Upper Keys Weekly 23-1012

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If I had a billion dollars, I …

October 12, 2023

CROWNING THE BEST IN TOWN

Finalist voting begins for Best of Upper Keys | P. 4

A NIGHT SHINE

Alligator Lighthouse lit once again | P. 18

ALARMING ABUSE

Keys have high number of domestic violence offenses | P. 13

BOOK TODAY! 305-712-0032

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

UPPER KEYS ROTARY CLUB

THE UPPER KEYS ROTARY GIGANTIC NAUTICAL MARKET is an all outdoor boat show, nautical market, and food truck rally with a beach! Here you will find new and used boats, fishing gear, dive gear, clothing, marine equipment, marine products, electronics, dock equipment, nautical arts and crafts, antiques, and so much more! There’s fun for the whole family! It’s a Boat Show with a Beach!

We can’t do it without you. Your sponsorships are the backbone of our mission, allowing us to annually contribute nearly $200,000 in scholarships to students in the Upper Keys through our annual Gigantic Nautical Market. Your support is the compass guiding us toward a brighter future for these deserving individuals. Please join us in making a difference.

By sponsoring the Gigantic Nautical Market, you’re not only tapping into an engaged and enthusiastic audience but also contributing to our goals. We aim to provide local students with invaluable opportunities, enabling them to pursue higher education without the burden of debt. Your sponsorship dollars directly support graduating high school seniors, students already in follow-on education, and those seeking career technical education (CTE). From 2010 to 2022, the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation has channeled 2.5 million dollars into local scholarships, thanks to the generous support of sponsors, vendors, and attendees like you.

By becoming a sponsor, you’re not just investing in an event; you’re investing in the future of these talented students and our community’s prosperity.

Contact: UpperKeysRotaryClub@gmail.com Karly Venezia (305) 797-1607 Anna Richards (305) 522-0351 Chris Trentine (305) 481-5857

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

SOUTHERN DIVERSION

This lucrative investment opportunity across two parcels is presented with mixed-use zoning. A dynamic property, nestled in north Key Largo, currently operates as a thriving wedding venue and sought-after vacation rental. Its versatile zoning allows for a diverse range of events and guests, enhancing its income potential. Boasting an impressive 350+ feet of waterfront, the property's strategic proximity to Miami adds to its allure. Its prime location just south of the Jewfish Creek Bridge ensures optimal boating convenience, facilitating swift access from the ocean to the bay. A haven for boating enthusiasts, the property also offers a secure 30’ and 70‘ dock along the sheltered inner canal, catering to large vessels or multiple watercraft. In addition to its exceptional amenities, this listing includes the primary residence and an extra rear lot, complete with plans for a guest house. Embrace the chance to own a revenue-generating gem that harmonizes leisure, hospitality, and maritime charm, making Garden Cove’s “Southern Diversion” irresistible.

KEY LARGO | $17,999,000 | Listing ID: 606445

81888 Overseas Highway, Islamorada | 305.712.8888 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

KEYS

NEWSPAPERS

25,000

91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

There was no shortage of nominations for this year’s Best of Upper Keys. Residents from Key Largo, Islamorada and other parts of the Keys, as well as people across the globe, put forth a total of 25,000 nominations. Last year saw 18,000 nominations.

Visit keysweekly.com/buk23 to vote for your favorite finalists in 65 categories.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Business Development Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR

BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050 News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m. @KeysWeekly @theWeekly Members of

AND THE FINALISTS ARE …

VOTE FOR BEST OF UPPER KEYS’ KINGS AND QUEENS

By Keys Weekly staff The buzz surrounding the Best of Upper Keys began two weeks ago as nominations officially opened to the community. Social media posts filled the feeds and guerrilla marketing campaigns vying for the public’s support were launched by businesses, nonprofits and individuals.

After two weeks of online polling, the field of finalists is set for the 2nd Annual Best of Upper Keys, the premier people’s choice awards. Residents from the Keys and people throughout the world nominated their favorites in the food and drink, community and business divisions. Now, they’ll decide who comes away with the plaques and bragging rights in each of the 65 categories.

The winners will be announced Nov. 11 at Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina in Islamorada.

Around 25,000 nominations were cast in year two of the Best of Upper Keys — up from 18,000 the previous year.

“Landing on the ballot is a big deal,” said Keys Weekly publisher Jason Koler.

“To be nominated as one of the best in your industry by your community is an accomplishment of its own.”

Voting begins Thursday, Oct. 12 at noon and ends Sunday, Oct. 29 at

11:59 p.m. During this stage, voters can submit one ballot per day. People must place votes for 75% of the categories to cast a valid ballot.

“A majority of the votes came from the Florida Keys, including more than a quarter from Key Largo,” Koler said.

“We’re excited to have a global audience voicing their say on the contest, as this shows how our community is appreciated and celebrated around the world.”

Visit keysweekly.com/buk23 or check out the back page of this paper to view the finalists and submit your votes for the best in town. Updates and reminders will be provided at keysweekly.com, in our daily e-blast, Upper Keys Weekly print editions and social media.

In 2022, nearly $20,000 raised from the inaugural Best of Upper Keys went to support the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. With extensive programs to help and counsel children and families in a time of need, the shelter will again be the beneficiary of the Best of Upper Keys.

Event sponsors include First Horizon Bank, Baptist Health Mariners Hospital, Dr. Michelle audiologist, Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina, Going Aire, Artisan Group Builders, HNO Productions and Overseas Media Group.

Tickets to attend the Best of Upper Keys awards ceremony aren’t generally made available to the public due to demand. Winners, nominees and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional attendees are selected from a firstcome, first-served waiting list.

Email Jill@keysweekly.com to be placed on the list.

Scan the QR code to vote for your favorites.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

VILLAGE MANAGER SEARCH CARRIES ON COUNCIL NEEDS MORE TIME AND INFORMATION JIM McCARTHY

S

jim@keysweekly.com

ome 45 applicants seeking to become the next Islamorada village manager dwindled to 16 after council members presented their list of preferred names ahead of an Oct. 3 workshop.

But a discussion lasting more than an hour didn’t delve into the specific candidates, their credentials or the reasoning behind the council member’s picks. Council members didn’t whittle the candidates to five or seven finalists. Instead, talks ensued over tabling the matter to give the council time to gather more information on the 16 candidates.

Discussions also ensued over a need to fix the division among the dais before bringing in any village manager prospects.

Councilman Henry Rosenthal kicked off talks by requesting the matter be tabled until applicants on the list are pre-screened through a telephone interview either with human resources or a council person. He believed the candidates should answer a standard set of questions, which range from how the person would build a team and fix morale among employees to describing the difference between leadership and management.

“There’s a lot of things that I think have to be considered,” Rosenthal said.

“This is one of the most important if not the most important vote we can possibly take.”

A dais that voted 3-2 in July not to renew the contract of Ted Yates for a second year as village manager recently saw a switch in interim managers from Bryan Cook to Ed Koconis, the county permitting director who

once worked with the village. Koconis started with the village on Oct. 2 under a new 60-day agreement with Monroe County to loan county staff to assist the village through a transition.

Shortly after Yates departed, the council agreed to advertise the village position. More than 40 applications were submitted. From the list, each council member convened with a liaison of their choice to review the candidates and come up with a list of preferred candidates.

Christopher Russo, David Couch and Douglas Maxeiner were picked by three council members as viable candidates for the job. Russo is a former city manager of Sunny Isles Beach, Couch is the current business administrator for the City of Virginia Beach’s planning department and Maxeiner is the current city administrator of East Moline, Illinois.

Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney said she wanted to take a deeper look into the 16 candidates.

“I can’t narrow it down to five because I never looked at some of these candidates,” she said, adding she wanted to make some phone calls before reducing her list to five.

Mayor Buddy Pinder believed the council needed to take its time with the decision. He also noted possible scheduling difficulties with the holidays rapidly approaching. Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin had concerns with pushing the process of picking a village manager to after Christmas and wanted meetings scheduled to move the process forward. Mahoney responded by stating the council just had five meetings in September.

“I don’t want five meetings in Oc-

Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, left, discusses a need for structure during a special Aug. 3 meeting, which saw the council approving an agreement with Monroe County for the services of Bryan Cook, county employee services director. Councilman Mark Gregg is at right. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly File Photo

tober, five meetings in November and five in December,” she said.

Councilman Mark Gregg believed the council needed to fix its problems and division before even thinking about bringing in village manager candidates. He proposed the council convene for some team-building with a consultant.

“I really don’t feel honest bringing people down here in the state that things are in. I think it’s bad. I think we’re in a crisis,” he said.

Jolin expressed her support for holding what she called an intervention.

“There’s no downside to this. It might be hard to attract candidates if they watch our meetings. We could do better,” she said.

Rosenthal said he didn’t believe the division on the council was fixable.

He said his choice for village manager, Maxeiner, could help solve the problems.

“I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t work to do it, but I don’t think it’s fixable,” Rosenthal said in reference to the current divisive climate in the village. “The community is not fixable. They’re just as divided as we are.”

Mahoney didn’t believe there was division on the council.

“You clearly do and I think a lot of it is because of Ted (Yates),” she told Gregg. “You need to move past that.”

Mahoney added that it’s the first time in 25 years of the council that “everybody’s not in the good ol’ boys club.”

The dais will look to get its revised list of preferred candidates to staff by Oct. 25. Council members still need to hash out when and how they plan to interview candidates.

COMMITTEE TO ASSESS RIDESHARE IN ISLAMORADA VILLAGE TO SEEK INTERESTED SERVICE PROVIDERS JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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fter pumping the brakes on a Freebee rideshare expansion in Islamorada last month, village council members now want to see if other companies are interested in providing the service.

Members on the dais dealt with the rideshare topic a few times dating back to last December, when the newly-seated council verbally agreed to accept grant money from the state for Freebee service. But during a Sept. 7 meeting, the dais agreed to pull resolu-

tions officially accepting the funds and renewing an agreement with Freebee from the agenda. The request came from Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, who wished to have a public workshop and give residents the ability to provide input on the service, which she believed needed to be more efficient and cost-effective.

Fast forward to the Oct. 3 workshop. Council members verbally agreed to form an evaluation committee composed of residents to rate the

service providers interested in applying to transport residents and visitors in Islamorada. A resolution to formally create the group and its framework could come before the village council at an early November meeting, kicking off a request for proposals process.

For the last three months, Mahoney said she’s monitored the service from Freebee, which currently operates 10 hours each day for a total of 70 hours a week. The Miami-based company began in the village with

electric golf cart rides on Upper Matecumbe under a pilot program in 2018.

Freebee brought its on-request transit service with goals to reduce vehicles on a busy U.S. 1 while providing a green alternative for residents and tourists to visit businesses. In 2020, the service expanded to all islands.

Today, two Tesla vehicles and one van serve riders from Lower Matecumbe Key to Mariners Hospital CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 in Tavernier. Per an August Freebee presentation, some 130,000 passengers have used the on-demand, doorto-door service in Islamorada since its inception. Data by Freebee shows 63% of riders were locals and 37% were visitors. Of the passengers, 41% were 21 to 34 years old and 30.8% were over the age of 51.

During the workshop, Mahoney questioned whether the village is getting the “full service” and benefit from Freebee, which receives $371,000 annually per its current contract. Funds paid to Freebee through the agreement come from the half-cent sales tax, not property taxes.

Over the past few months, Mahoney worked with Attention Media on a survey — which first went out to registered voters in the village and eventually to other members of the public — to gauge how the community felt about the service. Mahoney said she isn’t seeking to do away with the service. Rather, she believes taxpayers shouldn’t foot the full bill.

“I want the public to have a say where we go with this,” she said. “Let’s do what’s best for the residents.”

During the survey process, Mahoney said she received a call from Islamorada resident Jim Lashley. He said he didn’t want to sit back and complain about the money spent with Freebee.

Instead, Lashley said he wanted to take part and make a difference. He said the service should go out to bid.

“I’m not against Freebee and rideshare; I just think we’re paying a fortune for something,” he said. “I said I’d stop complaining and get involved.”

Per village code, the council could waive competitive bidding for services such as ridesharing if the members feel it’s in the best interest of the village. In addition, the village received word last March that a grant to fund an expansion of services through Freebee was approved for $276,665. At the direction of the current council last December, staff proceeded on a transit grant through the Florida Department of Transportation.

To qualify for the funds, the village had to show an expansion of services or cars, according to Maria Bassett, finance director. The village decided to show an extension of hours with Freebee from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.

Annual costs with the expansion would total $553,330, with a grant from FDOT funding half the cost. While expenses would increase, staff said the village’s share would decrease by $65,839. The grant acceptance and a new agreement with Freebee went before the council but weren’t approved

MAN ARRESTED FOR MARINE GPS THEFT

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A Tesla Model X Freebee vehicle with an Islamorada wrap. PETE BACHELER/Contributed

during a Sept. 7 meeting.

During the workshop, Mahoney acknowledged she didn’t know the grant had to stay with one company and couldn’t be applied to another service provider, if the village council went that direction.

The council could still consider the grant and new agreement with Freebee to expand the service. If the dais wants to go with a different provider, they could end the agreement with Freebee at any time and begin a whole new grant process in 2024 to potentially receive funds in 2025. Bassett said Freebee co-founder and managing partner Jason Spiegel has been working to find drivers for the service expansion in Islamorada.

Lashley said locals who use the service could hypothetically pay $2 for a fare, with visitors paying $5. He said it would generate north of $100,000 in revenue. He also believed the village should seek more grant money.

Council member Mark Gregg

questioned whether the objective was saving the village money or figuring out who specifically should foot the funds for the service.

“We’ve kind of set out some expectations in the community by having this program going on for this long, and it’s called Freebee for a reason, because it’s free,” he said.

Council member Elizabeth Jolin said she believed it’s part of a larger conversation of who’s being served.

“If we’re serving people who are elderly and need to get to work, that’s a group of people,” she said. “And if we’re serving a tourist community or a secondary homeowner, that’s another conversation and they’re intertwined.”

Mayor Buddy Pinder said he’d like to see the “bigger corporate guys” who’ve come to the Keys and bought hotels to foot some of the cost since tourists are using Freebee to get to restaurants and bars.

“They can (and) they should,” he said.

23-year-old Key West man was arrested Oct. 5 for his alleged role in the theft of $65,000 worth of marine Garmin GPS units from an Islamorada boat yard.

Dennis Williams Hernandez Gonzalez was charged with five counts of burglary, one count of grand theft over $20,000, and violation of probation (for a previous grand theft of a motor vehicle conviction).

Detectives with the sheriff’s office began investigating the theft of seven GPS units from four burglarized vessels at the SD Marine Group on Oct. 4. They were able to identify a suspect vehicle seen at the scene. The vehicle was later found on Stock Island, which led detectives to Hernandez Gonzalez.

