Upper Keys Weekly 23-1214

‘We get one day a year to prove we’re not screw-ups and what do we do? We screw it up.’ — Howard Langston

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December 14, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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AAA projects a record-setting 6.6 million Floridians will travel 50 miles or more during the upcoming year-end holiday travel period, from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1. “Despite various inflationary pressures, Americans are still willing to budget for travel,” said AAA’s Debbie Haas.

Coast Guard members Jessica Miller and Miguel Ortiz toss lines during a tow training exercise at Station Islamorada.

CONTRIBUTED

HIGH-SPEED CHASE ZOOMS PAST ISLAMORADA MARATHON RUNNERS Troopers tried to pull over motorist in Lower Keys JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

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unners in last Sunday’s annual Islamorada 10k and half marathon set out from La Siesta Resort & Villas on a scenic course, witnessing picturesque views of a sunrise over the Keys waters. But they also served as witness to a tense few moments when a vehicle with blown-out tires screamed up U.S. 1 with law enforcement roaring right behind.

A wild car chase spanning 44 miles and roughly an hour ended only after the vehicle crashed not far from the race course.

Runners took their mark in Islamorada at 7 a.m. as they trekked south to Lower Matecumbe and back to La Siesta. By 8 a.m., Florida Highway Troopers were alerted when Corporal Ray Estavillo saw a gray Chevy Suburban traveling north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 1 at high speed at MM 36 on Big Pine Key. The vehicle traveled past Estavillo, who did a U-turn to begin pursuit alongside another trooper.

According to an arrest affidavit, the motorist, later identified as 42-year-old Courtney Epps, was traveling at 110 mph as she continued up the Keys.

Epps continued onto the Seven Mile Bridge and into Marathon as troopers say she reached speeds between 90 mph and 120 mph. Troopers say Epps drove northbound in the southbound lane at MM 54 at about 100 mph.

Troopers received some assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which set spike strips at MM 60. The attempt was unsuccessful, however, as Epps continued north to Islamorada in “the same aggressively reckless manner,” according to the arrest report. Sheriff’s deputies placed

Islamorada 10k and half marathon participants run along Indian Key Fill on Dec. 10.

DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

more spikes, this time at the north end of Channel 5 Bridge at MM 71.

Three tires popped as Epps traveled over the spikes, but she continued on and approached marathon runners.

The three spiked tires began to fall off one-by-one as Epps continued at high rates of speed past the runners.

Eli Bailin, race director, said he received a call from Capt. Derek Paul about the chase that was unfolding in Marathon. Bailin said he quickly communicated with race officials and those handing out water on the course. Not 10 minutes later, the chase flew past runners.

“It could have been an absolute disaster, but now because of what happened there’s an unbelievable story for runners to tell,” he said.

Eventually, the vehicle lost control and left the road onto the southbound shoulder of U.S. 1 into a Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority construction site at MM 80. Epps’ vehicle struck a barrier and continued until it struck a tree and construction material and came to rest. Epps was then arrested.

Epps, of South Carolina, was examined at Mariners Hospital, where

Courtney Epps.

MCSO/Contributed

troopers say she was singing gospel songs loudly. She was then transported to the sheriff’s substation on Plantation Key where she was given a standardized field sobriety test. Epps reportedly declined a urine test and refused to complete the field sobriety test and examination by a drug recognition expert. She was then transported to the Plantation Key Detention Center.

Epps is facing a felony count of fleeing and eluding law enforcement.

She also faces charges of reckless driving, driving under the influence and three counts of aggressive DUI property damage.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

COUNTY COMMISSION GOVERNOR RELEASES PROPOSAL TO TALK HURRICANE BUDGET Funds in for Keys’ EVACUATION environment but money lacking Publix project pushed yet again GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

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he Florida Keys’ hurricane evacuation plan, which dictates the rate and amount of new development allowed across the island chain, remains a hot-button issue for the Monroe County commissioners.

The BOCC met at 9 a.m. Dec. 13 in Key Largo with an update on the state’s evacuation models on the agenda. (See keysweekly.com for a complete report from the meeting.)

In November, FloridaCommerce, a state agency formerly called the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), released draft results of newly proposed Keys hurricane evacuation models.

In online presentations, state administrators presented multiple scenarios for evacuation, with future building permit allocations ranging from zero to up to 7,954 additional units — if the hurricane evacuation time is changed.

County Mayor Holly Raschein, of Key Largo, who called hurricane evacuation a personal choice, said concerns about public safety and the rate of new building permits are both on the table for the BOCC. “We’re dealing with opposite ends of the spectrum,” Raschein told the Keys Weekly. “The development world wants to develop.”

Evacuation clearance times set the basis for new development in the Keys, where building permits are slowed and controlled by a system meant to protect the environment and allow for residents and visitors to safely leave the Keys in advance of an approaching hurricane.

“Updated data may determine whether additional residential units will be authorized by the State of Florida beyond the existing allocation,” states a staff report to the BOCC. “The only reasonable (clearance time plan) includes Key West residents, and evacuates mobile home residents in Phase 1 (the early phase) of the evacuation.”

In 2013, the state approved 3,550 building permits to distribute over a 10-year period, which ends in 2023.

The 2024 Florida Legislature session starts Jan. 9.

New Publix, housing for employees on table The BOCC voted 3-2 on Dec. 13 to push the proposed Publix project in Tavernier to a future meeting. It’s a giant project for the small community.

A proposed ordinance would allow for a building much larger than what’s currently allowed on the property at mile marker 92.5, oceanside.

An application sent to the county planning department in November states that the creation of a “Tavernier Key Overlay District” would allow for up to 49,990 square feet of nonresidential space. Developers now want to build a 49,340-square-foot supermarket and liquor store, plus 86 workforce housing units.

“The project is not necessarily bringing in more people,” Raschein said. “It’s the same people that are here. We’re not building a hotel or vacation rental condos. The Publix will be utilized by locals and obviously tourists.”

Current regulations allow up to 10,000 square feet of nonresidential space per structure on the property at MM 92.5, which is owned by Singletary Concrete Products and Cemex Construction Materials Florida LLC. The sale of the land to Blackstone Group depends on approval from commissioners for an overlay and then another approval from the county planning commission.

Also on Dec. 13, commissioners were expected to vote on whether to buy a 28-unit housing development in Key Largo for $11.5 million to provide employee housing.

The project, called South Cliff Estates, is at MM 96 on the oceanside.

“The developer is willing to consider a payment plan over a period of six years,” according to a staff report that recommends approval.

“We don’t want to lose this opportunity,” Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, of Marathon, said. “We all preach the necessity of workforce housing and we know we need it for our own employees. We need to practice what we preach.”

for resilience JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

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lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis stepped away from the presidential campaign trail and sent a $114.4 billion spending proposal to leaders in the House and Senate on Dec. 5.

