributed

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the county director of airports, Richard Strickland, second from left, and his staff on Sept. 20, after Key West International Airport was named Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation.

HAPPY HOUR

FRESH SEAFOOD, STRONG DRINKS, PANORAMIC WATERFRONT VIEWS, OUTDOOR DINING AND PLENTY OF LOCAL CHARACTERS.

TUCKED AWAY IN SAFE HARBOR, STOCK ISLAND, THE HOGFISH BAR & GRILL IS A TRUE “LOCALS” SPOT

STUDENT ESSAY CONTEST FOCUSES ON PRESIDENTIAL INFLUENCE

KEY WEST HARRY S. TRUMAN FOUNDATION SPONSORS COMPETITION

CELEBRATE PRESIDENTS WEEKEND APPROPRIATELY

PRESIDENTIAL FAMILIES TO VISIT KEY WEST FOR FEBRUARY EVENTS

The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in partnership with the Society of Presidential Descendants, is conducting its second annual essay competition for Monroe County high school students.

The top three winners will be invited to attend the upcoming annual Harry S. Truman Foundation Presidential Families Weekend forum held at the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West, where as part of their prize package the students will be seated at a reserved table to experience a moderated discussion among descendants of U.S. presidents. Following the forum, presidential descendants will introduce the winners to the audience and present them with cash prizes and certificates of achievement.

Submitted essays should reflect this year’s forum theme, “Political Maneuvering: The Powerful Influence of the Presidency.” Essays will be juried by members of the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation and the Society of Presidential Descendants, and judged on factors that include the author’s skill at presenting the subject compellingly according to competition guidelines. The competition is open to all Monroe County students, including home-schooled and charterschool students, currently enrolled in grades 9-12, and who have performed volunteer service work within the past two years.

Monroe County School District social

The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation, in partnership with the Society of Presidential Descendants, will present a series of special events in celebration of Presidents’ Day Weekend, Feb. 15-19, 2024, on the grounds of the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St., Key West, Florida.

“The opportunity for our students to hear personal stories from presidential descendants that are not written in textbooks or taught in any classroom was priceless,” Barrios said. “And it was really wonderful to see how the forum audience flocked to the winners to talk with and congratulate them at the event. Even the descendants were telling them how impressed with them they were.”

Deadline for essay submissions is Jan. 15, 2024. To request essay guidelines and submission information, email Michael Ables at michael.ables@kwtrumanfoundation.org.

— Contributed

Centerpiece of the long weekend is the annual presidential descendants forum on Feb. 17, featuring presidential descendants engaged in a moderated discussion on this year’s topic, “Political Maneuvering: The Powerful Influence of the Presidency.” Other events will include a “Presidential Families Cocktail, Trivia, and Silent Auction Evening”; two performances of the stage production “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” starring President Harry S. Truman’s grandson, actor Clifton Truman Daniel; a presentation by artist Tom Corbin, creator of the Harry S. Truman bronze sculpture on display in the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C.; announcement of the 2024 student essay competition winners; and a traditional Presidents’ Day cookout.

The “Presidential Families Weekend and Forum” is presented with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. More information is at www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.org/foundation/events.

Last year’s first-, second-, and third-place student essay contest winners, center left to right, Neslo Atilla, Antonio Gomez and Elias Montero, celebrate with the Monroe County School District’s social studies coordinator Jennifer C. Barrios, left, and Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation executive director Clinton Curry, right. CAROL TEDESCO/The Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation

Neslo Atilla, right, who took first place in the inaugural ‘Presidential Families Weekend’ student essay contest, poses with Patricia Taft, great-granddaughter of 27th U.S. president William Howard Taft, upon receiving her award certificate.

studies coordinator Jennifer C. Barrios serves as liaison between the school district and the competition organizers, and accompanied last year’s winning students to the forum.

YURIANNA MIKOLAY KEYS AHEC HEALTH CENTERS

COME WORSHIP WITH US

‘‘The churches of Christ greet you.’’ Romans 16:16 NKJV

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am

WANT TO HELP OUR KEYS COMMUNITY?

FIND OUT HOW AT

VOLUNTEERKEYS.COM

IN PARADISE FOR GOOD

VOLUNTEER

Service 11am

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Adorasyon 8:30pm

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Domingo Estudio Biblico a las 4:30pm

Servicio de Adoración a las 5pm

Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.’’ ‒ Psalms 31:24 NKJV

Anartexhibitcelebratingfemininity

Thursday

The

MARK

2nd

Art

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE CRABS?

MANDY MILES

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

MILES TO GO THE THINGS WE SAY — AND THEN GOOGLE

Quarterback

Joe Burrow replaced Patrick Mahomes as the highestpaid NFL player.

Dentists have a higher-than-usual rate of suicide allegedly because their clients always hate coming to see them. (This claim has been debunked by repeated studies undertaken between 1975 and today.)

KEEP A SHARP EYE OUT FOR TAGS THIS STONE CRAB SEASON

Crustacean biologists with FWC are investigating stone crab movement throughout the Florida Keys. Stone crabs caught in fisheries-independent monitoring traps are being tagged and released into nearby waters from Marathon to Key West. So far, researchers have tagged more than 3,100 crabs.

Investigators ask all trappers to look out for tagged stone crabs. The tags are placed by the back leg, are chartreuse yellow and have a unique four-digit number. Researchers hope to receive enough tag reports from commercial and recreational fishermen to estimate how far crabs are traveling and the

direction of their movement. This data will help to fill in knowledge gaps and may result in a greater statewide tagging effort.

After catching a tagged stone crab, please do not remove the tag before returning the crab to the water, as the crabs will retain the tag through their molt phase. Please send a picture of a chart plotter with coordinates displayed and the tag with the four-digit number showing. Call or text 786-492-0137 or email tagreturn@myfwc.com. Those who report tags may include their mailing address and shirt size for a reward.

— Contributed

Phil Mickelson bet more than $1 billion (with a B) on football, basketball and baseball over three decades — and has a less-than-flattering nickname among PGA Tour players. (You’ll have to Google what FIGJAM means, as I can’t print it here due to the word behind the F.)

The new (and equally ridiculous) Bachelor reality show features a bachelor who’s 71 years old, with similarly aged women vying for his rose.

Troy Aikman’s marriage is ending, or over, as evidenced by photos of him with a much younger girl, and the absence of a wedding ring during his Monday Night Football broadcast on Sept. 25. (These are the things I notice while others are apparently paying attention to the game and analysis.)

All of the above are examples of the useless facts and bits of trivia that we all know and share to contribute to conversations in any setting. Most of the above came up during my trip this week to visit my parents at the South

Jersey Shore, where I flew directly into Tropical Storm Ophelia and spent my first two days battening down the hatches, Keys-style.

With the beach at the end of the street a frothing mess of white water and windblown sand, I was trapped like a rat in my childhood home, which, despite my teen-reminiscent eye rolls, is a pretty perfect place to hang and ride out a storm.

But back to our useless knowledge. I’d venture to guess that the veracity of such conversational tidbits has likely increased significantly since the dawn of the internet and smartphones. We now have all the knowledge in the world tucked in our grubby little hands at our instant disposal.

Remember when a debate about the highestpaid NFL player would have involved escalating arguments and on more than one occasion, a late-night phone call to a sleepy and somewhat aggravated friend that started with the words, “Sorry to bug you, but you’ve gotta settle a bet.”

Of course, before that call was placed, all parties involved in the argument would have had to agree on who to call and whose word would be considered final.

What did we do before Google?

Apparently, we went to sleep with inaccurate information and unsettled arguments. And that’s no way to go through life. Of course, if you’re Joe Burrow with a fiveyear, $275 million contract extension, it probably doesn’t matter.

Tagged crabs will have a yellow tag with a four-digit number protruding near the back leg. Tagged crabs should be reported without removing the tag. FWC/Contributed

FLORIDA KEYS WILDLIFE SOCIETY EVENTS CELEBRATE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WEEK

CARD SOUND TOLL INCREASE STARTS

OCT. 1

HIKE REFLECTS CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

The Florida Keys Wildlife Society next month will celebrate the Fish & Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge Week on Big Pine Key. Events will highlight the flora, fauna and wildlife of the Keys’ wildlife refuges.

Friday, Oct. 13 — Guided bird/nature walk in the Lower Keys, 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Join the walk from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Long Beach Road, Big Pine Key.

Bring comfortable closedtoe shoes (areas may be muddy), drinking water, sun protection and binoculars and a camera if desired. Event is free to join. RSVP to keydeer@fws.gov.

Saturday, Oct. 14 — Native plant day/giveaway, 10 a.m. to noon

Find an impressive selection of native plants in the parking lot of the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 30587 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key.

Pick up a complimentary native plant and listen to a presentation by Extension agent Maria Quirico, who will discuss the value of native plants. Learn about gardening with Florida Keys native plants. Talk with master gardeners. Ask plant questions, bring problem plants to the plant clinic. Visit the nature center and store and meet Katy, the new Refuge ranger. Meet members of the Florida Keys Wildlife Society at their information table. Learn what

the society does. Discover volunteer opportunities. Enjoy complimentary food and refreshments sponsored by First Horizon Bank.

Events and activities may be subject to change or cancellation.

Where an activity has not been scheduled, take a walk or bicycle ride in the refuges where access allows, kayak the surrounding waters, have a picnic and enjoy the outdoors.

Learn more about this program celebrated across the National Wildlife Refuge System at fws.gov/ story/national-wildlife-refuge-week.

— Contributed

New toll rates on Card Sound Road will be effective on Oct. 1. The toll adjustment is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.

For Sunpass users, the toll will cost:

• $2 for two-axle vehicles: cars, pickup trucks or motorcycles.