He reportedly admitted to driving the vehicle.

The case remains under investigation and more arrests may be pending.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact detectives at 305-853-3211.

— Contributed

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

ISLAMORADA LIBRARY ADDS AN AED

SAUNDERS TO RUN FOR ELECTIONS SUPERVISOR ROMERO SAYS SHE’S BEEN ASKED, BUT WON’T ANNOUNCE UNTIL JANUARY MANDY MILES

F

mandy@keysweekly.com

Monroe County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein and Rita Klopf, treasurer of the Friends of the Helen Wadley Branch Library in Islamorada, hold a new AED. They’re joined by members of the Islamorada Fire Department and library members. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

B

ooks aren’t the only new additions coming to one local library.

Recently, members of Islamorada’s Fire Rescue Station 20 visited their neighbors in the Islamorada library to present a life-saving tool.

Funds raised by the nonprofit Friends of the Helen Wadley Library went toward the roughly $1,600 purchase of a Philips HeartStart automated external defibrillator (AED). The medical device can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart reestablish an effective rhythm.

With the library close to one of the busier stations in town, Chief Terry Abel said relying on first responders next door isn’t a good gamble should an emergency arise.

“We identified a gap and so did the Friends,” he said. “Not only does it do adult patients, but it also does children with the same pad and the same AED.” Abel added there are 350,000plus cardiac deaths a year in the U.S. outside a hospital setting. For those who aren’t familiar with cardiopulmonbary resuscitation (CPR) and don’t

know how to use an AED, the chances of survival is zero among those facing an emergency cardiac situation. But with knowledge of CPR and an AED, chances of survival greatly rise to 40%.

“It’s a phenomenal piece of equipment and super easy to use,” Abel said. “I pray to God you never have to use it, but if you have to, it’s there for you.”

Rita Klopf, treasurer of the Friends of the Helen Wadley Branch Library, said she knew an acquaintance at a previous job who was saved by an AED. She said the Friends were able to pay for the AED through various fundraisers.

“To have them on-site and have them available where we can use them, it’s life-saving,” she said.

Abel said there are AEDs located in various parts of the village, including churches, schools, condos and homeowner associations.

Joining in the AED presentation were Islamorada Fire Rescue members; Kimberly Matthews, county senior director of strategic planning and libraries; Naomi Trevino, senior library associate; and Holly Merrill Raschein, county mayor pro tem.

ormer State Rep. Ron Saunders announced on Sept. 29 that he will be seeking election as Monroe County Former Florida Keys State Rep. supervisor of and recent radio elections in the news anchor 2024 election.

Ron Saunders, The current a Democrat, will supervisor, Joyce run for supervisor Griffin, has said of elections next August. CONTRIB- she will not seek re-election next UTED year.

Saunders, a fifth-generation native of the Keys and a Democrat, served in the Florida House of Representatives for 14 years, representing all of Monroe County and parts of Miami-Dade County, states a press release from Saunders, who conducted his final Evening Edition radio show on US 1 Radio on Sept. 29.

Margaret Romero, a multi-generation Conch from Key West, a former Key West city commissioner and a Republican, has also Margaret Romero, a former been mentioned Key West city repeatedly in commissioner local political and community circles as a powatchdog, retired tential candidate IBM businessfor supervisor of woman and a Republican, plans elections.

“I think it’s to announce way too early to her decision on whether to run focus on next for supervisor of year’s August elections in Janu- elections. I’ve ary. CONTRIBbeen asked by UTED

a number of people up and down the Keys to run, and I will make a formal announcement in January,” Romero told the Keys Weekly on Sept. 29.

In his press release, Saunders writes that he was “selected twice by an independent panel as the most effective member of the 120-member House. He sponsored and passed the Save Our Homes cap on homestead property value assessments as well as the first Everglades Protection Act and the Save the Manatee license plate.

“He chaired the House Appropriations Committee in charge of the state budget and was recognized for his fiscal conservatism by Florida TaxWatch for passing the first state budget free of wasteful member projects, known as ‘turkeys,’” the release states.

“While serving in the Legislature, Saunders, an attorney, was regarded by other legislators as an election law expert due to his legal knowledge and political campaign experience.

He served as a volunteer poll worker in last year’s primary and general elections.”

Saunders for the past six years has been a news anchor at 104.1 US1 Radio in the Keys.

“I will use my election law knowledge, leadership and communication skills, and legislative experience, as well as the trust I hope I have earned from my years of community service, to make sure Monroe County voters have the fair and impartial elections they expect and deserve,” Saunders said.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

SCORING A NEW TABLE

KLS GETS A NEW SCREEN THANKS TO FIRST STATE BANK

Manatee artwork from local artists. HFHUK/Contributed

HABITAT HOLDS ‘MANATEE MADNESS’ AUCTION ARTWORK RAISES DOLLARS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Get ready for a celebration of creativity and community spirit as Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys presents “Manatee Madness.”

This online auction raises funds to build affordable housing and features manatee statues and mailboxes designed by local artists and organizations including Finders Keepers Coconuts, Keef Paints, Ocean Studies Charter School, Pasta Pantaleo, Plantation Key School, Seaside Glassworks, Treasure Village Montessori, Tere Kelley, of Key Largo Art Gallery, and Valerie Perreault Studios.

Visit www.habitatupperkeys.org to bid on artworks beginning Monday,

Oct. 16 at 10 a.m and ending Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.

To kick off the event, the manatee artwork will be on display at City Hall Café, 88511 Overseas Highway, Tavernier on Tuesday, Oct. 17 from 6:30-8 p.m. and Morada Way Art Walk, 151 Morada Way, from 6 to 9 p.m.

All of the proceeds from “Manatee Madness” will go to the construction of affordable housing in the Upper Keys. By bringing art enthusiasts, local businesses and community members together, Habitat aims to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need.

— Contributed

Pictured are the KLS girls’ volleyball team with Ryan Smith, athletic director, First State Bank’s Laura Brown and Lori Bailey, and KLS principal Darren Pais. CONTRIBUTED

K

ey Largo School is expressing its thanks to First State Bank of the Keys for recently funding a new portable sports score table. It features a high-tech digital screen for displaying player videos, sponsorships, presentations and watching drills right on the court.

“We’ve had this advanced digital scoring table on our wish list for several years,” said Key Largo School principal Darren Pais. “And thanks to First State Bank, we now have it and can use it to enhance the wide range of sports we host in our gym.”

The sports display table is already being used at girls volleyball games and will be used for sports throughout the year.

“This table really adds to the game experience for both the student players and their family and friends who come to watch,” said Ryan Smith, KLS athletic director. “The operating systems offer so many options that the kids are excited about. It’s also a great way for us to communicate with fans in the stands during games.”

First State Bank of the Florida Keys said it’s always happy to support the Keys community and local students. First State Bank’s Laura Brown and Lori Bailey presented the table to KLS. — Contributed

Houston, We have a Rocket Air Problem.

• Big corporations are buying up local familyowned Keys businesses and bussing their employees in from the mainland • Rex Air is a local family-owned business that provides local affordable housing for its employees Rex Houston, Owner

87805 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada State License RA13067300 | County License AC427A

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

NOTICE

SAM STEELE, MONROE COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR, ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE 2023 PROPERTY TAX ROLL. BOTH REAL PROPERTY AND TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES ARE PAYABLE.

WE COULD GO ALL TECHNICAL, BUT...

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay online through the Tax Collector’s secure and convenient website, MonroeTaxCollector.com.