In the governor’s budget plan were funds for a Florida Keys program designed to help improve the island chain’s nearshore water quality and protect natural resources enjoyed by locals and millions of visitors. A total of $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act within DeSantis’ spending plan is seen by state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez as an encouraging start as legislators prepare for discussions and debate in 2024. A 60-day session in Tallahassee begins Jan. 9.

“That funding is critical for continuing to protect the Florida Keys’ delicate ecosystem and water quality,” Rodriguez told the Keys Weekly.

State legislators began funding the Florida Keys Stewardship Act in 2016. Since then, some $90 million funneled into the program has supported projects from Key West to Key Largo. Funding steadily rose for water quality projects, from $5 million in 2018 to the full $20 million request in 2021. DeSantis vetoed $10 million before signing the 2020-21 spending plan due to budget concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Keys have received $20 million for water quality projects for the last three years. Lisa Tennyson, Monroe County legislative affairs director, hopes that trend continues as legislators prepare the next budget. “(It’s) always an excellent first step to be included in the governor’s budget,” said Tennyson, adding that funds were also included for a vessel pump out program in the county.

In addition to the Stewardship Act, DeSantis’ budget invests $1.1 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality. A total of $64 million in the governor’s proposal aims to reduce harmful discharges and send more clean water south of

Gov. Ron DeSantis during his State of the State address last March. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

the Everglades and into Florida Bay. DeSantis also included $550 million for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which aims to restore, preserve and protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing water supply needs and flood protection.

Tennyson was particularly disappointed in the governor’s recommended $100 million for resilience infrastructure. She said the Department of Environmental Protection issued its 2024-2025 list that ranked 198 resilience projects across the state.

“An allocation of $100 million will fund only the first 16 projects on the list,” she said. “He’s proposing a billion dollars in ticky-tack tax breaks.

Why not divert that funding for resilience/flooding infrastructure?”

DeSantis’ budget is roughly $2.7 billion less than the $117.1 billion budget approved by the legislature for the current 2023-24 fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2024. Legislators convening for session next month will face decisions over priorities across the state and specifically how much funds will be expended for programs and projects ranging from infrastructure and education to the environment.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to craft a budget that focuses on improving the lives of our constituents and keeps our ever-growing state on an upward trajectory,” Rodriguez said.

DeSantis’ budget also included a little more than $10.7 million in operating funds for the College of the Florida Keys.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

AT THE END OF THE GOLDEN ROAD Matt and Grace Grooms complete

3,000-mile walk from Maine to Key West ALEX RICKERT

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Curious about Matt and Grace’s journey? Learn more and donate to Elevate Youth at theggoldenroad.org.

alex@keysweekly.com

even and a half months ago, Matt and Grace Grooms touched their feet to the ground in Calais, Maine. On Monday, those same feet reached Key West’s Southernmost Point Buoy, completing a journey of more than 3,000 miles down the East Coast Greenway.

No cars. No bikes. Just walking.

For the couple and their two fourlegged companions, Nemo and Foxy, however, the journey that began April 20 wasn’t even the first time they’d walked across the country. While COVID-19 ravaged the U.S. in 2020, Matt and Grace were treading a west-to-east path from Huntington Beach, California to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Apart from an epic achievement that stands on its own, their second “Walk Across America” is all about raising funds for Elevate Youth, a Boston nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved kids to explore the outdoors with mentors. With a goal of raising $100,000, the Grooms’ efforts were rewarded in full as they reached their mark on Dec. 9, just two days before making their final trek. By Dec. 12, their total sat just north of $105,000, with donations still rolling in.

The Keys Weekly was fortunate enough to catch up with Matt and Grace for lunch – and a few steps – as they stopped at Marathon’s Irie Island Eats on Dec. 7. We can assure our readers – with this pair, what you see on social media is truly what you get, as we were inspired by their energy and warmth on the final leg of a journey that would leave most utterly exhausted. Here’s what we learned:

Why Elevate Youth?

M&G: We liked them because it’s not just like picking the kids up one time for a summer camp. A lot of the kids have been there two or three years, and you can really tell. We wanted to help a nonprofit that helps kids get outdoors, because the outdoors is so important to us.

You’ve already walked across America once. Why do it again?

M&G: When we did the first walk, it was for the nonprofit Time in a Bottle. Then our social media took off, so we decided, okay, we want to keep going on adventures, but also help out different small nonprofits. We weren’t planning on doing a second walk, but we found out about the East Coast Greenway, and that was already mapped out.

How many miles per day are you averaging?

M&G: 15 to 20. Our longest day was 33 miles into New York City, and we typically take an off day every 100 miles to catch up on work and let the dogs rest.

We’re told the story of how you met is pretty cool. Tell us about it!

Matt: We met at our best friends’ wedding. I was the best man, and Grace was the maid of honor, but we were both dating other people. I knew right away that the girl I was with wasn’t meant for me, but she was coming to the wedding anyway. I thought Grace was pretty cool, but I wasn’t overstepping boundaries. I broke up

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Together with their dogs Nemo and Foxy, Matt and Grace Grooms completed their trek through the East Coast Greenway – a journey of more than 3,000 miles from Maine to Key West – as they touched the Southernmost Point Buoy on Monday after more than seven months of walking. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

with my girlfriend the day after the wedding, and I was praying to God, “Hey, give me a sign Grace is thinking about me.” The next day, she was like “I hope you made it home safe.”

I said, “Hey. I wrote you some letters and some poems, and I really need to come convince you that we’re meant to be together.” She broke up with her boyfriend and I flew to Iowa. We met in August 2019, and she moved to California with me in October.

Where did the idea for the first “Walk Across America” come from?

Matt: I read the book “To Shake the Sleeping Self” by Jedidiah Jenkins.

He talked about his parents, who had walked across America and National Geographic documented it. Before I was going to work one day at 7 in the morning, I was like, “Hey, would you want to walk across America?” Grace said, “Well, I’m gonna have to think about that.” I got home, and she had a whole notepad filled out with videos

and things she’d watched. We said “All right, let’s sell our stuff, and when our lease is up, let’s do it.”

There’s a big difference between being inspired, and actually going out and doing something like this walk. What is it about you two that pushed you to this?

M&G: We’re both kind of free-spirited, and if we decide we want to do something, we’re just doing it. We’re both like that individually, which made it easier.

Let’s talk about life on the road.

How do you decide where to sleep?

M&G: On our first walk, it was a lot more stealth camping, because it was much more rural. This time we’ve really relied on social media. Before the walk, we did a post saying “Would you let two strangers sleep in your backyard?” We got about 400 addresses down the East Coast.

Visit keysweekly.com for the full story

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

NATIONWIDE U.S. COAST GUARD RECRUITING SLUMP HITS HOME Station Islamorada to lose seven positions

U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada Class of 2023 stands on a USCG response boat. A nationwide recruiting shortage will affect local staffing in 2024. CONTRIBUTED

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

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s a wicked storm carved its way through the Upper Keys last month, U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada received a call for help.