• $3.84 for three axles.

• $1.28 per each additional axle.

For Toll-By-Plate users:

• $3 for two-axle vehicles: cars, pickup trucks, or motorcycles.

• $5.76 for three axles.

• $1.92 per each additional axle.

The toll is completely electronic, using Toll-By-Plate, SunPass, or another highway pass like E-Pass or EZ-Pass. No cash is accepted at the toll. The toll helps fund road maintenance costs and

future repair and replacement of the five bridges along Card Sound Road.

Two discount programs are available for drivers with a twoaxle vehicle and a good-standing SunPass account.

Monthly discount program: Drivers do not need to sign up for the monthly discount program and will automatically receive a 40% rebate on their SunPass account after any calendar month that 28 or more one-way trips are made through the toll.

Annual pass: The annual pass is for frequent users and allows for unlimited trips through the toll. The fee is $500 annually from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. The annual pass will be available for purchase in December 2023 and January 2024. Additional annual pass program details will be released later this year.

More information is at monroecounty-fl.gov/cardsoundtoll.

— Contributed

A redstart is seen in the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. KRISTIE KILLAM/Contributed

A curious Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key.

New toll pricing is coming soon. OLYMPIA NEWTON/Monroe County

AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS.

Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce.

FORBIDDEN FICTION

Parents, school boards, activists and governments have been responsible for removing dozens of books from school and library shelves. In honor of Banned Books Week, which starts Oct. 1, we celebrate and defend the freedom to read.

THE HATE U GIVE

By Angie Thomas

THE STORYTELLER

By Jodi Picoult

Starr

Carter

is driving home from a party with her friend Khalil. At 16, Starr didn’t usually go to parties in her neighborhood. Although she was raised in this poor community, Starr’s parents enrolled her in a suburban private school. Her father ran the local grocery and her mom worked as an ER nurse. They knew how tough the streets are, and wanted their children to have a better future. Khalil and Starr are pulled over. Starr remembers what her mom drilled into her: Keep your hands where they can be seen, no sudden movements and no talking. Khalil is shot three times in the back. Blood is everywhere, and Starr’s life will never be the same. She questions her authenticity, friends and her white boyfriend – she feels like a black girl with two identities. The incident makes national headlines, with Starr as the witness. Her family, the local gangs and the entire neighborhood choose sides. Starr learns that she must speak for her friends who no longer have a voice. Vivid depictions of police brutality, violence and racism have led this heartbreaking, meaningful and bestselling book to appear frequently on banned lists.

Sage

Singer

feels like she has lost everything – her parents, friends and, lastly, hope. Living in a small rural town in New Hampshire, Sage has spent her life in the shadows of her outspoken sisters and questionable faith. She squirrels herself away, baking and working nights for an ex-nun, sometimes sleeping all day while the world spins forward without her. One day Sage meets Josef Weber, a 95-year-old German man who walks into the bakery. They become instant friends. Josef is everyone’s favorite retired teacher and Little League coach who has been living under the weight of a dark secret. Sage is also deeply connected to her grandmother, a Holocaust survivor who never shared much of her past but was determined to live a full, loving life. When Josef asks Sage for an unimaginable favor, she is torn by guilt and regret entangled within their unlikely friendship. More than just another Holocaust story of survival, this intricate web of characters connect in ways the reader has never imagined. This novel, among many other Holocaust themed books, has been ensnared in efforts to purge schools and public libraries of what some deem inappropriate.

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET

By Judy Blume

Margaret

Simon

KAREN NEWFIELD

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

moves from the Big Apple to the New Jersey suburbs in sixth grade, a time of great importance to an 11-year-old girl. Margaret is deeply self-conscious of the changes happening to her body. Being the new girl is both exciting and terrifying. As Margaret and her new friends obsess over boys and Two Minutes in the Closet, she prays to God for guidance, while deep inside Margaret struggles with what it means to be half-Jewish and half-Christian while her parents have raised her with no religion at all. Faith, puberty, family and friendship –this classic young adult story encourages honest discussion for girls who are on the cusp of learning how to express themselves during adolescence. It is no easy task to choose from the many incredible books written by Judy Blume, but her timeless coming-of-age story recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and was also adapted to the big screen. This bestseller has appeared on banned book lists since its publication in 1970, prompting Blume to become a longtime advocate for reading rights while battling censorship.

DID YOU KNOW? These books have also been challenged: Gone with the Wind, The Handmaid’s Tale, Go Ask Alice, Forever, The Diary of Anne Frank, Of Mice and Men, Harry Potter, Wicked, James and the Giant Peach, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1984, The Scarlet Letter, The Color Purple, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, The Namesake and Sophie’s Choice.

MacDooBBQ is a smokin’ hot food truck in Key West

Savory barbecue food truck fires up farmer’s market at Truman Waterfront

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

MacDooBBQ, a new barbecue food truck at the weekly farmer’s market at Truman Waterfront, has been sending out smoke signals that are wafting throughout the Keys. On Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m., Adam Sikora, owner of MacDooBBQ, shares his love of all things barbecue with the residents and visitors. Traditional USDA prime brisket, antibiotic-free chicken, and specialities such as spare ribs and pulled pork are the staples.

Sikora is the lead singer of the Key West rock band the Durtbags that plays Wednesdays through Sundays at Durty Harry’s Bar in Key West. But music clearly isn’t his only talent. Sikora is now taking his love of BBQ to a different level.

“I’ve always loved cooking, especially barbecueing,” Sikora said. “When I was young my uncle Jack used to cook chicken legs on a real charcoal grill. I couldn’t wait to dig my teeth into that smoky meat. The smells are what got me every time. I’m pretty sure that is where my love of cooking and the passion for barbecue seed was planted.”

Sikora used to barbecue in the back yard with his family during trips to Michigan, where he would ask to flip the meat, sneaking a few bites here and there. In 2019, he bought his first Treager grill, the industry’s top-selling wood pellet grill and smoker for cooking meats.

“I was so excited to buy a Traeger because I’ve wanted one ever since I was about 8,” Sikora recalled. “These types of grills use natural hardwood pellets to create consistency when cooking and tend to give the meat a rich, smoky flavor. They are the industry’s best, so of course I wanted one.”

Before his shows, Sikora would cook at home on the Traeger, perfecting his recipes. He would then announce food pop-ups on Facebook once a month in Key West selling his delicious meals. He sold out every time he advertised his BBQ plates. The pop-ups became such a success he knew he needed to pursue this venture further.

Enter MacDooBBQ.

“I started cooking and barbecueing twice a week at home,” says Sikora. “It was basically trial and error using various recipes, rubs and sauces until I got it right.”

According to the website, MacDooBBQ uses premium cuts of all meats to ensure customers get the finest of all antibiotic-free and sustainably farmed cuts. All the pork comes from Cheshire pork of Heritage Farms, North Carolina, which prides itself in the fact that no antibiotics, steroids, preservatives, artificial ingredients, fillers, flavoring solutions are used and the animals are fed no animal by-products. MacDooBBQ is proud to say they are the only BBQ spot throughout the entire Florida Keys that is serving Cheshire pork. Beef cuts are from USDA prime beef and chicken is free of antibiotics.

“I think I’ve come up with the perfect barbecue flavor,” says Sikora. “It’s a mix of Texas, Kansas City and North Carolina. All of our sauces and rubs are gluten-free. We don’t need all that extra crap everyone always uses. We just let the meat do the talking.”

Sikora is a licensed food manager and a graduate of the Jack’s Old South BBQ course from the Myron Mixon School of BBQ in Unadilla, Georgia.

“I’m always looking for ways to reinvent myself,” Sikora said. “Whatever I do, I get immersed in it. I want to be the best at it. This is a testament of how I’ve been my entire life, whether it’s music or health or now with BBQ.”

Sikora and MacDooBBQ food truck will be at the Truman Waterfront on Thursdays starting Oct. 5 from 2 to 7pm. Featured menu items include brisket, pulled pork and spare ribs with side options of collard greens, coleslaw and BBQ rocket man beans. Banana pudding, cornbread and a Big A** cookie top off the dessert menu.

For more information and menu items, follow MacDooBBQ for future pop-up locations:

Instagram: @macdoobbq

Facebook: facebook.com/MacdooBBQ

Website: macdoobbq.com

Phone: 321-412-8234

1. MacDooBBQ owner Adam Sikora heads to the farmer’s market in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

2. Drummer David Baron of the Durtbags joins band member and owner Adam Sikora at the debut of MacDooBBQ at the Key West Farmer’s Market. CONTRIBUTED

3. MacDooBBQ’s Kansas City Spare ribs. ADAM SIKORA/Contributed

4. Adam Sikora, owner of MacDooBBQ and lead singer of the Durtbags, performs in Key West. RALPH DE PALMA/Soul of Key West

Sound interesting? Join our Navy League team today. All are welcome! For more information, www.navyleaguekeywest.org.

Healthy Life

By Dr. Christina Sawyer

Heat Wave: Stay cool and healthy during Florida’s summer months.

The Key’s summer months can be unforgiving, marked by relentless temperatures During this time, it's crucial to be vigilant about preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke, conditions that arise when the body struggles to regulate its core temperature. Some common symptoms include excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion and irrational thoughts

Vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions are even more at risk as temperatures rise

Adopting a few basic measures to stay cool can keep you healthy and out of harms way:

Stay Hydrated: This assists in regulating body temperature Drink plenty of decaffeinated fluids, especially when engaging in physical activiti es Time Management: Opt for outdoor activities during early mornings or late evenings when the temperature is more favorable.