Online payments made using your bank account (e-check) are FREE and no additional fees are charged.

Early payment discounts are available as follows: 4% if paid in November 3% if paid in December 2% if paid in January 1% if paid in February No discount is available if paid in March. As of April 1, 2024, the 2023 taxes become delinquent, and any payment must be made in certified funds. If payment is not received by May 31, 2024, a tax certificate will be sold no later than June 1, 2024.

Ownership and current address information are received and certified by the Monroe County Property Appraiser. If you do not receive your tax bill within two weeks, or need additional information regarding property taxes, please call our office at 305-295-5044.

SAM C. STEELE, CFC CONSTITUTIONAL TAX COLLECTOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

SPEAK HER NAME MONROE COUNTY HAS HIGH NUMBERS

OF DOMESTIC ABUSE OFFENSES WHILE VICTIMS CONTINUE TO SUFFER CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

D

aniella Marie Blackburn.

It’s important to “speak her name,” Sheryl Schwab, the CEO of Marathon’s Domestic Abuse Shelter, told Keys Weekly.

And no, it’s not Daniela with one “l.” The misspelling was in Monroe County’s arrest warrant for her alleged murderer, who was charged with shooting her in the head on July 14, 2022.

Blackburn was a bartender and artist who lived on Big Pine Key. On her Instagram page — which has the tagline “Being Weird Since 83” — the 38-year-old posted pictures of herself doing backbends on the beach and posing with flowers in her hair. She wrote about missing her family and going “through a lot of drama this year.”

But now Blackburn is a grim statistic in the overwhelming amount of domestic violence offenses in Monroe County — a number that is “significantly higher” than the rest of the state.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Schwab wants to bring attention to Blackburn and other victims like her. She is not just an uncomfortable statistic.

“She was a person who had a name,” Schwab said. “She was doing what she needed to do. She was in the shelter. She had gone to the state attorney’s office. She had gotten a no-contact order. And her perpetrator was stalking and following her. He kidnapped her, took her to a storage unit in Marathon and killed her.”

The domestic violence offense numbers in Monroe County are “statistically significantly higher than (the rest

of) the state since 2013,” said Alison Kerr, a director for the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County.

“In 2022, the rate per 100,000 of domestic violence offenses in Monroe County was 497.9, compared to Florida at 305,” a state survey reported. “There are less domestic violence offenses in about three quarters of the counties.”

Sheriff Rick Ramsay said he was not surprised at all by the high numbers over the past decade — and it’s probably much more than we think, due to unreported incidents.

“I’ve been doing this for 36 years.

We see a high number of domestic violence cases every year,” Ramsay said. “A couple months ago in the Upper Keys, we responded to a call where the male threw a knife at the female, and it went through her foot. It was a very violent situation. There was blood all around — a chaotic situation with yelling and screaming.”

As for why the numbers are so high in the Keys specifically, he said domestic violence is everywhere, with alcohol abuse, anger management and mental illness being triggering factors.

According to a CDC survey, nearly 3 in 10 women and 1 in 10 men in the country “have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner.” And as family members, children and animals are affected as well.

Ramsay said the victims themselves make prosecuting the offenders difficult. In Blackburn’s case, according to county records, police had responded to other incidents involving her and her abuser. But she had “stated she did

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Daniella Blackburn was a bartender and artist who was killed in Marathon on July 14, 2022; Monroe County has charged her significant other for the murder. Blackburn’s death is just one in a high number of domestic violence offenses in Monroe County.

CONTRIBUTED

not wish to pursue charges … because ‘he has a beautiful side to him.’”

Her statement was in spite of the fact that he had once used “both of his hands to grab her by the hair and drag (her) off of the couch and onto the floor.”

“People start on good behavior, then they get deep in with a child and can’t financially (leave),” said Ramsay about victims who stay in abusive relationships.

Schwab expressed frustration at the lack of prosecution by law enforcement.

“In my opinion, all cases that should be prosecuted are not,” she said, explaining that responding officers see evidence of the victim’s struggle, and yet nothing is done about it.

Schwab said that for the man who allegedly shot Blackburn, “many hearings have been set and they keep getting continued. He can afford a lawyer — he’s avoiding jail time.”

She would like to see more prevention outreach done within the county — for example, with events at schools — but the shelter only has the funding for “half” of an employee to devote to such programming.

Besides, she said, her focus is on rebuilding the Middle Keys shelter. It was destroyed during Hurricane Irma.

The Domestic Abuse Shelter in the Middle Keys, seen here in a photo from 2022, is still in need of funds to rebuild after Hurricane Irma in 2017; the shelter offers safety for the high numbers of abuse survivors in Monroe County. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

“We’re trying desperately to rebuild — we’re $5 million away. That’s seven years down the road. We only have 15 beds now, and we keep them full.”

Anyone suffering from any form of domestic violence or in need of confidential support is encouraged to call the shelter’s 24-hour hotline at 305-743-4440.

For those who would like to make a donation to or volunteer for the shelter, call 305-743-5452 or go to domesticabuseshelter.org.

14

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

‘ALWAYS IN THE WATER’

LECTURE SERIES WELCOMES AQUANAUT IAN KOBLICK

SHINING BRIGHT AT NIGHT

T

A NEW LIGHT BRINGS A RENEWED FOCUS TO ICONIC ISLAMORADA LIGHTHOUSE A light shines in the lantern room of Alligator Reef Lighthouse on Oct. 6. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

A

150-year-old lighthouse that has been extinguished for a decade is shining again at night in the Florida Keys.

Organizers of an Islamorada community group that took title to the lighthouse in late 2021 installed solar-powered lights in the lantern room to remind the public of a nearly $6 million project that is underway to restore and preserve the aging structure.

“Alligator Lighthouse was lit in 1873 and it stayed lit until about 2013, and then it went dark for 10 years,” said Rob Dixon, executive director of Save Alligator Lighthouse.

“And now our Statue of Liberty is lit once again.

“We lit Alligator Lighthouse up so the whole community could be focused, even at nighttime,” Dixon said.

Alligator Reef Lighthouse is named after the USS Alligator, a U.S. Navy schooner that ran aground on the reef and sank in 1822.

The lighthouse and five other aging lighthouses off the Keys were important maritime navigational aids

that helped warn ships away from the Keys’ barrier coral reef. But modern-day satellite navigation made open-water lighthouses off the Keys obsolete and the structures now fall under the auspices of the General Services Association for disposal.

A detailed engineering study of Alligator Lighthouse was completed to determine what is required to stabilize the structure after many years of being subjected to highly corrosive conditions.

“To save Alligator Lighthouse, the engineering study says it’s going to be a 6-year, $5-to-6-million project, so we need to raise funds,” said Dixon. “We’ve got a great community behind us; we’ve got a lot of support — there’s nobody in this community that doesn’t want to help our project.”

Dixon said fundraising is well underway with about $500,000 already raised that includes $215,000 from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.

— Contributed

Alligator Reef Lighthouse is bathed in light after sitting in the dark for 10 years.

he History of Diving Museum’s (HDM) “Immerse Yourself” lecture series welcomes author, aquanaut and explorer Ian Koblick for an “Always an Adventure Ian Koblick. CONTRIBunder the Water” UTED presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

Koblick will take attendees through the world of underwater archaeology, habitats and more. His oceanographic career has spanned the last half century. From treasure diver to one of America’s first aquanauts, Koblick broke barriers in saturation diving, including designing underwater habitats.

In 2005, he formed the Aurora Trust Foundation, an organization focused on nautical archaeology and the discovery of sunken ships primarily located in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas.