It was around 8 p.m. and a boater in his 80s was in trouble. His sailboat was taking on water in Buttonwood Sound off Key Largo.

"It was scary. I'm not going to lie," recalled Coast Guard Seaman Miguel Ortiz.

Ortiz and three other crew members on duty the evening of Nov. 15 hopped onto a Coast Guard response boat and made their way to the bayside, navigating through the driving rain and wind gusts of 86 miles per hour.

"The visibility just started getting less and less, to the point we couldn't even see the bow," said Ortiz.

After crossing through Baker's cut in miserable conditions, the crew spotted the distressed sailboat.

The boat was listing and the mast was broken off. Ortiz pulled the elderly man from his damaged vessel.

The crew brought him to safety at the station.

"That's the best feeling that you ever get. It's not the money or anything else; it's being able to save somebody's life," said Ortiz.

Coast Guard Fireman Jessica Miller recalled the

satisfaction she felt last year while helping a group of migrants struggling at sea. Their makeshift raft was overloaded and taking on water.

"We rescued them from the water," said Miller, who is in an apprentice role in the engineering department. "That's something I remember very vividly.

We were able to help them. One woman said she couldn't swim."

Both Miller and Ortiz will leave Station Islamorada on Friday, Dec. 15 to head to what is called "A" school; it's a technical training school for enlisted Coast Guard personnel.

Ortiz will head to a 10-week maritime enforcement specialist program in Charleston, South Carolina. Originally from Puerto Rico, Ortiz decided to enlist a year-and-a-half ago and was sent to District 7's Islamorada Station.

"I think I've gotten a lot of experience and opportunities being down here," said the 24-year-old.

Miller enlisted in the Coast Guard when she was 26 years old. The Tampa native decided to sign up because, at the time, she was interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement and believed the Coast Guard would provide beneficial experience.

She describes her two years at Station Islamorada as "busy" and also rewarding.

"It's a really good opportunity to improve yourself and help others in the process," Miller said.

Miller will be heading to Petaluma, California for storekeeper "A" school where, among other things, she'll learn to track inventory, handle logistics and manage finances. Miller shifted to that specialty because it offers a schedule that will work well with her finishing her bachelor's degree in psychology. She later plans to pursue a master's degree.

While on active duty, the Coast Guard offers tuition assistance. Once her four-year service is complete, she leaves with a GI Bill that she can use to pay for her education.

"It's a pretty good gig; they pretty much pay for everything," Miller said.

It's a pretty good gig that a lot of young people are now deciding to pass on.

Nationwide, the U.S. Coast Guard has fallen short of recruiting goals for the last four years. Other military services are experiencing a similar recruitment decline. Because of this shortage, the Coast Guard has been forced to shift resources.

For Station Islamorada, it means that in fiscal year 2024, seven positions will remain unfilled until the USCG gets out of the recruiting hole.

"For us, those seven positions are our most junior members. That's the folks we get right out of boot camp; they come to the station in an apprenticeship role," said Matt James, Coast Guard Islamorada Station commanding officer and chief warrant officer (CWO). James said the reduction in manpower will not affect the station's readiness.

"So for the Islamorada community and for the folks that are our responsibility, you really won't see a change. It doesn't affect our readiness levels. It doesn't affect my manning levels as far as how I staff my duty sections. We'll still meet all of our mission requirements," James said.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

OPINION

RESTORATION BLUEPRINT IS VITAL TO CORAL REEFS AND OCEAN

Miguel Ortiz enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard a year-anda-half ago. He is heading to the Coast Guard's Maritime Enforcement Specialist Program on Friday, Dec. 15.

Jessica Miller enlisted with the U.S. Coast Guard two years ago. She says the Coast Guard has provided a great opportunity to improve her skills and help others in the process. Contributed photos

James has been with the Coast Guard for 29 years, taking command of Station Islamorada in 2021.

"It's a tough nut to crack," he said of the recruiting slump.

"With everyone who grows up here boating and fishing, their love of the water, living here in the Upper Keys, I have been surprised at how few seem to want to come through the front door and get paid to do this," said James.

Right now, the U.S. Coast Guard is offering extensive sign-on and retention bonuses. It also changed the maximum age to enlist from 35 to 42.

James acknowledged military service is not for everyone.

"Military service has certain demands on it that some folks aren't willing to take on right now," he said.

As Ortiz and Miller prepare to say goodbye to Islamorada and head to their next Coast Guard adventure, they fondly look back on their time spent on the water in the Florida Keys.

"It's not an easy job, but I don't regret anything," said Ortiz. "I feel like it's been a pretty good ride here so far and I'm excited to see what the rest of the Coast Guard is like," added Ortiz.

"The only thing I regret is maybe not joining earlier. I'm a little bit older for a non-rate," said Miller.

"They always call me Mama Miller. Maybe I should have joined earlier."

More information about a career in the U.S. Coast Guard is at gocoastguard.com. Those who are interested in joining the Coast Guard are also welcome to call Station Islamorada and schedule a tour.

A

s Mayor of Monroe County, my resolution for the new year is to make this the start of a new chapter for our reefs, and I’m asking you to join me in that commitment. We must embrace the forthcoming changes of the National Marine Sanctuary’s Restoration Blueprint, understand what those changes mean for our daily interactions and uses of our local waters, follow the new rules, and help educate others about why these changes are so significant. The ocean and coral reefs of the Florida Keys do so much for us, and now it’s critical we return the favor. We must all unite to make the Restoration Blueprint a success for the Florida Keys.

Monroe County residents and visitors readily welcome this winter season after a scorching summer, which culminated in a historic ocean heat wave. Widespread coral bleaching and, in some cases, coral mortality, was documented in shallow reefs and coral nurseries in the Keys.

While some fish fled to cooler depths, many foundational habitat-forming species like corals, sea sponges and seagrasses could not. While we could not immediately counteract the impact of this summer’s extraordinary warming, a herculean effort by many local nonprofits saved many corals by moving them to cooler, deeper areas or laboratory nurseries so we could rebuild depleted populations later. Innovative, science-based coral restoration has made incredible progress toward ecosystem recovery, but additional pieces to a larger management puzzle require long-term solutions.

From Monroe County constructing a billiondollar sewer system to investing millions of dollars in canal restoration, our community has made great strides and significant investments in improving water quality in the past two decades. Still, we can continue to push forward in these efforts. We must pursue bold action on climate change to protect our oceans in the next few decades. And we must manage our oceans, especially our federal marine sanctuaries and state aquatic preserves, to better withstand the factors contributing to their degradation. For the Florida Keys, this new Restoration Blueprint management plan is our guiding light for our reefs. Decades of marine science in Florida all point toward making marine life more likely to withstand the harmful effects of stressors like higher temperatures by reducing other pressures on sensitive ecosystems.