Gradual Exposure: If you typically spend most of your time indoors in air-conditioned spaces, acclimate yourself gradually to outdoor environments

Appropriate Attire: Shield yourself from the sun by wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers your body A wide-brimmed hat can also provide shade

Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as obese individuals are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses

Dr Christina Kemp Sawyer is a board certified, licensed Primary Care Physician A Key West native, Dr Sawyer earned her undergraduate degree in 2011 at the University of Florida and her medical degree in 2015 at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine She completed her residency training at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine in Boca Raton, Florida in 2019

Tuesday, Oct. 10

ALL ABOUT THAT BASS

RAY WEST

Jeff Dalton of Marathon describes the role of a bass player as one who ‘works with the drummer to provide a relentless pulse hidden within a groovy line while outlining the harmonic foundation of the song to make it easy for the band to put on their best show. We’re also supposed to wear dark sunglasses and stand in the back brooding.’ CONTRIBUTED

The bass player. To many people they are simply another guitar player. Though they rarely seem to be the main focus of the band, they do seem to be important. Nearly every band has one. But if a band has two other guitar players and a keyboard player (who occasionally plays the role of the bass player), why do they need a bass guitar? Well, much like your favorite sports team, every player has a vital role, and victory requires that everyone do their job.

The role of the bass player, besides calmly negotiating the egos of guitar players and singers, is twofold. First, they hold down the rhythm, which is not to be confused with the beat — that’s the drummer’s job, although the two are intertwined. Consider an old grandfather clock. The drummer decides at what pace the pendulum swings from side to side and the bass player decides how far and how many times the second hand moves each time the pendulum swings. If the two aren’t tightly wound together, chaos can ensue. It’s what musicians often refer to as a “train wreck.”

... 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.

Another major role of the bass player, besides communicating nonverbally with the drummer that, “of course the lead guitar player was going to stretch out that solo,” is defining the harmony — the sound you hear when two or more notes are played at the same time. It takes three notes to make a chord, but there is no limit to how many notes a chord can have. Now we’re making music. Most people, when they hear several notes played at the same time, hear them compared to the lowest note — the bass note. When you measure water in a measuring cup, you measure from the bottom.

In music, harmonies can create the mood of the piece, and the bass note is critical. When all the notes of a chord blend together, it sounds solid. Happy or sad, everything fits. When we start adding notes that only kind of fit, it gets fun. This little bit of a shift is called dissonance, and it creates mood, space and feel. The bass player can define harmonies at will. A bass line that moves underneath the chords is a great source of the dissonance we need to make music emotional. It also provides stability while other instruments define the harmonies.

This is, however, a broad generality, as rules are meant to be broken and musicians are creative and inquisitive.

Jeff Dalton, a very busy bass player and artistic director at Sunrise Studios in Marathon, has a much cooler way of describing it: “The bass player’s job is to work with the drummer to provide a relentless pulse hidden within a groovy line while outlining the harmonic foundation of the song to make it easy for the band to put on their best show. We’re also supposed to wear dark sunglasses and stand in the back brooding.”

• 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 are at jaggallery.art.

Friday, Oct. 13

• Florida Keys Wildlife Society hosts a guided bird/nature walk on Long Beach Road, Big Pine Key. 8 to 9:30 a.m. RSVP to keydeer@fws.gov.

• Singer-songwriter Sarah McQuaid performs, 4 p.m., at the Key West branch of the Monroe County Library, 700 Fleming St. The concert is free, but seating is limited on a first come, first served basis.

Saturday, Oct. 14

• Coastlove Stock Island Cleanup & Community Celebration, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bernstein Park. Following the community cleanup, Coastlove will host a picnic at the park. Visit coastlove.org/stockisland for more information and to register volunteer groups of 8 to 10 people for the cleanup.

• Native Plant Giveaway at the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center, 30587 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key. 10 a.m. to noon.

Oct. 20-29

• Fantasy Fest 2023, with the theme, “Uniforms & Unicorns — 200 Years of Sailing into Fantasy” takes place all over Key West. Visit fantasyfest.com for a full schedule and information.

Sunday, Oct. 22

• Key West’s annual Zombie Bike Ride pedals the island along the Atlantic Ocean. Events in ‘Zombieland’ at Fort East Martello, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., start at 2 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 13

• Congregation B’Nai Zion restarts its free monthly movie series. “Deli Man” will screen at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. 750 United St., Key West.

November 15-19

• Tropic Cinema presents the Key West Film Festival. Tickets and packages are available at kwfilmfest.com.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” by Shehan Karunatilaka

Why: Magical realism set amid Sri Lanka’s 1980s civil war. Maali Almeida, a gay, atheistic freelance photojournalist, is murdered and finds himself trapped in an afterlife that is by turns bureaucratic and chaotic – not unlike life in his war-torn nation. He has seven moons to find out who killed him and why – and also, to guide his living friends to a cache of photos showing atrocities committed on both sides of the conflict. In life, he was caught between government army forces, NGOs and black-market arms dealers. In death, he is torn between a youthful ghostturned-Communist ringleader who attempts to recruit Maali for his People’s Army of the dead and a gentle spectral doctor trying to lead Maali into the Light. His real goal, however, is to make sure his secret photos show the world what has happened to his beautiful and troubled country. Gritty, whimsical, funny and sad.

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

How: Request books online at keyslibraries.org and get e-books and e-audiobooks 24/7 at estuff. keyslibraries.org. Visit your local branch or register online to get a library card. Questions? info@ keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Laura Bernazzoli, library associate, Key West library branch

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

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

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

After a beautiful sunrise, 40 volunteers gathered in the parking lot of host Brady’s Pub to clean up around Bertha Street and Flagler Avenue In one hour the Ploggers collected 146 pounds of trash, 20 pounds of recycling and 1.5 gallons of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Contributed

Join a 1-hour cleanup from 8 to 9 a.m. on Friday:

Oct. 6: Mallory Square: Meet in the parking lot near the Dumpster.

Oct. 13: Southard, Thomas & Whitehead streets: Meet in the parking lot behind the Courthouse.

Oct. 20: Duval and Eaton streets: Meet next to Berkshire Hathaway real estate office.

Oct. 27: North Roosevelt Boulevard: Meet in the Denny’s parking lot.

This is one cat who won’t leave a sour taste in your mouth. Lemon is a striking 2½ -year-old girl looking to add sweetness to any home.

Barnaby is a male white rabbit. When he’s not hanging out in his hutch doing bunny-like things, he’s out solving mysteries with Lee Meriwether.

It’s not OK that Boomer is still at our Key West campus. This 1-year-old boy has been working on his training and is on his way to becoming the best boy.

With his incredible green eyes and loving personality, 2½ -year old Chum should bring the adopters to the shelter like a shiver of sharks.

Ziggy needs a home where he can be an indoor cat with no children. He knows he’ll be adopted soon because he’s always singing about “Tomorrow People.”

LITERARY SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS FLORIDA WRITERS, INCLUDING CARL HIAASEN

The theme for the 41st annual Key West Literary Seminar — Florida: The State We’re In — is attracting lots of attention. The seminar is scheduled for Jan. 11-14, 2024.

The Sunshine State has fascinated global audiences since myths of Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth began bubbling out of its pristine springs 500 years ago. But today’s eyeballs, for better and worse, are focused on two contemporary Floridian myth-makers, as they pursue the most powerful elected office in the world. One famously promised to “drain the swamp” — a phrase that distills the very bad idea that wetlands (the source of all life in Florida and everywhere else) are somehow better when reduced to dry ground. The other has adopted the toothiest of swamp creatures, an alligator, as his sometime mascot for a campaign to “make America Florida.”

When the political going gets tough, Floridians know where to turn. Carl Hiaasen’s celebrated career began as an investigative journalist at the Miami Herald and continues as the author of a bestselling oeuvre of novels featuring sun-blasted characters in deeply Floridian contexts of political corruption and environmental abuse. In the October issue of Vanity Fair, Hiaasen offers up his view of this current political rivalry, with a quintessential mix of humor and sharp critique:

“Here in guilt-free Florida we’re often asked if Ron DeSantis is really worse than Donald Trump...

“Although critics say DeSantis is Trump Lite, the two differ sharply. ... Some claim Trump has a better sense

of humor, but it was DeSantis who appointed a January 6 rioter to the state board that oversees massage parlors.”

Hiaasen proposes that DeSantis “is a more agile swamp dweller than Trump,” but one whose unforced errors, particularly in the courts (where one might expect a Yale Law grad to do better), are many:

“Abetted by zombie supermajorities in the state House and Senate, DeSantis has spearheaded so many defective laws that this year nearly $16 million was budgeted for legal expenses, much of it to keep pace with the growing torrent of litigation.”

There’s lots more to enjoy in this classic piece from a master of political satire, including Hiaasen’s own take on the zombie legislation that overturned the Key West cruise ship referendums of 2020. You can read the full essay from Hiaasen here in Vanity Fair.

Register now for “Florida: The State We’re In.” The deadline for the advance registration package is Sept. 30.

Hiaasen is just one of the many celebrated writers who will gather in Key West this January for a literary exploration of Florida, including Sunshine State legend and “funniest man in America” Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prizewinning historians Gilbert King (“Devil in the Grove”) and Jack E. Davis (“The Gulf: Making of an American Sea”), and bestselling science fiction writer Jeff VanderMeer, author of the award-winning Southern Reach trilogy. They’ll be joined onstage by two-time U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins, two-time National Book Award nominee Lauren Groff, Pulitzer finalist Karen Russell, former Inaugural Poet Richard Blanco, MacArthur “Genius” Award winner Campbell McGrath, Dayton Literary Peace Prize winner Patricia Engel, NAACP Image Award winner Tananarive Due, and many more. — Contributed

The 2023 Key West Literary Seminar, shown above, was themed, ‘Singing America: A Celebration of Black Literature.’ The 2024 seminar focuses on ‘Florida: The State We’re In’ and the writers who chronicle it. KEY WEST LITERARY SEMINAR/Contributed

HOME DEFENSE

MARATHON FC FENDS OFF DEP. CHAPIN IN FLORIDA KEYS ADULT SOCCER MATCH

The evening of Sept. 20 marked a new era for the adult Florida Keys Soccer League, as for the first time ever, Key West-based Dep. Chapin made the drive from the Southernmost City to face Marathon FC on their “home” field at Marathon Community Park.