Koblick will speak on his adventures in diving before there were rules, the people he has dived with along the way and his connection to sea and space.

Come early to view the museum’s exhibits, including the featured exhibit “Aquanauts to Astronauts.” The last exhibit admission ticket will be sold at 6:15 p.m. People can also purchase a signed copy of Koblick’s new book, “The Koblick Chronicles” in the museum gift shop.

Those interested in attending the lecture in-person may reserve a seat by calling the museum at 305-664-9737 or emailing programs@divingmuseum. org. For those unable to attend inperson, visit DivingMuseum.org for a virtual Zoom link. This session will also be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel.

The History of Diving Museum would like to thank this month’s Immerse Yourself sponsor: HDM member Kurt Tidd, retired U.S. Navy admiral.

— Contributed

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

PANCAKES SUPPORT PUPS

WITCHES RIDE ENTERS ITS 10TH YEAR

DON’T BE ANTISOCIAL OVERSEAS MEDIA GROUP PRESENTS SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES

Thirty people attend the recent social media marketing seminar presented by Overseas Media Group for the Marathon Chamber of Commerce. CONTRIBUTED

Riders depart from the Catch en route to Caribbean Club in Key Largo during the Witches Ride in 2022. ZACK WOLTANSKI/Keys Weekly File Photo

H

i friends!

Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I am writing this on Oct. 8; you know reporters like myself have REEF THE FOX deadlines and all, so our award-winning journalists make it Reef is a red fox to print on time. that was saved from a fur farm.

By the time this He now lives in paper hits newsKey Largo with stands, the top his human, Nicole three in each catNavarro. egory for the Best of Upper Keys will have been announced.

I can hardly contain my excitement to see all of the amazing nominees.

So you’re aware, nominations for the Best of Upper Keys ended Oct. 8, and finalist voting begins at noon on Thursday, Oct. 12. There are 65 categories up for grabs this year, so visit keysweekly.com and click on the top banner to vote for your favorites in the food and drink, business and community categories. An awards ceremony is set for Saturday, Nov. 11 at Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina.

It’s been a while since I’ve listed events around town in the Upper Keys so let’s go ahead and do that, shall we?

On Sunday, Oct. 15, MarrVelous Pet Rescue will host a “Pancake for Paws” fundraiser at Sharkey’s in Key Largo from 8 to 11 a.m. Bring the family, friends and furry ones too. It is $20 per person and includes pancakes, eggs, biscuit, gravy, bacon, potatoes

and fruit. Proceeds will benefit the pups of MarrVelous. Buy tickets in advance at mprescues.org or at Sharkey’s on the day of the event.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the 10th annual Key Largo Witches Ride takes off at 1 p.m. at The Catch Restaurant in Key Largo. Registration is a $25 donation (register at The Catch or at Caribbean Club on the day of the event).

Make sure to get creative and decorate your bikes and brooms and throw on your best witch’s dress. There will be a costume and bike contest. After the party at The Catch, participants will take flight and travel by broom, bike, golf cart or car to the Caribbean Club for a big bash in the backyard, featuring live music by Abstract Radio.

Caribbean Club’s outside tiki bar will serve up spooky specialty cocktails.

Food will be available at The Catch and Caribbean Club. Expect lots of other fun surprises along the way: Jell-O shots, raffles, a silent auction, and much more. All money raised is donated to the Joey Patterson Memorial Scholarship Fund and local families in need.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. I am positive I will have plenty to report on next week as we get down to business supporting all of our favorite local Best of Upper Keys finalists, and I will also have an update on Jasper fox as his amputation surgery will have taken place.

Stay up to date with all things fox on our website, pawsitivebeginnings. org.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

T

he digital marketing experts at Overseas Media Group (OMG) recently shared tips and tools with the Marathon business community, empowering entrepreneurs with cutting-edge strategies. Organized by the Marathon Chamber of Commerce, the event took place at the Marathon branch of the library and drew a sold-out crowd of 30 people.

If your organization seeks a tailored presentation in the Florida Keys, contact the OMG team at omg@overseasmediagroup.com for a private consultation that promises to elevate your marketing game.

— Contributed

SAVE THE DATE Thursday, Oct. 12 • Islamorada council meets at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Visit islamorada.fl.us for the agenda.

Friday, Oct. 13 • “Drawing FUNdamentals,” class presented by Monica Bankowski from 2 to 4 p.m. at Key Largo library.

Saturday, Oct. 14 • Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna Luau at Dolphins Plus Bayside, Key Largo. Visit thegoodhealthclinic.org for more information.

• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Of the Florida Keys at 8 a.m. at Crane Point, Marathon.

• Program welcomes NASA ambassador to discuss solar eclipses followed by a viewing of the solar eclipse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Key Largo library.

• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at 6 p.m. at Florida Keys Brewing Co. Beer Garden. For more information, visit CACMiami.org.

Monday, Oct. 16 • Bereavement group gathering at 6 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church conference room.

For details, call Janet Gillow at 561-3965626.

Tuesday, Oct. 17 • Florida Keys National Marine

Sanctuary Advisory Council meeting at 9 a.m. at Marathon City Council Chambers. Agenda can be viewed at https:// floridakeys.noaa.gov/sac.

• Matecumbe Historical Trust hosts a free presentation on “What the heck is archaeology” at 6 p.m. at Islamorada library, 81830 Overseas Highway.

Wednesday, Oct. 18 • Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

Oct. 19-21 • REEF Fest 2023 in Key Largo.

Enjoy diving, a REEF open house and more. Visit reef.org to learn more.

Thursday, Oct. 19 Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.

Friday, Oct. 20 • Be Like Mike week holds a “Feed the Keys” event from 2 to 6 p.m. at Burton Memorial United Methodist Church, 93001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier.

Saturday, Oct. 21 • Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Founders Park, Islamorada.

21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023 LETTER TO THE EDITOR

RETIREMENT PARTY A BLAST FROM THE PAST Dear Editor, “Thank you” aren’t big enough words to express my gratefulness for all the people who helped make my retirement party so wonderful. It was a community event. What a blast from the past.

It was a fantastic family reunion with 39 years of memories with all the children and families who have passed through the red doors at St. James Children’s Center. Everyone reminisced, looking through photo albums from 1984 to present day. I am honored to have spent 39 years in the preschool.

SueEllen Bennett Retired director of St. James Children’s Center, Islamorada

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The team is focused on eliminating unwanted pests with friendly technicians and offering same day service, striving to treat each home like their own through a commitment to caring for the environment and the customers.

Key Largo resident and business owner Michael Brown said, "We know that when pests show up, you want the problem taken care of quickly and in a way that is safe for your family. We do that through safe, fast and effective services."

The company is family oriented as well as locally owned and operated.

Mitchell Pest Services covers from north Key Largo through Islamorada, with additional coverage in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. In addition to membership in the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, it has memberships with the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce, Florida Pest Management Association and National Pest Management Association.

L

ast week, a group of walkers trekked up the Florida Keys en route to Forks, Washington to support the country’s veterans and raising awareness of the battles they face upon returning home from combat.