When we get sick during this time of year, we rest, reduce stress and behave healthfully. The same works for marine life. Our oceans benefit significantly from reducing fishing pressure, reducing the overuse of coral areas by even

well-meaning snorkelers and scuba divers, slowing boats down to reduce propeller scarring of seagrass beds, giving adequate space to wading birds that nest on mangrove islands, and restoring the normal balance of predators and prey in the water. Marine conservation science shows us that maritime zones with strong protections can reduce the pressure on ecosystems, which works hand-in-hand with restoration efforts focusing on resistance to and recovery from the ill effects of climate change and increasingly severe marine heat waves. Reducing pressure on ocean ecosystems means we can’t manage our marine sanctuaries like “business as usual;” we must change something to make marine life more sustainable. We all – anglers, divers, snorkelers, boaters, businesses and more – must work together to keep our ocean as healthy as possible.

Fortunately for Florida’s marine life, the proposed Restoration Blueprint allows us to change our behavior thoughtfully to create more sustainable oceans. The current zoning and management plan for the Sanctuary dates to the 1990s when conditions in the Florida Keys were very different and much better than they are now. We have a rare opportunity to embrace a plan for the Florida Keys that can nimbly and aggressively respond to current and future threats. It will be a bold plan that responds to the issues of warming waters and coral bleaching, extreme heat waves, declining abundance of commercial and recreationally important fish, coral disease, overuse of some sensitive regions and dying seagrasses.

If we want Florida’s oceans, especially our beloved coral reefs, to sustain and thrive for future generations, we must strengthen protections and rules for its management now. I’m ready to take action this new year for what we love most, and I hope you are, too.

Holly Merrill Raschein Monroe County Mayor

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023 2023-2024 PERFORMING SEASON

MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS CHANUKA & KWANZAA

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UGLY HAWAIIAN SHIRT CONTEST

Fun-filled Family Entertainment Free Admission for All Concerts Outdoors: Bring a Blanket or Lawn Chair — New Band Members Welcome —

Co-sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, Village of Islamorada, with support from Islamorada Community Entertainment

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

BEST OF UPPER KEYS RAISES THOUSANDS FOR LOCAL SHELTER

T

he second Best of Upper Keys not only crowned 65 winners at its Nov. 11 ceremony at Whale Harbor Restaurants & Marina in Islamorada, but it also raised significant dollars for the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. On. Dec. 7, sponsors of the event visited the shelter in Tavernier to deliver a $26,350 check to Ben Kemmer, executive director, and staff. Event sponsors included First Horizon Bank, Baptist Health Mariners Hospital, Dr. Michelle, audiologist, Going Aire, HNO Productions, Overseas Media Group and Artisan Group Builders.

CONTRIBUTED

ISLAND MUSIC SCHOOL TO HOLD WINTER CONCERT

Young musicians play tunes through the generations

Island Music School pupils learn to play drums. ISLAND MUSIC SCHOOL/Contributed

Island Music School is holding its first winter concert Friday, Dec.15, from 6 to 8:45 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway in Key Largo.

This event will showcase the musical talents of local students ranging from kindergarten to high school. The winter concert will feature a repertoire spanning generations, including hits from artists such as the Beatles, Queen, David Bowie, Jerry Garcia, Fleetwood Mac, Taylor Swift, Tears for Fears, AC/DC and more.

Students will be singing and performing on a variety of instruments such as piano, ukulele, guitar, bass, acoustic drums and percussion. The concert is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of Island Music School’s students, who have been practicing and honing their musical skills. Island Music School opened in August.

“We are excited to showcase the talent of our students. We are so proud of what they have accomplished since starting our program in the fall,” said Luke Ptomey, owner and principal instructor of Island Music School. “The concert will be a celebration of musical diversity, featuring a range of genres and styles that will resonate with audience members of all ages.”

Admission to the concert is free but donations are encouraged to help create a student scholarship fund. There will be snacks and drinks for donation and a 50/50 cash raffle to raise student scholarship funds. About 10% of students who attended Island Music School’s programs this fall had a partial or full scholarship.

Beverages are available for purchase and funds will go towards Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center nonprofit organization that has helped schedule the event.

— Contributed

12

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

GRANT FOR MARINELAB ASSISTS YOUNG LEARNERS

TALK DELVES INTO SEARCH FOR MISSING PILOT

Program immerses underserved students in the study of the ocean

Lecture & Merry Divemas celebration set

H

M

arineLab Key Largo recently received additional funding to educate and inspire more Florida students about the ocean.

This past fall, MarineLab obtained $30,000 in financial support from Baptist Health South Florida and the Lookout Foundation for the Art Mitchell Scholarship Fund (AMSF), which provides scholarships to students in lower socioeconomic classes so that they can attend STEM-based field programs with their classmates at no cost.

MarineLab programs take place at its Key Largo campus, located at 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo.

MarineLab provides hands-on and experience-based programming in the study of the ocean. The curriculum is aligned with the Ocean Literacy Principles and the Next Generation Science Standards. The Mitchell scholarship fund was created in 2018 to honor the memory of Art Mitchell, director of MarineLab from 1986 to 2007. He was responsible for the creation of the MarineLab curriculum and field trips that are still in use today.

Mitchell’s favorite students were those from underserved populations. He felt strongly that these students could be influenced the most by participating in MarineLab’s experiential marine science programs. Current leadership agrees and seeks to expand its reach into these populations whenever possible.

In 2023, MarineLab awarded over $61,000 in scholarships. Last October, MarineLab received seven applications for the Mitchell funds and gave away over $30,000 in scholarships, which supported nearly 150 students.

Tiffany Whitten, a fifth-grade teacher from Imagine Charter School at Plantation in Broward County just requested funding for one of her students. “Financial assistance can play a pivotal role in nurturing students’ love of science,”

Students take to the water as part of MarineLab educational programming.

MARINELAB/Contributed

Whitten wrote, “especially for a population of students who do not often have access to the same quality of education as their peers. Science can often be an expensive field to pursue with lab costs and research equipment, so reducing these barriers will help make the field of science more accessible for all the students at our school.”

As part of the application, the student wrote, “At school, I love science and reading books about marine life, but I’ve never got to see marine animals in person. This trip is my chance to learn all about how plants and animals survive in our oceans and to see all these amazing living things up close. I hope I get the chance to share everything I learn on this trip with my family and friends when we return.”

AMSF is funded by donations from individuals, family foundations and grants. MarineLab is seeking additional donations to continue immersing as many students as possible, regardless of economic ability in the field of marine science. Those wishing to donate can visit www.marinelab. org/donate or contact Kim Gregory.

The Marine Resources Development Foundation, founded in 1970 to support marine research and education, created the MarineLab program in 1985 to inspire students to become scientists and policymakers, creating conservationists through education.

More information is at https://www. mrdf.org.

— Contributed

istory of Diving Museum’s Immerse Yourself lecture series welcomes Mark “Sharky” Alexander on Wednesday, Dec. 20 for a talk on the search for the last missing female Air Force pilot.