Marathon protected home turf in the first-of-its-kind matchup, edging Dep. Chapin 2-1. The defending 2023 champions will again enter the league playoffs as the top seed with a record of 10-5-1, courtesy of a league-low 18 goals allowed and +30 goal differential. Dep. Chapin will enter the playoffs as the fourth seed with an 8-3-4 record and +22 goal differential.

— Alex Rickert

Marathon FC and Key West-based Dep. Chapin square off at Marathon Community Park on the evening of Sept. 20. Marathon emerged with a 2-1 victory.

PROMOTING CONCH PRIDE SINCE 1971

lobster, sofrito, spicy chorizo,cherry tomatoes, creamy chimichurri, garlic bread crumbs, romesco

THANK YOU KEY WEST FOR VOTING US BEST CUBAN SANDWICH WE ARE HONORED TO HAVE WON

cipollini onion, brown butter carrot puree, farrow, tandoori glazed carrots, marcona almonds, goat feta cheese, mint raita

ice-cream, cinnamon and ginger caviar

Everyone at the table must participate Online reservations required, visit www.tavernntown.com - $59 per person

the same day of visit.

Family owned and operated by Damien, Cathy, Tiffany & Nikki.

SAVING CISTERNS

AN OLD WATER- COLLECTION SYSTEM IN THE KEYS IS WORTHY OF A HISTORY LESSON

Several months ago, I was invited to one of the local Key Largo schools to talk with some students about the use of cisterns in early pioneer life — what they did, how they were built, and why they were important.

FLORIDA

What I told them was that cisterns were built to collect rainwater. In those days, there was no faucet spouting water at the turn of a handle or a convenient store nearby where water was sold by the bottle or jug. While barrels of water were shipped in, having a local source to help pioneers navigate the dry season was essential to everyday living. Cisterns served as a primary source for the muchneeded resource.

The cisterns built in early pioneer history were constructed using concrete produced from locally sourced materials, including seashells. It was called tabby concrete and was created by burning shells like conch to extract the lime necessary to cement the formula. After the shells were burned in a pit, the crushed shells, the lime they produced, and the ash were mixed with water and sand to create a mixture that created an island-styled concrete.

Sometimes, the cisterns were built adjacent to a house or other structure; sometimes, those structures were built on top. In either case, the cistern was filled via a gutter system that collected rainwater after it splattered against a sloped roof. The droplets slid down the slanted wood and pooled in gutters before flowing downstream and emptying into the cistern.

They were a way of life in the Florida Keys for longer than you might think and were still being built and used into the 1940s. The freshwater pipeline delivering convenience from a tap did not arrive along the chain of islands, at least those connected by the Overseas Highway, until 1942. Fun Florida Keys fact: it takes 10 to 14 days for a drop of water to flow from the aqueduct’s wellfield in Homestead to Key West.

The good news is that, at least in the Keys, the relatively modern convenience of fresh water no longer relies on using cisterns as a primary source. The better news, at least from a history nut’s perspective, is that a handful of cisterns, some dating back to the 1830s (as is the case of the square cisterns found on Indian Key), are still standing relatively intact. The Indian Key cisterns, at least the square ones, were built with tabby concrete. The government made the three red-bricked masonry cisterns on the island in 1840.

The cisterns still standing up and down the Florida Keys are a reminder of life on these islands before fresh water, mosquito control, air-conditioning, the highway or even Henry Flagler and his Over-Sea Railroad roared across the islands. Sadly, many have been bulldozed or otherwise destroyed in the name of progress.

Certainly, real estate is a commercialized premium here in paradise, but preserving local history is important, too. People come to the island chain for the clear waters, local seafood (though it is getting harder to come by), fishing, diving, snorkeling and picturesque sunset views — but the local history and breadth of it are not just extraordinary but worth celebrating. However, “progress” is “progress” and the latest historic cistern likely to become a victim of it was built by Edmund Albury in 1897.

Like many early pioneers, Albury moved to the Keys from the Bahamas. He settled at Key Largo’s Rock Harbor, where he farmed pineapples, Key limes and tomatoes. The tomatoes were known as Key Largo globe tomatoes and became a primary cash crop. By 1923, 56 individuals or companies grew the globe tomato on 312 acres of Key Largo. Unlike tomatoes grown on the mainland, the Key Largo variety had a thicker skin and was juicy, sweet and better able to withstand the packing and shipping element of farming.

Edmund Albury was farming tomatoes on six acres of his land, but he was also a fisherman who built a fish house over the aforementioned cistern on his oceanfront property

where he and his wife, Elizabeth, had 10 children. Their eighth child, Calvin, grew up to be a legendary fishing guide — and a favorite of the former president and bona fide fisherman Herbert Hoover.

Calvin’s daughter, Carol, asked me to visit the family property and see the cistern her grandfather built 126 years ago. It still holds water. Unfortunately, the parcel of Albury land on which the cistern was built has been sold, and the fate of the cistern has been all but sealed.

The story is nearly as old as time: the old is cleared away to make room for the new. It is one of the reasons a dedicated, though small, group of people has historically worked on recording, restoring and remembering the past so that, at the very least, the children of tomorrow will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this string of islands that is so much more than a vacation destination.

One of the people who worked to preserve the local history was Calvin Albury’s wife, Lenora Albury, who, in 1976, helped to establish the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys. She also worked to create the first Key Largo library, where she served as its branch manager for three decades. In the case of the historic cistern on what was once the Albury property, instead of knocking it down, it would be amazing if it did not become just another memory and, instead, was honored with an interpretive plaque or some other way of remembering the cistern and the family’s tremendous history. Wishful thinking, sure, but once in a while, wishes come true.

Square cisterns on Indian Key made of tabby concrete. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

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.

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

KNOWLEDGE PURSUIT

Lifelong learning has benefits

ALICIA BETANCOURT

Lifelong learning has become essential in a world constantly changing due to fastmoving technology, evolving job fields and shifting cultural norms.

ing up with new skills and industry trends is essential in a world where jobs are changing fast. A survey from LinkedIn in 2018 found that 76% of professionals believe learning new skills is critical to success in their careers.

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Director and Community Development Agent. Alicia works on community risk reduction and resiliency and is a Certified Climate Practitioner (CCP).

Lifelong learning means continually trying to learn new things and gain new skills throughout your life. Lifelong learning helps you grow personally, improve your career and improve society. We will look at why and how to get engaged in learning throughout the Keys.

Research in the journal Psychological Science shows that learning new skills can help your brain work better and delay memory problems as you age. You also gain better problem-solving skills. Barbara Oakley, an expert in learning and engineering, says in her book "A Mind for Numbers" that learning new subjects can change your brain to make you better at handling complex issues.

Learning is a boost for personal growth, including self-confidence. Lifelong learning makes you feel more sure of yourself. When you learn new things and gain new skills it is empowering. It also exposes you to a broader perspective. Learning exposes you to different views and cultures. It helps you understand others better, and Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert says in "Stumbling on Happiness" that it can make you happier. Learning new things can help your career progress. Keep-

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown a link between education and income. Lifelong learners often have the skills and knowledge to start and run successful businesses. A report from the Kauffman Foundation in 2017 found that success in entrepreneurship is closely tied to learning.

Finally, learning is the key to advancing society and making new things. Lifelong learners help the community grow by developing new ideas and improvements. Nobel laureate Leon Lederman said, "Learning keeps you young and excited. As long as you're learning, you're not old." Informed citizens are critical for democracies to work well. Lifelong learners tend to know more about what's happening in the world and get involved in civic matters, making democracies healthier.

Find something new to learn today. Consider taking a class through the University of Florida Monroe County Extension Office, or check out the more than 4,000 free online courses from LinkedIn Learning available to Monroe County Public Library cardholders — for free. The College of the Florida Keys’ Community Education Department offers a range of non-credit courses in the classroom and online.

In a world where everything changes quickly, lifelong Learning isn't just a choice; it's a must. Remember the wise words of Malcolm X, "Education is your ticket to the future because the future belongs to those who prepare for it today."

PAY IT FORWARD

When he wasn’t working, Mike Forster enjoyed some backcountry fishing. CONTRIBUTED

‘BE LIKE MIKE’ WEEK RETURNS NEXT MONTH

2022’s inaugural “Be Like Mike” week was a huge success, so there’s no better way to continue the legacy of former county commissioner and Islamorada councilman Mike Forster’s legacy than to keep it going in 2023.

“Mangrove” Mike Forster was also a restaurateur and member of the board of directors for United Way of Collier and the Keys before his passing away on Sept. 6, 2021 after a battle with COVID-19.

“Mike loved our community and lived to serve others,” said Leah Stockton, Keys area president for United Way of Collier and the Keys. “He’d be so happy to see volunteers committing these small acts of kindness, whether it be donating canned goods or picking up litter.”

Set for Oct. 16-20, there are countless ways to help, but this year, UWCK is partnering with Reef

ANNE MCKEE FINE ART AUCTION SEEKS SUBMISSIONS SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED OCT. 1-31

SHORELINE CLEANUPS

• Oct. 16 from 8:30-10 a.m. at Indian Key Fill.