WalkforVets was founded from Buddy Watch Walk in 2019 and is an established entity in Wood County, Texas. It began as founder John Ring’s passion to bring awareness to the issues that veterans face every day. The walk from the Keys to Forks is 4,150 miles. Pictured are veteran walkers, with Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Capt. David Dipre, a fellow FWC officer and Kim Dipre, of the American Legion Post 145 in Islamorada. Visit walkforvets.org or WalkforVets.org on Facebook to learn more. CONTRIBUTED

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

AVOCADOS COME TO NORTH AMERICA

DOCUMENTS SHOW MEXICAN FRUIT FIRST ARRIVED IN THE KEYS

P

ersea Americana is commonly called the avocado. Consumption of the ancient Mexican fruit dates back 10,000 years. The Aztecs called it ahuacatl, a name still used in some parts of Mexico.

Ahuacatl loosely transFLORIDA lates to testicle, which makes KEYS sense as the Aztecs considHISTORY ered it an aphrodisiac and WITH felt that eating it promoted BRAD fertility in both sexes. Also, BERTELLI avocados do have a bit of a sagging, ball-like shape.

An author, Once discovered by speaker, Florida Spanish conquistadors, the Keys historian and green fruit with the reptilian Honorary Conch.

His latest book, skin became a favorite. They “Florida Keys shared it, introduced it to History with Brad new arrivals, and, by 1521, Bertelli, Volume had introduced it into Cen1,” shares fascitral Mexico and Colombia, at nating glimpses into the rich and the crown of South America. sometimes surThe buttery, yummy Persea prising histories of Americana was also brought the Florida Keys. back to the Old World, where European palates shared and celebrated it.

In the late 16th century, an English merchant named Hawkes traveled to the New World. In 1589, portions of his story were documented, including the observation that he used the word “alvacata” to identify the famous Mexican fruit. In 1696, the naturalist Sir Hans Sloane published a catalog of Jamaican plants that identified this particular fruitbearing tree in his publication as: “The Avocado or Alligator-Pear Tree. It grows in gardens and fields throughout Jamaica.”

The Florida Keys have an interesting history with the avocado. In those days, the trees were referred to as alligator pears — a name based not on the origin story, but a reference to the

color and texture of its skin. How does the alligator pear fit into Florida Keys’ history? Well, according to many stories about its history, including some earlier work I shared, Dr. Henry Perrine is credited with introducing the fruit to North America in the 1830s.

The story of Perrine and the alligator pear began in 1827 when he entered his 10-year post as a U.S. consul stationed on the Yucatan Peninsula. The primary responsibility of the medical doctor, who had a lifelong interest in the curative properties of botanicals, while he was stationed at Tabasco, Mexico, was checking cargo being imported from or exported to the United States. President John Quincy Adams sent a letter to each of the newly appointed consuls requesting they document any plants that might benefit the United States. Perrine was the one in 100 who took the directive seriously.

Not only did Perrine compile copious notes about the local flora, but he also noted seasonal weather patterns. He also shipped seeds and samples to horticulturally-minded friends in America, including the Florida Territory’s John Dubose and Charles Howe. Dubose, the lighthouse keeper at Key Biscayne’s Cape Florida Lighthouse, was sent more than 100 boxes of botanical samples.

As he had done with Dubose at Cape Florida, Perrine sent crates of botanicals to Charles Howe at Indian Key. He is credited with shipping some 72 species of plants to the United States. Two of the botanicals on that list are Citrus aurantiifolia, commonly called the Key lime, and Persea Americana, the avocado or alligator pear. Perhaps because of the copious notes about each plant he shipped, it has been assumed that he was the first to do it, as Perrine is often credited with introducing both species to American soil.

Last week, I was contacted by a writer in California working on a book about the history of the avocado. He asked about the credit often given to Perrine for introducing it to the U.S. in

the 1830s. It did not take long to find documentation of the presence of avocados in Florida and the Keys predating Perrine’s time as a U.S. consul.

As has been the case with previous research, the observations of Dr. Benjamin Strobel proved illuminating. Strobel graduated from the Medical College of South Carolina in 1826.

Having heard that there was a need for medical professionals in Key West, he arrived on the island in the late summer days of 1828.

Strobel’s voyage to the West Indies, to Key West, began on Sept. 5, 1828, when the doctor boarded the schooner Jane.

In addition to being a physician, Strobel was a writer who documented his trip from Charleston to Key West. When stopping at Indian Key, Strobel wrote about a dance party held on the island. Also, he remarked about several fruit trees and bushes growing on the island, including the lime, mulberry, lemons, papayas, flowering shrubs, and alligator pears. 1828 clearly predates the time when Perrine began sending botanical samples to the U.S. And then there is an excerpt from the Account of East Florida, published by Dr. Stork, London, 1766, which definitively places Persea Americana in what is today the Sunshine State before Perrine was born. “The tenderest plants of the West Indies, such as the plantain, the alligator pear tree, the banana, the pine apple, or ananas, the sugar-cane & c. remain unhurt during the winter, in the gardens of St. Augustine.”

While the avocado was one of the 72 species of plants Perrine sent to the U.S. in the 1830s, he had not been the first to do so.

Why, then, do so many sources attribute him as being the first? It is a classic parroting case that I have been guilty of in the past. A piece of information is shared over and over until it is presumed to be the truth. In the case of the avocado, or my preferred name for it, the alligator pear, the Spanish introduced it to the Old World, and, more than likely, the Spanish introduced it to what became American soil.

The alligator pear. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IFAS/Contributed

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

A traditional folk and acoustic band that focuses on performing one of the earliest styles of Cuban country music known as Son (pronounced sown), Cortadito’s sound can best be described as reminiscent of the famed Buena Vista Social Club. CONTRIBUTED

MUSIC IN THE BEER GARDEN CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

C

ommunity Arts and Culture is launching a new program in the Upper Keys to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, Cortadito — Miami’s answer to the Buena Vista Social Club — and DJ Le Spam with his VW Bus will wrap the month-long celebration with an evening of live and selected music at Florida Keys Brewing Company’s beer garden, located at 81611 Old Highway in Islamorada. All ages are welcome — no cover — with the music beginning at 6 p.m.

“We are excited to add this new program to our roster of events in Islamorada,” said Jose Elias, CAC founder and executive director. “We appreciate the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and the Florida Keys Brewing Company, without whom this celebration would not be possible.” Elias is also Cortadito’s co-founder, vocalist, tres player and bandleader.

Since forming more than 11 years

ago, Cortadito has focused on traditional folk and acoustic performances of the Cuban country music style known as Son (pronounced sown).

Through their many interpretations of traditional and original songs, this ensemble leads audiences through an audio experience referred to as the “Guajiro Triangle,” which alludes to the three cities of Miami, Havana and Santiago, representing the group’s origins and revealing its musical influences.

The band is recording its first fulllength release, due out in May 2024.

DJ Le Spam, founder of the Spam Allstars, is known for his eclectic vinyl collection. Born in Montreal and raised in London and Bogota, he was exposed to a variety of music and cultures from an early age. He specializes in rare and hard-to-find music, and his expansive collection includes Latin, funk, Miami bass, Haitian, jazz and more. He began digging for records as he toured the world while playing guitar in Capitol recording artist Nil Lara’s

band, and continued adding when he formed and toured extensively with his own band. Spam will roll up in a VW bus customized for a self-contained DJ experience.

FKBC is the Upper Keys’ first microbrewery, located in the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. There is always a selection of locally brewed beers, as well as a rotating list of seasonal and barrel aged beers on draft.

The tasting room is decorated with thousands of bottle caps from breweries all over North America and Europe, as well as art by locals. The brewery is just down the street on Morada Way. The beer garden features live musical events. More details are at floridakeysbrewingco.com.

This event is made possible with the support of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and FKBC. More information is at CACMiami.org.