An HDM board member, Explorers Club member and PADI master instructor, Alexander started diving more than 30 years ago as a public safety diver in Illinois. Over the years, he served on multiple diving expeditions around the world. One of his fondest memories was in 2009 when he served on a team that searched for the last missing WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots), Gertrude “Tommy” Thomkins Silver. The WASP organization trained female civilian pilots for military use during World War II. Alexander will discuss efforts made by the team to locate Silver and the P-51 Mustang she piloted.

Before the lecture at 6:30 p.m., a Merry Divemas celebration will be held at 5:30. Festivities include cookie decorating, holiday crafts, photos with Scuba Santa, a holidaythemed scavenger hunt for kids and extended hours to view exhibits. The last admission will be at 6:15 p.m., followed by the presentation.

No reservations are required for Merry Divemas. Those interested in attending the lecture can reserve a seat by calling the museum at 305-664-9737 or emailing the community outreach team at programs@ divingmuseum.org. Those unable to attend can visit DivingMuseum.org to get a Zoom link. This session will also be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel. The Hazelbaker family and Hammerhead Marine Services LLC are this month’s Immerse Yourself sponsors.

— Contributed

Gertrude ‘Tommy’ Thomkins Silver.

Mark ‘Sharky’ Alexander will present at the Dec. 20 ‘Immerse Yourself’ lecture at History of Diving Museum.

Contributed photos

13

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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14

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

SANTA COMES TO TOWN Big man stops in Islamorada

Santa’s Scheduled Arrivals

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

S

anta Claus is coming to Islamorada (if the weather allows) on Sunday, Dec. 17.

Islamorada Firefighters’ Benevolent Association and Islamorada Fire Rescue are preparing to load the big man’s sleigh in anticipation for a ride through the village, beginning on Lower Matecumbe just after 5 p.m. From there, fire trucks will guide Santa and his helpers through various neighborhoods and parks, ending at Plantation Key’s Bee Street around 9:20 p.m.

U.S Marines will join Santa and fire rescuers in the trip around Islamorada, collecting unwrapped trinkets and toys for the local Toys for Tots drive.

Islamorada resident Donna Erwin waits for the caravan with Fire Rescue, Santa and elves. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

5:10 - Depot Station 20 5:25 - Islamorada Mobil, Lower Matecumbe 5:40 - Tiki Lane & Robbie’s Marina 5:50 - Gib Reese Park/Wet Net 6:00 - Islamorada Moose Lodge 6:11 - Hurricane Monument, Old Highway 6:18 - Southwinds Park, Old Highway 6:30 - End of Old Highway at U.S. 1 on Upper Matecumbe 6:38 - Windley Key Trailer Park, Old Highway 6:45 - Venetian Shores neighborhood 6:48 - Venetian Shores Marina 7:00 - Palermo Drive, Venetian Shores 7:35 - Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina 7:40 - Sun Outdoors Islamorada 7:45 - Plantation Boulevard & Orange Lane 7:57 - Key Heights Subdivision 8:00 - Key Heights & Sebrings Drives 8:10 - High Point & Rolling Hills roads (drive through) 8:15 - Indian Mound Subdivision 8:17 - Sioux Street 8:35 - Plantation Key Colony 8:37 - Gardenia Street & Royal Poinciana Boulevard 8:47 - Hibiscus Street & Royal Poinciana Boulevard 9:05 - Sunshine Boulevard 9:08 - Canal Street & Pearl Avenue 9:19 - Bee Street

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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SEASONAL DESSERT DISPLAY Reservations made via Open Table or by calling 305.664.2031

16

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

BOATS LIGHT FLORIDA BAY

30 vessels deck the hulls for Key Largo parade

Lighted boats proceed past Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill in Key Largo.

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

R

oughly 30 boats decked with lights and inflatables proceeded up Blackwater Sound and past thousands of spectators during the annual Key Largo Boat Parade. Organized by the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, participating vessels were decorated in holiday cheer, while others were dressed to this year’s boat parade theme, Christmas Around the World. Fireworks sponsored by Plantation Boat Mart lit the sky as the procession concluded.

SD Marine’s boat won Best Business.

Fireworks light the nighttime sky as the boat parade concludes.

A boat dressed to the ‘Christmas Around the World’ theme.

Rudolph guides boat No. 12.

Aerial photos by David Gross. Ground photos by Jim McCarthy.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

2

NATURE’S BEAUTY ON DISPLAY

1

Islamorada gallery owner showcases mentor’s artwork MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

M

eeting local artist John David Hawver and seeing him light up with appreciation and pride is an experience — let alone his beautiful, soothing, largescale landscape art. Those familiar with Hawver’s work can understand why he had such a big turnout at the Nov. 30 opening of his “Closer to Home’’ exhibit at The Hale Gallery in Islamorada. His art will be exhibited and up for sale through Jan. 5.

This is the third show since Taylor and Kelly Hale’s gallery opened in August.

“John was one of the first people I called when we found out we were going to take over the space at (Ocean) Sotheby’s (at) MM 81.8. I thought of him immediately,” Taylor said.

“It was wonderful (to get the call). Like ‘Wow, I always wanted a showing in Islamorada, but there wasn’t a venue,’” Hawver said. “No one’s been able to see it since 2011 unless they call me up.”

Hawver had a permanent location at the Rain Barrel until 2011. His work can be seen at the Murray Nelson Government Center, Tassell Medical Arts Building, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Plantation Key Courthouse and several locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

“John’s been a mentor to me since high school,” Taylor Hale said. “Throughout my education as an artist, some things he told me just stuck — the ins and outs of making a living as an artist, ‘paint big,’ ‘paint the edges’ and stretching canvas.

Whether or not I knew it then, it was impactful in hindsight. We kept in touch, and this brings us full circle.”

Hawver’s work has a feel-good, peaceful energy, and each piece is so poignant. Hence, it’s very challenging to pick a favorite.

“My mother encouraged me right from the start. Since this was back then, she was a frustrated artist and had wanted to go to Pratt,” Hawver said. “So, when I had an art project at school, she would do one with me. She also made clothes,

3 decorated the house, painted murals.”

Hawver also attended higher education for six years and spent many hours at museums and churches. He worked with other styles such as portraits and commercial art. He also taught and was a magazine art director for 15 years.

“There are different types of artists, such as abstract or ‘blow your mind.’ Then, someone shows you what you are already seeing but in a different way. That’s what’s so special about his work is that it informs your connection to nature,” Kelly Hale said.

“When we installed John’s show, I was looking around, putting the tags up and submerging myself,” Kelly continued. “Then as I was driving, I was looking at the water, and it was different than I have ever seen it before. I saw it through his eyes as a painter. It shows you something you are used to seeing but in a different way. We see beautiful natural scenes all the time, but the way he paints helps us understand and see why they are beautiful with the different textures and colors.”