• Oct. 18 from 8:30-10 a.m. at Long Key State Park (entry fee waived for participants).

• Oct. 19 from 5:30-7 p.m. at White Street Pier & Higgs Beach.

Relief for “Be Kind to our Shoreline,” which provides volunteers with different cleanup locations. For the second year, UWCK will partner with Burton Memorial Church in Tavernier, Keys Area Interdenominational Resources in Marathon and Star of the Sea in Key West for a food drive. The donations made in Forster’s name will honor his biggest contribution to our community: feeding the Keys in times of need.

Use the hashtag #BeLikeMike on social media when conducting cleanups, donating canned goods or doing other positive acts in the community. More details are at uwcollierkeys.org/belikemike/.

— Contributed

The Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys announces a Call to Artists for the 2024 Fine Art Auction. By popular demand, the 2024 auction will be held earlier in the season on Friday, Feb. 9 at The Studios of Key West.

Artwork may be submitted between Sunday, Oct. 1 through midnight on Oct. 31. Online applications and accompanying photo(s) can be submitted at mckeefund.org. Artists will be notified of acceptance no later than Dec. 1. The art drop-off is Jan. 27 with the auction preview hosted at The Studios of Key West from Feb. 1-9.

Each participating artist receives 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their work, while the McKee Fund receives the remainder to award to other Keys artists for select projects.

Founded by longtime Key West resident Anne McKee, the not-for-profit fund has awarded more than $425,000 since its inception in 1994.

Only 50 entries will be accepted due to space and time limitations. The Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys Inc., in its sole discretion, determines whether art submitted will be accepted for auction.

The annual art auction raises money for projectbased grants to Keys visual, literary and performing artists. Attendees can bid on original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry and more.

For more information about the Anne McKee Artists Fund and its annual auction and artist grants, visit mckeefund.org. — Contributed

Artist Sandy Mezinis’ ‘Island Girl’ is one of the works sold during the 2023 Anne McKee Fine Art Auction. CONTRIBUTED

Last year, UWCK board members Maria Jones, Brandi Horton and Bill Doxey delivered supplies to MarrVelous Pet Rescue in the Upper Keys for “Waggin’ Wednesday.”

CAPTAIN JOEL’S FISHIN’ HOLES

BACK TO THE BRIDGES THIS FALL

Whether you’re fishing for predators, a good fight or a decent meal, fishing the bridges of the Florida Keys can be a productive way to do it.

fifth-generation Floridian and second-generation fishing captain who owns and operates Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon. His passions include fishing, hunting and spending time with his family.

Now that we are getting into the windy cooler months, it’s time to start fishing the bridges more and more. At this time of year, many charters are scheduled for offshore, deep sea, big game trips, but sometimes Mother Nature has different plans in store. In this case we’ll tuck into our bridge spots and pull off a heck of a fishing trip that our clients will never forget. We can catch dozens of species this time of year, whether they’re table fare, a great fight, or memorable predators.

We target these bridge fish with live bait such as shrimp, pilchards, pinfish and mini mullet. Live shrimp is bait number one by far. We also fish with cut bait such as squid, chunks of ballyhoo and slivers of mullet and bonita bellies. When we fish with live shrimp, we use whatever size jig head will stay in the middle of the water column in the current. In other words, nothing so big that it immediately sinks to the bottom, and nothing so small that it won’t sink your bait in the rushing current. A heavy current means a heavier jig, with slack or slack-ish current calling for a smaller jig.

For example, if the current is running left or right from the bridge, cast out your jig hooked shrimp parallel to the bridge and work it back to the boat slowly. I like to use a combination of jigs and reels to make the retrieval somewhat sporadic. Sometimes the game fish just like the jigged shrimp to go with the flow.

It’s very important to hook your shrimp correctly. If you look on the internet “how to hook a live shrimp” you’ll see 100 different ways. Your shrimp should be hooked so when you retrieve it, it will be streamlined and hydro dynamic without “helicoptering.” We like to hook the live shrimp under its chin, up through its head and make the point of your hook flush with its horn. It’s important to miss its brains so

the shrimp will stay lively. The shrimp’s head is transparent, and you can usually see its brains clearly.

When we fish the bridges, we like to chum a lot. In the fall we use an average of one block of chum per hour. Most bait shops in town sell chum by the box or by the case. One case of chum includes six boxes, so if we’re going out on a trip that’s six hours or less we’ll bring the whole case, and two cases if we’re going out longer. It’s better to have too much chum than not enough, and if you have leftovers at the end of the day, you can always stick them in your freezer for the next trip.

When anchoring at a bridge, I used to think it was better to anchor off the bridge and have your chum and hooked bait flowing toward the bridge. I found out years ago that in most cases, it’s better to anchor close to the bridge and have your chum and bait flowing away from the bridge. You catch just as many fish, and you don’t have as many fish breaking off by getting wrapped around the bridge pylons during the fight. Also, if you’re fishing into the bridge, and your anchor comes loose, your boat is floating toward the bridge. This can be dangerous, especially if you have a boat with a higher tower.

Speaking of potentially dangerous situations while bridge fishing – if you see a “Danger: Falling Debris” sign on the bridge, pay attention to it, because bridge debris really does fall from the bridge on occasion. Even though you don’t hear of it much, one day a big chunk of debris is going to fall off the bridge and take somebody out, especially around the un-renovated sections of the old Seven Mile Bridge. Just don’t anchor directly under it.

At the Seven Mile Bridge we like to target large snapper and grouper under the highest bridge span. We like mackerel and jacks near Fred the Tree, and most of our tarpon, shark and barracuda bridge fishing is on the extreme east side of the bridge at the entrance to Marathon near Sunset Grille. We like targeting bonefish and permit in the shallower water

near Pigeon Key. We like to troll around Vaca Cut Bridge and catch snook and redfish near the Duck Key Bridge and Long Key Bridge.

Remember, when the weather is rough and you want to stay close to port and fish the bridge, the fish are running for cover too, and they hang around the bridges for shelter and food.

To book a charter with Ana Banana, call or text Capt. Joel at 813-267-4401 or Capt. Jojo at 305-879-0564, or visit anabananafishing.com.

…is a

CAPT. JOEL BRANDENBURG

While not always thought of as a bridge species, cobia can be found near the Old Seven Mile Bridge.

A mutton snapper caught by the Old Seven Mile Bridge makes for a fantastic dinner.

JOEL BRANDENBURG/ Contributed

MIAMI FAMILY CONQUERS KEY WEST FISHING TOURNAMENT

MONTHS - LONG CONTEST STARTS AGAIN DEC. 1

ASouth Florida woman and her two children each earned first-place “master angler” titles in the Key West Fishing Tournament, a longrunning challenge that spans eight months, after topping the leaderboard in their respective divisions.

Heidi Mason took out-of-county master angler honors in the women’s division, while her daughter Julia Bernstein, 12, and son Benjamin Bernstein, 7, earned the same titles in the junior and peewee divisions, respectively. All three are from Miami.

“One of our tournament objectives is introducing a new generation of anglers to Florida Keys fishing,” said event director Doris Harris at the Sept. 23 awards banquet. “The Mason/Bernstein family and all the other families who enter together are great examples of that concept.”

Among other triumphs, Heidi Mason scored 10 division-leading fish and received “heaviest fish” awards in four species, including a 29-pound kingfish on 20-pound test line.

Julia Bernstein scored her second consecutive win in the junior division for anglers ages 10 to 15 with accomplishments that included the division’s most releases at 82. She also earned “heaviest fish” honors in 12 species for catches that included an 18.12-pound cobia, 20-pound jack crevalle and 25-pound kingfish.

In the peewee division for anglers under age 10, Benjamin Bernstein caught three division leaders and received divisional “heaviest fish” recognition for a jack crevalle.

The family fished primarily with Key West’s Capt. Dale Bittner on Bait Stealer, and with Capt. Steve Impallomeni on Nichol Dance.

Bittner scored tournament achievement awards for guiding the most winners in the light general division with 21, and for leading his anglers to the most releases in the division with 68.

Impallomeni earned guide achievement honors for guiding the most winners in the flats division with four.

Dennis Triana of Miami took home the men’s out-of-county master angler award. He fished on a private boat and racked up catches

that included six division leaders and a 2.4-pound sea trout on fly that set a divisional record. In addition, he earned “heaviest fish” honors for boating a 2.8-pound mangrove snapper on 8-pound test line.

Rory Santana of Sugarloaf Key earned the men’s in-county master angler award. He took top honors for overall releases with 251, including 24 barracuda and 26 tarpon, and earned achievement awards in the tournament’s spin, plug and fly divisions. Fishing on a private boat, Santana recorded “heaviest fish” records for catches including a 14.8-pound almaco jack on spin tackle and a 6-pound gag grouper on fly.

The women’s in-county master angler title went to Judy Kemp of Summerland Key, whose accomplishments included releasing 81 bonefish and earning an achievement award in the 12-pound test division.

In-county master angler kudos in the junior division and peewee division went to Johnny O’Hearn and Zachary Bentley IV, respectively, both of Key West.

Captain Craig Jiovani of the Conch Too earned overall guide honors in the general division, guiding 12 winning anglers and tallying a division-topping 68 releases. Ross Baker of the Conch Too earned the title of outstanding mate.

Capt. Brice Barr of the Double Down was named top guide in the light general division, guiding his anglers to a praiseworthy 68 sailfish releases.

Captain Tim Carlile of the Outcast earned the overall guide achievement award in the flats division. He also guided his anglers to the most flats releases with 173, including 46 tarpon.

Capt. Billy Wickers of the Linda D V earned recognition for a blue marlin release.