— Contributed

26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY OPENS OFFICE IN ISLAMORADA KARI ANN FONTE KNOWS HOW TO NAVIGATE COMPLEX LAWS MELINDA VAN FLEET

I

www.keysweekly.com

mmigration law is a hot topic, and an important one that affects many locals personally. Kari Ann Fonte, board certified immigration attorney with Fonte Friz-Garcia Immigration Firm, recently opened a second office in Islamorada. She sat down with Keys Weekly to share her experience, practice and essential information for the public.

We just opened this office in June. We’ve had our office in Miami, Coral Gables, as we’ve been practicing for 28 years. But we’ve always had clients up and down the Keys, so about four years ago, my husband and I built a home down here. Since we’re spending more time in the Keys, I thought it would be nice to have a space here.

How did you get into law, and what made you choose immigration? I was in debate and loved research and making arguments. I wanted to go to law school. I studied languages in high school — Spanish, French, Russian and German. Then, when I went into law school, I took an immigration law class, and it all just came together for me. I am fluent in Spanish, and a lot of clients want to speak in their native language.

I knew I wanted to do something that helped people on a personal level. And I saw how much immigration law really affects people’s lives in such a profound way. It was a way to bring in my language skills and learn about different cultures and different walks of life — it was a great fit for me.

Immigration law has a lot of

different areas. I was fortunate that right out of law school, I started with a fantastic mentor. She taught me every area as she practiced every area. That’s very rare because many people who practice immigration, for example, will only do asylum, business-related cases, or family-based cases, but I do all of it.

So, if I have someone who comes in and maybe they’re in a particular situation, I can assess all the different options that they might have. If we start down one track and something develops, good or bad, we can handle it still. We don’t have to say, “Oh, I don’t handle that type of case.

Let me refer you to somebody else.”

We can keep it in-house and help them through the entire process.

The most common cases are family immigration, marriage or citizenship, and removal (aka deportation). On the business side for investors — foreign talent visas can also be for pastors or music directors for churches. We also work with defense cases with a prior arrest, nothing grave, but we have to jump through hoops to keep them here. We do turn down cases if it’s fraud in the sense of the application that’s on the desk now and they are not being truthful.

We handle a lot of cases from Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba, but also clients from all over the world, such as Thailand and Kazakhstan. We meet in person in the courtroom or sometimes on Webex.

I really like the more complex matters as they’re like puzzles. I like the other cases, too, but I’ve always been a puzzle person. So, to me, finding those pieces and putting them all together is challenging. Then it’s rewarding when you get across the finish line, and you know that there are very few other lawyers who could have figured that maze out. It may be com-

Kari Ann Fonte, a board certified immigration attorney with Fonte Friz-Garcia Immigration Firm, recently opened an office in Islamorada.

plicated because of their immigration history, or an irregularity with a prior case, or medical condition; there are all kinds of things to consider.

I also like cases based on extraordinary ability. A case for immigration where they say, “Yes, this is the kind of person we wish to give permanent residence to.” How are they going to benefit the United States?

It is highly advised if you want a green card to get a lawyer. However, it’s not required. The system is complex, so to do it on your own, you are just asking for problems. I stay up to date by attending and speaking at conferences. I am also a part of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, where we get daily updates and learn what it means. Having the source of information is critical.

Do you see huge swings in the law when Congress changes parties?

Absolutely, in my 28 years of practice, I’ve never seen it so political as it is now. Unfortunately, immigration is being used as a hot topic or a speaking point, and it’s people’s lives. And it doesn’t matter what their political

Fonte Friz-Garcia Immigration Firm’s full staff includes six paralegals and law clerks. CONTRIBUTED

affiliation is; they’re human beings, have a family, contributing to their community, have a nice business here, and they’re employing people. It’s not what we like to think of our country being about.

There are also changes at the state level. Some state laws are already national laws, but some are causing confusion and an issue, especially in the way they are implemented and depending on the situation.

I am board-certified by the Florida Bar as an expert in immigration.

You need at least five years exclusively in immigration; you have to pass an exam and have recommendations. I am sharing this because there are only 79 lawyers who are board-certified in immigration, and my partner, Alexandra Friz-Garcia, just became certified as well. She is in the Miami office.

In addition to my partner, we have a full staff, including six paralegals and law clerks who help us and provide a lot of support. They are very specialized, share the mission, are all committed and have been with me for a long time. My receptionist, Irma Mendez, actually started with my former partner before I did 31 years ago; I always joke that she’s my boss.

I also joined the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce; everyone has been welcoming and helpful.

My biggest public service announcement is don’t use someone who is not an attorney. In Latin countries, to be a notary, you have to be a lawyer. So here, often people see “notarios,” and it implies they are an attorney, but they are not. People hire them, but it makes a big mess. It is a felony to practice law without a license.

We work hard to fix those cases, but sometimes it’s too late.

To connect with Fonte Friz-Garcia Immigration Firm call 305-446-1151 or www.visadoctors.com.

27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

DOES MONROE COUNTY NEED A ‘CHARTER’ GOVERNMENT? OFFICIALS SAY THE CHANGE WOULD BRING FUNDING TO RAISE, IMPROVE ROADS GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

M

onroe County Commissioners are taking steps to ask voters in November 2024 to adopt a charter county form of government, which is essentially creating a new Keyswide constitution.

The idea is in the early discussion stages, with nothing on paper yet. But some elected leaders say they already have reason to be wary.

Marathon Mayor Luis Gonzalez said he’s waiting to hear the pros and cons of how a charter county government would affect his city and hasn’t made up his mind. Still, he has one basic question.

“We incorporated 20 years ago for the purpose of standing alone, and is this a way of us losing some of our stand-alone power?”

Gonzalez said.

But the five members of the county commission say they’re not planning a power grab; rather, they’re searching for a way to pay for the Florida Keys’ widespread needs for transportation repairs, upkeep and raising roads in the low-lying areas that routinely flood with saltwater.

“Our bridges, our roads, all those things need attention,” County Attorney Bob Shillinger said, during a presentation at the commission’s Sept 20 meeting in Key Largo, after being directed to begin the work to draft a charter.

“Those things require money to deal with that,” Shillinger said, of transportation issues. “This is a potential funding source to help address those needs, the county charter transportation surtax.”

WHO WOULD PAY A ‘TRANSPORTATION TAX?’ The plan remains in an early discussion stage. The target date for the vote is the general election set for Nov. 5, 2024, which is also a presidential election.

All Monroe voters would have a say at the polls, just as those in municipalities can vote for county commission.

The transportation tax, limited to 1 percent, would likely add up to multiple millions a year that the Keys could count on

Monroe County has aging bridges and heavily traveled roads to maintain, so county leaders are looking into adopting a county charter that would allow then to add a transportation tax they say will be paid for largely by tourists. KEYS WEEKLY/File photo

for roads, county leaders say. Tourists would pay two-thirds of the tax, Shillinger said.

That math was verified during the 2020 tourism shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

“If someone has a better idea, we’re all ears,” Shillinger said.

No one presented another idea during the commission’s Sept. 20 meeting other than opposing the charter idea.

“It is doomed to failure, it will not pass,” said Patrick Foley of Islamorada. “The only purpose that I can see is primarily to raise taxes.

Commissioner David Rice, of Marathon, told Foley that tourists will pay most of it, rather than the county’s 80,000 residents.

“You want your roads fixed and your bridges fixed and things like that, you’ve gotta have money,” Rice told Foley. “We have some horribly expensive problems in this county.”