Hawver said he gets his inspiration for painting during kayak excursions in mangrove tunnels, places like the Everglades, Alabama Jack’s and Turner River. His Florida Keys landscape oil paintings encompass an illuminous combination of magical dancing daubs, dots, dashes and squiggles “Light and air with a landscape behind it … a celebration of nature’s beauty,” he said.

Fellow local artist Jul Jankowski attended the event; her post to Facebook about her experience lit Hawver up.

“Each mark functions as his unique signature; and while in approach seems unconcerned with realism, in effect embodies the most personal, intimate and reflective moments — moments we all cherish and know deeply in this unique Island Life,” Jankowski wrote. “Typically, flecks of red don’t belong in a blue sky … or purple in the depths of mangroves, but once you see them in a John David Hawver painting, you’ll be asking the sky and sea why they aren’t there.”

4 1-3: ‘Closer to Home’ exhibit at The Hale Gallery in Islamorada. 4 Hawver and wife, Marcia Kreitman, with Kelly and Taylor Hale. Contributed photos

The Hale Gallery space is a masterpiece to showcase such an explorative experience.

“We are creating an environment for each artist. And we see it as more of a cultural hub,” Taylor Hale said.

“Our goal is to show amazing art with rotating shows and works and artists from the Keys but also from around the country. In addition, we are also focused on making the gallery a place where people feel connected,” Kelly Hale said.

“Closer to Home” by John David Hawver will be featured until Jan. 5. Visit the gallery Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional inquiries, call or text 305-204-1216.

Connect with John David Hawver at www.johndavidhawver.com and on Facebook at johndavid. hawver. Connect with The Hale Gallery at www. thehalegallery.com on Facebook and Instagram at @thehalegallery.

The Hale Gallery also hosts yoga with Lacey Devin (check out @yogawithlaceydevin on Instagram for dates and times). On Thursday, Dec. 21, Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, Native Marine and The Hale Gallery will host a Deck the Hulls party from 5 to 9 p.m.

19

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

INAUGURAL WINTER CONCERT DONATIONS ACCEPTED FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

FRIDAY, DEC. 15 6-8:45 P.M.; DOORS OPEN AT 5:30 P.M. MURRAY NELSON GOVERNMENT CENTER, MM 102

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PERFORMERS INCLUDE STUDENTS FROM KINDERGARTEN THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL.

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

What: “Starling House” by Alix E. Harrow Why: This has been the perfect winter season read, resplendent with an opinionated haunted house, exasperated heroine and plenty of monsters, both real and supernatural. Opal carries the burden of her fractured family close to her heart.

She battles her inner demons while standing up for loved ones (she might not always get it right, but she tries). I fell in love with the characters and their struggles with small-town Americana, its ghosts of past trauma, and the persistent yearning for real connection. Harrow is so talented at gripping the reader’s whole heart and whisking them away into a story.

Where: This is available in regular and large print, as an e-book and as an e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can request books online by logging in to your account keyslibraries.org and get e-books and e-audiobooks 24/7 at estuff.keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org Recommended by: Riona Campbell, library associate, Key West Library

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21

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023 OBITUARY

JAMES C. BALL 1937-2023

BESTSELLERS • CHILDREN'S SECTION LOCAL AUTHORS • GIFTS & GIFT CARDS

J

ames C. Ball, 86, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully Sunday Nov. 26, 2023, at Kindred Hospital Bay Area, St. Petersburg.

On Nov. 26, 1937, Jim was the third of five children born to Alfred and Jeanne Ball. He was raised in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. After high school, Jim served in the United States Air Force based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He served overseas in Morocco as a crash firefighter.

Jim returned to Willow Grove where on April 15, 1961 he married Sandra (Rayburn) Ball and they shared 62 years of marriage. He was a well-known plasterer with Ball Brothers Plastering.

He also managed J&J Stables

which was a horse boarding and trail riding facility.

Jim and Sandy later moved to Florida where they owned and operated several businesses, including the Tavernier Hotel and Copper Kettle Restaurant in Key Largo. His passions were boating and fishing.

Jim is survived by his wife Sandy, daughter Carol Anne Mitchell (Paul, husband), and son James Alfred Ball.

He was blessed with two grandchildren: Jennifer Cosgrove, Christopher Grams (Jennifer, wife), and six greatgrandchildren: Bailey, Carter, Julie Ann, Timmy, Madison and Claire. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His service was to be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on Wednesday, Dec.13, 2023, at 1 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service 10 a.m. Advent with Eucharist 6 p.m. Family-friendly Service with Eucharist

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Islamorada Village of Islands The Village of Islamorada has implemented JustFOIA to manage public records and lien search requests.

As the system is used, it will build up an archive of past requests so the public can search the archives at any time.

Bookmark the page for future use as requests will be responded to through the JustFOIA portal.

Verbal, emailed, or telephone requests will be entered into the system. The requester will receive a request number and security key to check on the status of their request and can download responsive documents.

Please email prr@islamorada.fl.us with any questions.

Scan the code for the portal.

22

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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Coral Isles Church is hosting a ‘Blue Christmas’ Service on Thursday, Dec. 21.

CONTRIBUTED

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

C

oral Isles Church is opening its doors on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. to all who seek comfort, healing and quiet contemplation with like-minded souls during the holiday season.

The ceremony, called “Blue Christmas” service, is an antidote for the unique loneliness that can surprisingly arise during the annual parade of bloated meals, extravagant gift-giving and alcohol-fueled, tinsel-strewn parties. Attending yet another celebration can actually cause stress for those whose journey in 2023 may have included grief, illness, family estrangement, addiction and financial struggles.

This stress has been documented by the American Psychological Association. In a 2006 study, the APA discovered that, despite all our good intentions, people in this country feel more pressure during the holidays, not less.

“Secular culture has taken the gifts, joy, music, beauty of Christmas and twisted it so the truth of Christmas is no longer recognizable,” Pamela A. Feeser told Keys Weekly. She has been a pastor for 30 years and will be one of four clergy leading the “Blue Christmas” service.

“Every year there are many people who struggle with Christmas due to loss in their life,” she said. “The great gift God gives us through Christmas directly addresses this deep sadness.

This service reminds us of the life-giving hope that seeks to heal the emptiness and pain in our hearts as we join together remembering and holding one another in the light of this divine gift. Traditionally this service is held on Dec. 21, as it is the longest night of the year, thus the most difficult to get through.”

Those who feel that this ceremony

would just make them even more depressed may be pleasantly surprised, said Feeser.

“Oddly enough, this service is encouraging,” she said. “People often think it’s a sad service but it’s the opposite. We are each invited to bring the realness of who we are. The process of the service helps each person release what they can and receive what they can. You might be surprised.”

The service will last one hour and provide music, readings of inspirational texts including scripture, singing, prayer and opportunities for attendees to receive healing blessings, light candles and decorate a tree. Refreshments will be served on the front porch following the service. No fee is required for admission.