Celebrating the variety of fish found in Florida Keys waters, the free-entry Key West Fishing Tournament provides recognition and awards to anglers for weighing or releasing fish in 46 qualifying species.

The 2023 tournament drew 384 participating anglers who entered 1,169 releases and 537 weighed catches. A complete list of winners and their catches is at keywestfishingtournament.com.

The 2024 challenge runs Dec. 1, 2023 through July 31, 2024.

Keys’ racers times drop before postseason | P.6

September 28, 2023

THE SCOREBOARD

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

Key West senior Annie Scepkova has been a force on the court for the Conchs since her freshman year, and her skills have grown every season. Against Coral Shores last week, Scepkova amassed nine kills, five aces, two digs and one block, making her an offensive and defensive threat. Coach Sarah Eckert was not alone in her praise for Scepkova, saying, “Annie really stood out and did a fantastic job for us on Tuesday. Even Coral Shores coach Sam (Ovalle) commented after the game that her fast tempo attacks were incredible.” For her dependable and exceptional play and positive attitude, Key West’s Annie Scepkova is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Senior, Key West Volleyball

She is crucial in our offense. When we get the pass to use her and Audrey (Smith), the level of play and team performance elevates tremendously.”

— Conchs coach Sarah Eckert

SCEPKOVA

fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales

Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.

MARKET EDITORS

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

Se habla español

THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

Left: Seen here in a game earlier this year, Key West senior Annie Scepkova provided a deadly offensive spark against Coral Shores on Sept. 19. BERT BUDDE/ Keys Weekly

CONCHS DEFEAT ’CANES 3-0

Volleyball barrelling toward end of regular season

Two Keys teams played for bragging rights on Sept. 19, and despite earning an early advantage in all three sets, Coral Shores lost to Key West 3-0. For the Conchs, Annie Scepkova was deadly with nine kills and five aces. Bridgette Sweeney and Gabrielle Garcia had eight kills apiece. Sweeney served the ’Canes four aces as well. Defensively, the Conchs combined for 57 digs with a dozen from Sweeney and 10 from Elise Warwick. Garcia, Sweeney and Audrey Smith also registered individual blocks for Key West.

The ’Canes did not go down easily. Brooke Mandozzi had 22 digs and Sofia Jans added 10, pacing the team in the back and keeping the sets close. Ivy Tiedemann also had a solid defensive showing for the Hurricanes.

“Losing Sabina (Naranjo) definitely hurt us,” Coral Shores coach Sam Ovalle said of the junior, who injured a finger early in the first set while diving for a ball. “Give Key West credit – they’re a very good team but this is a winnable game for us.” Ovalle will have a second shot when the teams meet again in Key West on Tuesday, Oct. 10.

After their tough loss to Key West, Coral Shores made light work of Mater Bay Academy on Sept. 21, beating the Rays 3-0 in a road win. The ’Canes boast an 8-4 record with an unblemished district showing of 4-0.

Following their in-county win over Coral Shores, Key West traveled to Miami to participate in the CM Cares Tournament hosted by Chaminade Madonna High School. The Conchs were pooled with some of the top teams in the state and held their own, but did not advance to the championship game.

Notably, Key West was pitted against Gulliver, ranked seventh in the state overall and first in district 4A. The Conchs had a tough first set but battled back in the second, coming within a few points of upsetting the Raiders. The high-caliber tournament play could prove valuable in the final games for Key West leading up to Districts. The Conchs have three very winnable games and one more tournament at the end of their regular season schedule.

Marathon hosted Somerset Silver Palms on Sept. 19, giving the Stallions a run for their money. The Fins lost three close sets, 25-19, 26-24 and 25-19. “Silver Palms was a tough one,” said coach Kelley Cruz. “We could have come away with a different outcome if we capitalized on their mistakes and minimized our own.” On the 22nd, the Dolphins traveled to Westwood Christian, again keeping the scores close but narrowly losing to the Warriors. Kayesha Christian and Jasmine Keomaniboth stood out on the court for Marathon, and Cruz added that “everyone played pretty evenly” in Friday’s game. The Fins will have a second shot at Westwood on Friday, Oct. 6, this time on their home court.

Brooke Mandozzi DIGS

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

BURSA, MAKIMAA LEAD THE KEYS AT SPANISH RIVER

Coral Shores’ girls team rapidly strengthening in true ‘Hurricane’ fashion

Marathon and Key West traveled to Boca Raton to compete in the annual Spanish River Invitational. In the girls’ race, Caylaa Makimaa was the first Keys runner to cross the finish line. The Conch junior finished in an incredible 20:03.60 and placed 11th overall out of nearly 300 runners. Laira Anaya (23:18.20), Violet Jangraw (23:41.03), Mia Steer (26:41.33) and Ava Gonzalez (26:58.54) rounded out the top five for Key West. With Naima Thomas unable to make the race, Gonzalez stepped in for her first ever 5k, finishing it in under 27 minutes and making coach Keara McGraw extremely proud. “I’ve got no voice left!” McGraw said. She and the Lady Conchs have plenty to shout about, with their times continuing to trend in the right direction just in time for the postseason.

For Marathon, it was Mikkel Ross crossing first for the Fins and 72nd overall in 22:40.37. Next was Ella Dunn (23:14.03), Rain Banks (24:29.71), Madelyn Thornton (24:40.84) and Maeve Merryman (25:17.32) made up Marathon’s top five. But the Lady Fins have no clear roster for postseason travel. Sara Robinson was 10 seconds behind Maeve Merryman, seventh grader Rebecca Merryman was 20 seconds behind Sara Robinson and sixth grader Shaina Robinson crossed in 27:35.86. With their close times and similar names (Marathon has numerous siblings and cousins in its ranks), Marathon’s list for districts is anybody’s guess. Marathon’s boys have a similar situation with multiple siblings and close times being traded in the race for the number seven spot to serve as the final traveler for postseason racing.

The top six are fairly consistent but after that, it’s up in the air. Vaclav Bursa finished in sixth place overall and first for the Fins in 16:44.01. Brothers Jakub (18:43.46) and Antonin (18:47.41) were next followed by Mason Buxton (19:07.94). Brothers Dillon (19:44.33) and Caleb (20:15.37) Shelar finished fifth and sixth. Battling for the number seven spot are Adrien Holdinga (20:54.24), Allan Taylor (21:04.31) and seventh grader Lucian Burns (22:17.06), whose times continue to improve weekly. Marathon will travel to Miami a few more times in the coming week then enjoy a home advantage on Tuesday, Oct. 10 on a course that begins at Sombrero Beach. Middle school racers start at 3:30, varsity girls at 4 and boys at 4:30.

Key West’s Colbin Hill crossed first for the Conchs in 18:28.25 placing him 51st overall in a field of well over 300 runners. Andrew Fedor (20:30.90), Daniel Roy (21:10.17), William Forester (22:43.07) and Sebastian Jaroszewicz (22:45.26) completed the top five spots for Key West. Prometheus Delacerda (23:44.91) and Wyatt Gibson (25:36.41) finished sixth and seventh for the Conchs. The boys and girls from Key West will also travel in the coming weeks but plan to attend the Marathon home meet on Oct. 10.

Coral Shores’ girls traveled to Miami on Sept. 19 for the second race in the Lightning Invite Series at Ives Estates Park. The young team had a solid showing, placing fourth out of 15 teams. Kai Guth was first for the ’Canes, crossing the line in 25:52.7 which placed her eighth overall in the event. Jenna Mandozzi was 31st with a time of 28:26.8. Julia Rush, Saige Ensign and Hayden Teal all added to the team total. First year coach Lyndie Meyers is leading by example, training with the team through the brutal Florida late summer heat. “They are a young but hard working team, capable of so much. I love that they let me challenge them and run with them. It’s definitely getting tougher for me to keep up,” she said. Meyers’ team will have several chances to improve their times leading up to districts on Nov. 1 when the 2A ’Canes hope to advance to the next round of racing. Coral Shores’ boys will resume racing in October after taking September off to focus on training. Their next race is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5 at Larry & Penny Thompson Park in Miami.

Coral Shores’ top five from the recent Lightning Invite race posed for a post-race photo with their coach.

From left: Saige Ensign, Jenna Mandozzi, Kai Guth, Julia Rusch, Hayden Teal, coach Lyndie Meyers. CONTRIBUTED

Caylaa Makimaa first Keys female runner to cross the finish line to place 11th overall.

Vance Bursa finished in sixth place overall and first for the Fins.

The Key West Conchs battle University Christian School on Sept. 23. Despite a renewed effort in the second half, the Conchs fell to the Christians 41-17. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly. See more game photos at keysweekly.com

Right: The Marathon Dolphins take on the Ransom Everglades Raiders on Sept. 22. Marathon’s ground game fell prey to the Raiders’ air attack, 42-0. Photos contributed.

PREP FOOTBALL REACHES MIDWAY MARK

The two Keys teams to take the field last weekend found tough sledding against stout opponents.

Key West fell to 1-4 after a loss to seventh-ranked University Christian School out of Jacksonville. The Christians outscored the Conchs 41-17, but Key West put up a fantastic fight to the end. The first half saw Key West at a 28-3 deficit, with their only score coming off the foot of Marco Davila, who drove a 33-yard field goal between the uprights. A familiar issue continued to plague the Conchs – Key West turned the ball over four times against the Christians, costing the team momentum each time.

The Christians had tacked on enough points to trigger a running clock by early in the second half, but Key West was having none of it. Walson Morin re-

energized the crowd with a 67-yard touchdown run, reactivating the regular clock. Morin scored again with a 21-yard run in the final moments of the game, giving Key West a bit of momentum going into next week’s game, and the Conchs will need all they can get on the road against second-ranked Bishop Verot out of Fort Myers on Sept. 29.