Foley stuck with his opinion, as he wore a yellow T-shirt with the words, “Fix the Road,” a reference to the longtime street flooding in Key Largo neighborhoods.

“Tourists may pay some part of it but you’re raising my taxes as well,” Foley said.

TOO EARLY TO CALL Monroe County commissioners directed Shillinger to change as little as possible in the charter draft ordinance. A charter could be written so that it trumps those in municipalities.

“You said, ‘Don’t do that,’” Shillinger said. “Don’t be surprised if you see the same system that we have now come out in the draft.”

In Florida, 20 counties have charters that give them the authority to act directly

from the state constitution and not indirectly through the legislative system currently in place in Monroe.

In 1957, the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter was adopted, “essentially becoming the ‘constitution’ for Miami-Dade County,” its website reads. Wakulla County, with a population of about 34,000, was the last county to go charter, in 2008.

A charter would have to be approved at the polls before any new tax could appear, so the transportation tax would require two votes: first, approval of the charter itself, and then a year later whether the tax is created.

“We’re not raising taxes; it goes to a referendum,” said County Mayor Craig Cates of Key West. “The citizens of Monroe County will make that decision, not us.”

As for political power, a charter wouldn’t allow the county to touch its five constitutional officers: clerk, sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector and supervisor of elections.

A charter would allow the number of commissioners to rise, Shillinger said. MiamiDade has 13 while Jacksonville and Duval County have 19.

“I don’t know how they get anything done,” Shillinger said. “I’m not recommending that at all. I like five.”

Leaders like Marathon Vice Mayor Robyn Still said they’re prepared to listen to the county’s full pitch, but it’s too early for her to make a call on the idea.

“Commissioners are saying that they would make no changes to the municipalities, but they’re not always going to be the commissioners,” Still told Keys Weekly.

“I’m willing to talk about it, but at this point I have serious concerns about how it would affect our city,” Still said.

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

FLORIDA KEYS EATS

LOSE THAT FROWNIE EAT A BROWNIE AT C&C

C

C&C Wood Fire Eats’ brownie with scoop of quality gelato and a hot espresso shot poured over top. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly

&C Wood Fire Eats has so many things up its sleeve other than pizza. We’ve spoken about their mouth-watering filet and my love for their Mothers’ Mushroom appetizer. But what if I told you they have one of the best brownies I’ve ever had in my life?

My hand was forced to write this article due to the absolute flood of messages on Instagram every time I post C&C’s brownie. It’s overwhelming. I never thought a couple impromptu brownie videos would take off. I first ordered the C&C brownie years ago because the name caught my attention, a “pistachio olive oil brownie.” I am a major fan of all olive oil desserts, so naturally I had to try this one. I never order brownies anywhere and neither does my family because everyone I know is absolutely in love with my fiancé Mark’s brownie recipe. C&C is the first to compare to his.

Let’s start with the basics: how I order it.

Upon informing your waiter you’d like the pistachio olive oil brownie they will ask, “Do you want that topped SAMANTHA with vanilla or DELLILO salted caramel gelato?” I always is a Keys native who has a passion for all pick salted carathings food. She runs mel. Now here’s where I take it a the local food blog, step further and “Florida Keys Eats.” also where many of you started messaging me online. I ask for an espresso shot. No, this isn’t to sip with my dessert but to make my brownie “affogato.”

The literal italian translation of affogato is drowned. It is also the real

name of a dessert more traditionally called affogato al caffe, which is a scoop of quality gelato with a hot espresso shot poured over the top.

I make a hybrid of the two with my brownie gelato affogato order. The brownie is served in a warm cast iron skillet with the perfect rounded gelato scoop perched on top. Simply grab your hot espresso and slowly “drown” your chocolate dessert by pouring it all over. The brownie almost immediately soaks up all the yumminess.

A few tips: If I were you, I’d share this dessert. C&C’s brownie doesn’t play, it is filling. Definitely one of the more fudgy, thick brownies out there.

Secondly, if you’re wrapping up dinner late, ask for your affogato espresso shot to be decaf or else feel free to take that 10 p.m. energy boost and go on a cleaning spree when you get home. Not that I did that or anything.

Go to C&C and try their brownie the Florida Keys Eats way.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

3

1

RELEASING THE GAS TWO TOOLS CAN HELP BLOATED REEF FISH

D

o I need a descending tool onboard when fishing from my vessel for reef fish in Florida? The answer is “yes.”

But the regulaSHELLY tions are a little KRUEGER different depending is the University upon where you are of Florida, IFAS fishing. In Atlantic Monroe County Ocean federal waExtension Florida ters (3-plus nautiSea Grant Agent.

Shelly is a marine cal miles offshore) biologist and all recreational, provides sciencecommercial and based education for-hire vessels are about coastal required to have a environments. working descending device on-board and readily available when fishing for reef fish. This requires a dedicated pole or handline with a minimum 16-ounce weight attached to a release tool, or a weighted container,

with at least 60 feet of line that is capable of returning fish back to a depth of at least 50 feet.

You have two choices in Gulf of Mexico federal waters (9-plus nautical miles offshore) or Florida state waters on either side of the Keys: Either a descending device as described above or a venting tool must be on-board and readily available. Note that knives and ice picks are not legal venting tools and do more harm than good. Reef fishing species are the snappers, groupers, grunts, jacks, porgies, seabass, spadefish, hogfish, triggerfish and tilefish.

These are fish that live at or near the bottom.

A descending tool is either a weighted device with a hook or grip that is attached to the fish lip or gill cover to return a bloated fish to at least 50 feet of water. A venting tool is a hollow needle that is inserted into the swim bladder at a 45-degree angle just behind the pectoral fins. Both are effective means to release the gasses

2 trapped inside the swim bladder to return living fish back to the bottom.

Barotrauma in fish is similar to decompression sickness (aka “the bends”) that scuba divers can get if they ascend too quickly without decompressing prior to surfacing. The dissolved gasses in the body come out of the blood and accumulate in organs and tissues.

When a fish is reeled in from depths starting around 50 feet, the gasses in the swim bladder expand too quickly and may cause the stomach to protrude out of the mouth, bulging pop-eyes, and bloated or bulging intestines. Descending devices use a weight to return the fish to depth, which recompresses the expanded gas and reverses these impacts. A venting tool is inserted into the swim bladder to remove the gas.

While it is a legal requirement to have descending tools on-board your boat, only use these tools if the fish are showing the signs of barotrauma.

Florida Sea Grant offers free online modules and videos that explain what you need and how to use them.

“Return ’Em Right” is quick and easy; in less than 20 minutes on your phone or computer you can learn the legal requirements and receive a free descending device in the mail.

The Florida Friendly Angler is another course that takes about an hourand-a-half, and you can also receive free tools that satisfy the legal requirements upon completion. Since more than 60% of fish caught by anglers are released, it is very important these fish survive to catch again when larger or in season.

Fisheries research conducted in collaboration with anglers shows that using descending tools increases fish survival. Another advantage is that returning fish back to the bottom (or at least halfway back down) reduces predation. Fish struggling or floating at the surface are easy prey for birds, dolphins, barracuda and sharks as they try to swim down to deeper water.

For more information, visit returnemright.org and flseagrant.org/fisheries/florida-friendly-angler-certificationprogram.

1. A grouper with popped eyes. This happens when fish are quickly reeled in from depths of 50 feet, causing their eyes to bulge. NICK HADDAD/Contributed. 2. A snapper on a descending device. 3. A venting tool is inserted into the swim bladder to remove the gas.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / OCTOBER 12, 2023

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