And of course, attendees can talk about their personal struggles to the clergy present and find a sympathetic ear. Feeser is no stranger to the challenges of life, including losing a loved one to opioid addiction.

“I've had many Christmas seasons that have been riddled with the pain of loss in so many ways,” she said. “Each year, I place my heartache and prayers at the Christ child’s feet, knowing that God can and will accomplish what I never could dream. As a result, I’m able to move forward with my life knowing 100% that God's got this. “ Sometimes, the biggest gift we can give to loved ones is a simple question: “How are you doing?”

“I would love to hear your story,” she said. “Listening is the most important thing I can do. … Come with a friend who isn’t sure. Just be there with them. You don’t even have to say anything.”

Coral Isles Church is located at 90001 Overseas Hwy., oceanside, in Tavernier. For more information, call 305-852-5813 or go to @coralislesucc on Facebook.

23

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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24

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

TEAM TROPHY HUNTER WINS SAILFISH TOURNAMENT 76 fish released in three days

2

1

S

eventy-six sailfish were released with nearly $80,000 awarded to the winners during the 60th Islamorada Fish Tournament, held Dec. 1-3.

Capt. Brian Cone led anglers Mark Mitchell and Kenneth Padgett of Charlotte, North Carolina, along with Tavernier residents Travis Bennett, Arek Wojcik and junior angler Andy Cone to victory. They had 11 fish releases for a second win in a row. The team, including mates Justin Matson and Brett Shahlamain, took home hand-carved sailfish trophies created by Doug Berry and sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales and Yamaha Outboards. They also received 60th anniversary coffee mugs and a check for $38,548.

The 60th Islamorada Sailfish Tournament at Whale Harbor hosted 70 anglers, captains and mates, plus friends and family with a grand buffet.

Under decent sail fishing conditions, anglers competed for three days until lines were out of the water at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3.

Anglers were greeted with east winds during the first day of fishing Dec. 1. By the end of the day, Capt.

Marty Lewis put the crew aboard the Main One into the lead with five sailfish releases. Angler Robert Richardson Sr. aboard the Yabba Dabba

Doo had four releases, as well as team Tackle Center with four. Trophy Hunter released a sailfish by junior angler Andy Cone, Bennett and Padgett.

On day two, Killbox Capt. Cody Darbie called in a hook-up three minutes after lines were in the water. The fish was released minutes later, giving the Killbox a total of two fish for the two days. The day belonged to Back in Business and Capt. Robert Collin’s team, however, with five releases and seven releases for the first two days.

Trophy Hunter anglers released four sails and also had seven releases.

Winds were down as the fishing continued on day three. Capt. Sean O’Donnell on the Carolina Reel Men called in the tournament’s only triple header of sails. Mates Sam Milazzo and Hudson Wampler were able to grab all the leaders’ sailfish plus two others later that day, propelling them into second place with a total of nine released sails. Anglers Lee Gahagen, Jimmy Hendrix and Ramiro HildalgoGato, of Islamorada, along with Tavernier’s Milazzo and Marathon’s Brandon Simmons took home $19,256 and hand-carved, second-place awards sponsored by Tackle Center of Islamorada.

Trophy Hunter released four sailfish on day three for a total of 11

3

releases over the three days. Team Killbox anglers Tyler Kelley, of Bartow, Islamorada’s Philip Bryan, Corbin Buckley and KC Spaulding, and Marathon’s Joe Marina and Clint “Digger” Rodamer took third place with eight sailfish releases. They received handcarved original pieces and a check for $12,620.

Yabba Dabba Doo angler Robert Richardson Sr. won Top Male Angler and the Bill Hirni Memorial High Point Angler award with five releases. Hirni was a major player over the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament’s rich 60-year history before passing away in 2005.

His daughter and granddaughter presented the award and a double-sided hand carved trophy created by Doug Berry.

Top lady angler Seanna Lindback was awarded a similar hand-carved trophy. She released one sailfish during the event fishing aboard the Tiki.

Andy Cone, 13, won Top Junior Angler with two releases on the Trophy Hunter. Most Tagged Fish team awards went to Indiana anglers Chris Chastain, Sam Chastain, Alan Sutkowski, Nathan Burns and Colby Mason, of Islamorada, with three tagged fish aboard Capt.

Alex Adler’s Kalex.

Islamorada’s Madison Wright won the Most Outstanding Catch award

1. Team Trophy Hunter released 11 sailfish for the tournament victory. 2.

Anglers with Carolina Reel hooked and released nine sailfish for second place. 3.

Seanna Lindback, pictured middle, took the Top Lady Angler prize. Contributed photos by Tim Rahn Photography

with a 31.5-pound African pompano that ate kite bait. Tavernier’s Konnor Ross, fishing aboard the Relentless, weighed in a blackfin tuna at 19.5 pounds to take the Largest Tuna award.

Cloud Nine angler Eric Ehlers won the largest mackerel award with a 17.1-pound kingfish. The largest dolphin of the tournament was caught

by Marathon resident Joe Marino and weighed in at 8.5 pounds.

The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. The Trophy Hunter is currently in the lead with 11 fish. Second place in the Gold Cup is the Carolina Reel Men with nine releases, and third is Killbox with eight releases. The next leg of the series is at the Islamorada Fishing Club’s Sailfish Tournament on Jan. 17 and the champions will be crowned at the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament Jan. 20-21.

The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the primary fundraiser for the Islamorada Charter Boat Association.

The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament will continue the fight to preserve and protect the fabulous fishing in the Florida Keys. More information is at islamoradasailfishtournament.com.

— Contributed

25

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

Islamorada, Village of Islands

WHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE THEY WORK WITH LOCAL FACES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ON-DEMAND ELECTRIC VEHICLE RIDESHARING SERVICES (RFP 23-18) Bid Submittal Deadline: 3:00 p.m. January 2, 2024 Islamorada, Village of Islands is seeking formal proposals from qualified vendors to provide a Village-wide on-demand ridesharing services program utilizing electric vehicles.

The Village has a program in place and desires to continue providing on-demand ridesharing services through an agreement with a qualified vendor. The purpose of RFP 23-18 is to evaluate ridesharing services for potential cost savings. The service hours desired are from 7:00 a.m. to midnight with an increase to the level of service to have a minimum of three vehicles in operation during all service hours.

The Village wishes to receive proposals from qualified contractors for provision of the on-demand ridesharing services both 1) free of charge to the riders and 2) with a two-dollar ($2.00) fare to be paid by all riders for each use of the services.

Upper Keys Weekly JILL MIRANDA BAKER 305.304.0052

Marathon Weekly PATTI CHILDRESS 305.731.9628

Key West Weekly STEPHANIE MITCHELL 305.304.5778

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA

Get Involved in Celebrating our Local Heroes!

Go to https://www.islamorada.fl.us/bids.aspx?bidID=18 to view and download the bid documents.