Head coach Johnny Hughes is hoping for a breakout game against the Vikings, saying, “Talentwise, we match up with

anybody. We cannot afford any turnovers if we want to win this game.” Hughes and his Conchs will also need to contend with a quarterback Hughes knows is capable of high numbers: junior phenom Carter Smith.

“(Smith) is definitely legit,” Hughes said. “One game he throws for three touchdowns and the next one he runs for six. They have a big, talented sophomore running back, too.” The trip to Fort Myers is the first of a three-game series in which Key West must travel about five hours each week before returning to the Backyard on Oct. 27.

If anybody was wondering whether Ransom Everglades quarterback Neimann Lawrence was the real deal, just ask the Dolphins. On Sept. 22, Marathon traveled to Miami to face the undefeated Raiders in a matchup of two very distinct styles of play. Ransom is a welloiled machine of precision throwing, while Marathon prefers to play a physical style of football, wearing down opponents with their hard-hitting run game. And while the Fins did appear to chip away at the ironclad protection afforded to

Lawrence, a running clock was not their friend and the Dolphins were unable to get their offense going against the Raiders.

The Fins were able to apply pressure, sacking the Ransom QB four times, but long drives that stalled on their own offense kept Marathon from putting points on the board. The closest they came was a Shamar Wright kick return which he carried into the end zone, but an illegal crackback block negated the fantastic run. Marathon lost the game 42-0 but is undeterred in spirit.

“The guys played from start to finish without giving up and without complaint. I am proud of the effort they gave and the composure they are keeping,” coach Sean McDonald said of his young team. The Dolphins face Florida Christian Sept. 29 at home in a game which should be a closer matchup.

Coral Shores had a bye week and used the time to get healthy, take care of some nagging injuries and prepare for the air raid offense they will likely encounter this week. They play the 5-0 Raiders of Ransom Everglades in Tavernier on Sept. 29.

Hurricanes stand at 2-2, Fins and Conchs slip to 1-4

MARATHON AND CORAL SHORES PREPARE FOR POSTSEASON

District Matches Set for October 23

he Coral Shores and Marathon golf teams participated in a home-and-home set of matches last week, playing at Marathon’s Florida Keys Country Club on Sept. 18, then Ocean Reef Hammock Course on the 20th. In girls’ play, Marathon’s Summer Haines and Coral Shores’ Gabby Thomas traded places, each winning at the visitor’s course and placing second at home. They were the only two girls to play at Ocean Reef, but ’Canes senior Mattie Johnson and Fins freshman Makenna Haines joined them at Marathon to place third and fourth, respectively.

The boys also did some trading of spots at each event. At the Marathon match, Dolphin golfer Michael Merryman took first place with a low score of 44, followed by teammates Leo Mendez, Mason Thornton, Dylan Ziels, Roco Piscetello, Cullen Coleman-Sayer and Ethan Sauders, who placed second through seventh. Walter Hussey and Dylan Lindman made the leaderboard for the Hurricanes, and Marathon’s Aiden Richard rounded out the top ten.

At Ocean Reef, it was Thornton in first with a 44 while Mendez, Merryman, Piscetello and Sauders came in second through fifth. Preston Carroll was first for the ’Canes in sixth place with Coleman-Sayer in seventh, Coral Shores’ Aidan Althouse in eighth, Ziels in ninth and Coral Shores’ Tanel Irons in 10th.

Key West had a week off, but resumed competitive play on Sept. 25 at Marathon and Sept. 28 at home. The Conchs were to be joined by the ’Canes and Fins for both matches (results not available at press time). District action is set for October 23 for 1A and 2A divisions, which includes all three Keys schools.

Thomas. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Gabby

Effective September 29, 2023, Luis Geada, M.D., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health General Surgery at the following location: 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 17, Marathon, FL 33050.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-271-9777 or fax 786-260-0516 to request a records release.

Publish:

September 28, October 5, 12 & 19, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

LEGAL NOTICES

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., 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 comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.

us/j/86249409223

Meeting ID: 862 4940 9223

One tap mobile:

+13052241968,,86249409223# US

+13126266799,,86249409223# US (Chicago)

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or 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 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:

September 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

Effective September 29, 2023, Luis Geada, M.D., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health General Surgery at the following location: 91550 Overseas Highway, Suite 214, Tavernier, FL 33070.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may call 305-271-9777 or fax 786-260-0510 to request a records release.

Publish:

September 28, October 5, 12 & 19, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 6:00 P.M., 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 comment will be:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.

us/j/83445974877 Meeting ID: 834 4597 4877

One tap mobile: +13052241968,,83445974877# US +16469313860,,83445974877#

US

LEGAL NOTICES

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:

September 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 9:30 A.M., 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 comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/84535210181 Meeting ID: 845 3521 0181 One tap mobile: +13052241968,,84535210181# US +19292056099,,84535210181# US

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or 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 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:

September 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICES

Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more

TDC Members and/or 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 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:

September 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., 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 comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/82654859042

Meeting ID: 826 5485 9042

One tap mobile: +13052241968,,82654859042# US +16469313860,,82654859042# US

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or County Commissioners may be in attendance.

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via email to: OMB-BIDS@monroecounty-fl. gov, no later than 3:00 P.M., on October 25, 2023. Please submit your confidential financial information in a SEPARATE EMAIL from your bid and required documents. Your subject line on both emails must read as follows:

Operation & Management Services, Jacobs Aquatic Center, Key Largo, FL 10-25-2023 Files that do not contain this subject line WILL BE REJECTED. Please note that the maximum file size that will be accepted by email is 25MB. Please plan accordingly to ensure that your bid is not rejected due to the file size. Should your bid documents exceed 25MB, in advance of the bid opening, please email: omb-purchasing@ monroecounty-fl.gov so accommodations for delivery of your bid can be made prior to the bid opening. Please be advised that it is the bidder’s sole responsibility to ensure delivery of their bid and waiting until the bid opening to address or confirm your bid submission delivery will result in your bid being rejected.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on October 25, 2023. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

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

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,, 4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,, 4509326156# US (San Jose)

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

September 28, 2023

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023.

All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council are open to the public and one or more TDC Members and/or 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 County Administrator’s Office,

The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., 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 comment will be: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85864466921 Meeting ID: 858 6446 6921 One tap mobile: +13052241968,,85864466921# US +19292056099,,85864466921# US

Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing: MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at: maxine@ fla-keys.com, or by calling (305) 296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than 12:00 P.M., on Friday, October 6, 2023. All District Advisory Committee

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, 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”.

Publish: September 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Operation and Management Services, Jacobs Aquatic Center, Key Largo Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from DemandStar at www.demandstar.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/bids.

The Public Record is available upon request.

The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 23-CP-000213-K IN RE: ESTATE OF LYNWOOD RAY SILAR, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of Lynwood Ray Silar, Deceased, whose date of death was July 8, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 302 Fleming 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 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

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 September 28, 2023.

Signed on this 19th day of September, 2023.

Personal Representative

Tammy Lynn Lehti-Silar, Petitioner 239 Caribbean Drive East Summerland Key, FL 33042 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:

September 28 & October 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-244-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGORY SZETELA

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Gregory Szetela, deceased, whose date of death was June 17, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 28, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Elaine Holliday

508 Foxglove Ct.

Peachtree City, Georgia 30269

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Brett Halperin

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 109695

HALPERIN LAW GROUP

2160 W. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach, Florida 33445

Telephone: (561) 324-2420

E-Mail: brett@halperinlawgroup. com

Secondary E-Mail: bretthalperinesq@gmail.com

Publish:

September 28 & October 5, 2023 The Weekly Newspapers

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 23-CP-232-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GLENN G. COLLINS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of GLENN G. COLLINS, deceased, whose date of death was August 25, 2023, Case: 23-CP-232-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is 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 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, 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.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: September 21, 2023.

Co-Personal Representatives:

KEITH LAPP

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman

Law Offices of Samuel J.

Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

MARY ELLEN LAPP

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman

Law Offices of Samuel J.

Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0144304

Law Offices of Samuel J.

Kaufman, P.A.

3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

Email designation for service:

Service.Probate@ samkaufmanlaw.com

Telephone: (305) 292-3926

Fax: (305) 295-7947

Publish:

September 21 & 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-114-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STANLEY K. ALBERTSON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of STANLEY K. ALBERTSON, deceased, whose date of death was July 31, 2023, File Number 23-CP-114-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: September 21, 2023.

Personal Representative:

GERALD ALBERTSON

149 Dickie Way 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:

September 21 & 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 23-CP-000111-P

DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY

IN RE: ESTATE OF BARBARA MARY SCHAEFFER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Barbara Mary Schaeffer, deceased, whose date of death was July 14, 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, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN 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: September 21, 2023.

Personal Representative:

Wanda Kierski 23 Mockingbird Rd. Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA

CDL CLASS A DRIVER

We are hiring CDL CLASS A Drivers with Hazmat endorsement.

Monday-Friday with overtime available.

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.

129 Toppino Industrial Dr, Key West – ask for Cheryl 305-296-5606 extension 126

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

LEGAL NOTICES

10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish:

September 21 & 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

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

CASE NO.: 23-DR-646-K DIANA RESHETKO ROSA Petitioner, and, ABDUSALOM KADIROV Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)

TO: ABDUSALOM KADIROV RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: UNKNOWN

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Diana Reshetko Rosa, whose address is 3333 Duck Avenue, Apt. A208, Key West, FL 33040 on or before October 10, 2023, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit

Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

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

Dated: August 30, 2023

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

By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk

Publish: September 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO FORECLOSE

To: All persons listed below, their guardians, heirs and assigns, record owners of the unit week(s) as showing, all located in Monroe County, Florida comprised of Unit Weeks as more particularly defined in and governed by that certain:

Declaration of Condominium for Florida Bay Club of Key largo, a condominium, recorded in O.R. Book 871 at pages 1215, et seq.

Public Records, Monroe County, Florida.

You are hereby given Notice of Default and Intent to Foreclose on behalf of THE FLORIDA BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. a Florida not-for-profit corporation. You may cure the default and redeem the timeshare interest by paying the amounts secured

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC

We are hiring a heavy diesel mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, etc.

Monday-Friday with some overtime available.

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.

129 Toppino Industrial Dr, Key West – ask for Cheryl 305-296-5606 extension 126

SUDOKU SOLUTION

by the Association’s lien on your unit week(s) as showing below in cash or certified funds to Timeshare Trustee™ at any time prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Sale.

If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in section 721.855, Florida Statutes. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AS A MATTER OF LAW TO SEND TO THE TRUSTEE WRITTEN NOTICE THAT YOU OBJECT TO THIS PROCEDURE. UPON THE TRUSTEE’S RECEIPT OF YOUR OBJECTION, THE FORECLOSURE OF THE LIEN WITH RESPECT TO THE DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE ONLY. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest by the TRUSTEE are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien. STAACK, SIMMS & REIGHARD, PLLC, d/b/a TIMESHARE TRUSTEE™

51 S. MAIN AVENUE, SUITE 319 CLEARWATER, FL 33765 PHONE: (727) 441-2635

FAX: (727) 461-4836

Website: www.staacklaw.com

Publish:

September 28 & October 5, 2023

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2014 GMC Savana, 84k miles, everything works great. Cold AC, fully shelved Ladder racks, new tires, new battery $16,000 305-743-6098 text or call

EMPLOYMENT

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.

EMPLOYMENT

Now Hiring in Marathon – Part time office position, needs to have prior office experience, Mon-Fri 8am1pm. Starting at $17/ hour. Please apply in person at Discount Rock & Sand, 10500 Aviation Blvd, Unit 2, Marathon.

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

Night LPN needed. 1-2 nights per week, 8:30pm5:30am. Private Pay. Marathon area. 631-831-0879

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housing Manager-Middle Keys, Resident Activities Coordinator, Housekeeper, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, Personal Care Aide, Resident Assistant, 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

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

EMPLOYMENT MISC. FOR SALE

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

MISC. FOR SALE

Nice sturdy E-Bike Radcity 5+ stepthru regular tires essentially new (10mi) 30+ range 20mph. Located in Tavernier. $1500. Tandjef@gmail.com

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

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

YARD SALES

HOME FURNISHINGS SALE: Sat. 9/30 & Sun. 10/1 from 9am-2pm. 7911 Shark Dr., Marathon. BR/LR/DR & Misc. Furniture, Artwork, Kitchen wares. Cash & Carry ONLY

YARD SALE: SAT 9/30 & SUN 10/1 in Marathon. 101 West 63rd Street Ocean.

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-7430844 today and sell your stuff!

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR A

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

NOW HIRING FT FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT MARATHON, FL

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIER

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

BOAT RENTAL STAFF

FLEXIBLE HOURS & COMPETITIVE WAGES

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

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

MONROE COUNTY ROADS DEPT.

40 hpw with Bene ts Training and promotional opportunities for career growth are encouraged within our department.

ROAD TECHNICIAN 2: $42,198.38 - $65,407.50

Valid Florida Driver’s License required

ROAD TECHNICIAN 3: $46,523.721 - $72,111.77

CDL B License required

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

$51,292.40 - $79,503.23

CDL A License required

Veteran’s Preference Available; E.O.E.

NOW HIRING DIVE INSTRUCTOR

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

11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON

The primary function of these positions is to perform work repairing and maintaining county roads, bridges, and rights-of-way.

To view job descriptions and apply, visit: WWW.MONROECOUNTY-FL.GOV/JOBS

For questions, contact Human Resources at: Careers@MonroeCounty-FL.gov or 305.292.4554

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for oversight of adult day training programs, client transportation coordination and facility maintenance. Bachelor’s degree required and 2 years’ experience in eld required. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL driver’s license with clean driving record. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, FL or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32 FAX 305-292-0078

MARC, 1401 Seminar y St, Key West, FL www.marchouse.org Come join our family! EOE

Full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/ support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 AM then 3-9 PM. We can be flexible. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must.

FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. This is a rewarding position for the right person. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305.294.9526 *32 , fax 305.292.0078

1401 Seminar y St, Key West, www.marchouse.org

Come join our family! EOE

FT administrative, salaried position. Responsible for operations of Group Homes in accordance with State and Fed rules and regulations. Oversight of sta and clients. Bachelor’s degree and Florida DL w/clean driving record req. At least 2 yrs of mgmt and admin experience req, and direct or comparable experience w/same or similar population preferred. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. EOE. Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West, FL or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305.294.9526 *32 FAX 305.292.0078

MARC, 1401 Seminar y St, Key West, FL www.marchouse.org Come join our family! EOE

IS HIRING!

PROGRAM COORDINATOR / DIRECT CARE (F/T) (TAVERNIER OFFICE)

Responsible for development, implementation, and goal setting for clients. Interaction with co-workers and supervision, and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed to acquire and maintain employment. Associate degree or 2 years of experience working with DD individuals.

Minimum requirements: moderate to advanced computer skills. FL driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Level II background screening and references.

Apply at 1401 Seminary St., Key West or online at www.marchouse.org

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org, phone: 305-294-9526 *32, fax: 305-292-0078 Come join our family! EOE

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.

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.

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

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)

Case Manager (Child)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist

Advocate

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Children)

Case Manager (Adult)

MARATHON

Driver 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

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

Background and drug screen req. COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!!

Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

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)

Accounting Director (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Medical Technician (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

THEME: WORLD SERIES

ACROSS

1. In the middle of

6. “____, the Beloved Country”

9. Start of “The Night Before Christmas”

13. Anoint

14. *”...three strikes, ____’re out, at the old ball game”

15. Capital of Egypt

16. *Yanees owner, George ____brenner

17. Mandela’s org.

18. Back street

19. *Walk-off move (2 words)

21. *One of MLB countries

23. Start an engine

24. Salvador Dali’s muse

25. Old French coin

28. Select

30. Pass, as time

35. Antonym of is

37. Rumpelstiltskin’s weaver

39. Virgo’s brightest star

40. Snack, in Spain

41. Rose oil

43. *Yogi Berra - 295 PA, e.g.

44. *Player’s representative

46. Eyelid affliction

47. Shade of beige

48. *a.k.a. Mr. October

50. Small island

52. In the know

53. Part of armor

55. Octopus’ defense

57. *Last year’s World Series winners

60. *Ronald AcuÒa Jr.’s home base

64. Indian monetary unit 65. Sun, in Mexico

67. ____ Asimov 68. Artemis’ companion 69. E.T.’s craft, acr. 70. Shelf material 71. Cry like a baby 72. Young newt 73. Shermans, in World War II

DOWN

1. It starred Alan Alda from 19721983

2. Digging, so to speak

3. Think

4. More like a fox

5. Madagascar’s hedgehog-like animal

6. Printer cartridge color

7. *Guidry, Cey or Gardenhire

8. New Mexico’s state flower

9. Samoan money

10. *____ card

11. Length times width

12. Tofu ingredient

15. Lock sites

20. Soft palate hanger

22. Kind of beer

24. Speech organ

25. Fretted instrument

26. a.k.a. People of the Middle Waters

27. Remove pegs

29. Auction portions

31. Cathedral recess

32. *____ clock

33. Close call

34. Relish (2 words)

36. NASA’s orange drink

38. *”The Catch” (1954) catcher

42. Rekindled

45. Like theater seating

49. Big-headedness

51. Join the army

54. Matter of debate

56. Buckwheat dish

57. Halo

58. Do like volcano

59. Bluish green

60. Sir Mix-____-____

61. Delhi bread

62. Spill the beans

63. *Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson and Christy Mathewson

64. *Commissioner Manfred

66. Bug enemy

FKAA

EMERGENCY WATER PLAN

STORE WATER

FILL BATHTUB AND LARGE CONTAINERS WITH WATER FOR WASHING AND FLUSHING ONLY.

FOR DRINKING AND COOKING WATER, STORE IN CONTAINERS FOR 7-10 DAYS. 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY IS RECOMMENDED.

FOLLOW PRECAUTIONARY/ MANDATORY BOIL WATER NOTICES

IF A NOTICE IS ISSUED, DISINFECT YOUR WATER BY EITHER BOILING FOR 1 MINUTE, OR ADDING 1/8 TEASPOON OF BLEACH, OR USING PURIFICATION TABLETS.

EVACUATING? HERE'S WHAT TO DO

SHUT OFF THE HOME'S WATER VALVE (TYPICALLY FOUND ON THE EXTERIOR WALL OF THE HOME). SOME WATER HEATERS MAY ALSO NEED TO BE SHUT OFF. CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER.

Should you require assistance in turning off your water, FKAA will be happy to come out and turn it off for you, as a courtesy (time permitting).

CUSTOMERS WITH LOW PRESSURE SEWER PUMP ON THEIR PROPERTY ARE ASKED TO SHUT OFF THE BREAKER TO THEIR GRINDER PUMP (LOCATED IN THE DEDICATED ELECTRIC BOX OUTSIDE OF THEIR HOME).

STAY INFORMED

REGISTER FOR "PRIORITY CALL" @FKAA.COM TO RECEIVE NOTICES VIA PHONE, TEXT, & EMAIL.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, FKAA.COM AND THE RADIO

CALL US @ 305.296.2454