Islamorada, Village of Islands REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CONTRACTOR SERVICES GREEN TURTLE HAMMOCK NATURE PRESERVE SCENIC OVERLOOK PAVILION PROJECT REBID (RFP 23-17) Bid Submittal Deadline Extended: 3:00 p.m. January 10, 2024 Islamorada, Village of Islands is seeking formal proposals from qualified contractors to construct a 2,400 square-foot two-story Pavilion with a restroom, stairs and an ADA ramp to the second level, a parking lot and driveway, structural foundation and platform, landscaping and associated plumbing with connection to an existing wastewater grinder station inlet.

This is a rebid of RFP 23-11 for which all proposals were rejected based on good cause in that all proposals exceeded the project estimate budgeted amount based on the engineers estimate of $1.1 million.

Upper Keys community organizations and individuals have created a community-wide effort to celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day from January 8-14, 2024. If you can, help bake cookies or assist with the delivery.

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Through this RFP, contractors shall provide proposals for two alternatives for the project: 1) the pavilion with roof as designed in the plans and, 2) the pavilion without the columns and roof on the second level. It is the Village’s preference to construct the pavilion with the roof as designed.

The Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve, located at 81224 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL, is open to the public from 8:00am to 5:00pm daily. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Nature Preserve during the hours the preserve is open to the public.

Go to https://www.islamorada.fl.us/bids.aspx?bidID=17 to view and download the bid documents.

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26

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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27

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

FLORIDA KEYS EATS

MARVELOUS MILKSHAKES Venture off the Keys to this Homestead stand

I

f you find yourself headed north for some last-minute holiday shopping, try to schedule a spare hour for rural old Florida fun.

Twenty-eight SAMANTHA minutes from DELLILO Key Largo, right is a Keys native who at the end of the has a passion for all Stretch and about things food. She runs a half-mile west of the local food blog, U.S. 1, is Robert Is “Florida Keys Eats.”

Here Fruit Stand in Homestead.

This South Florida staple technically opened in 1959 when 6-year-old Robert was helping his dad sell produce. The best way to get the attention of passersby was holding a sign. Little did they know that sign, which read “Robert is Here,” would stand the test of time. They are still family-owned but the expansion compared to where they started is impressive.

You’ll find an animal farm, live music, Cuban sandwiches, food trucks and even a play area. This quaint fruit stand has morphed into a South Florida attraction but hasn't lost its roots. It still feels very grounded and local. Don’t believe me? You’ll find even Robert Moehling himself is really still there. I can’t tell you how often he has been the cashier checking out a long line of patrons.

The milkshakes are really the star, they hand cut fresh fruit daily and make it to order. They have two ingredients, fruit and milk or ice. What makes them so special you might ask.

I can’t put my finger on it but I’ve never had a milkshake anywhere else even come close to one from here. Their fruit just sings through the cup. Take one look around and you know you better grab a basket or cart. The product here looks like a cartoon between the perfect shapes and bright colors.

I swear you can see your reflection in some of the fruit.

They also specialize in rare and exotic produce. I love grabbing fruits I’ve never heard of, paying, snagging a picnic table and trying it right there while people watch. It really makes for a heavenly weekend. One thing I can’t

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Milkshakes are a staple at Robert is Here in Homestead. ROBERT IS HERE/Via Instagram

get enough of is their absolutely massive selection of jams, jellies, dressings, honeys, you name it. Every flavor you can possibly imagine. It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory but the healthy version.

Here are the things I never leave without when visiting Robert is Here.

For one, their jaw-dropping sunflowers. I mean these suckers are easily 2 feet tall. Their boiled peanuts are the best you’ll find south of Georgia. The fresh cut watermelon in the fridge has a hue that even Crayola hasn’t coined yet. Of course, I get a milkshake, I pick whatever is on the specials board.

Technically speaking, it’s less drive time from Key Largo to Robert is Here than it is to Islamorada with the traffic nowadays. Consider sprucing up your holiday gifts with some unique local flavors. They also make amazing gift baskets. Visiting Robert is Here is like time traveling to old Florida. I swear I hear the John Anderson song “Seminole Wind” when I pull in. Connect to the soul of Florida and go visit Robert is Here Fruit Stand.

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28

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

ZOE

PAWSITIVE CHANGE

Programs expand for public

H

i friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” We are in the home stretch to 2024 and we wouldn’t want to end the year without some Reef-worthy news.

Little Ridley fox, who has become quite the local celebrity with his ambassador status for our animal-assisted therapy program, has also become quite the cantankerous teenager. So, for that reason, I have arranged for REEF his trouble puffs THE FOX to come off Friday, Dec. 15. Our Reef is a red fox amazing friends at that was saved Whiskers and Paws from a fur farm. will be performing He now lives in the surgery. SpeakKey Largo with his human, Nicole ing of Whiskers and Navarro.

Paws, last week they broke the 2,000 mark with the number of community cats they have spayed and neutered in the Upper Keys. How incredible is that? They are the definition of living in the solution and have truly gone above and beyond to make things happen to help control the feral cat population.

I also overheard my mother on the phone a few days ago and she told me I can break the news here. Our animalassisted therapy program is expanding, once again, and has added Wesley House to the list of amazing organizations in the Keys that help children and adults. Mom and Ridley will be visiting the Inez Martin Child Development Center next month to speak to the children about us foxes, our stories and

1. Ridley’s Pawsitive Change ‘work’ vest.

CONTRIBUTED. 2. Ridley the fox.

how despite our start in life, we are happy, healthy and thriving now.

I, for one, am so excited that we are able to offer this unique service to those who need it in Monroe County, and that Monroe County is so unique that this program has been so widely embraced and supported.

Lastly, and this is some big news; Pawsitive Beginnings will be opening up to the public for sanctuary visits starting January 2024. I know this is something my mother has thought about doing for a while and with the success of our animal assisted therapy program, more interest in meeting the foxes is being generated, so everything seems to be happening right on time. I will let you all know when the link goes public to be able to book your visit and I’m fairly certain my mother is coming up with a discount code for Monroe County residents as a show of appreciation for all of your support.

So, on that note, make sure to keep an eye on pawsitivebeginnings. org for the latest on all things fox.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Z

oe is a 7-month-old female lab mix. She is sweet, loving, friendly with all people and gets along very well with other dogs. Zoe loves to play. We are recommending that she have a home with a fenced yard because she is so playful and loves to run. She would do well with an active family and would also do great in a home with other dogs. This sweet baby girl was found abandoned, roaming the streets looking for food and someone to love. She is smart, easy to train and eager to please. If you would like to be the one to give this adorable girl a chance at a happy life, please submit an application or contact MarrVelous Pet Rescues at www.mprescues.org.

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, Dec. 16 • Florida Keys Community Concert Band’s Pops in the Park at 4 p.m. at Founders Park ICE Amphitheater.

Admission is free.

Sunday, Dec. 17 • Santa Claus and carolers visit Islamorada neighborhoods. Visit Islamorada Fire Rescue on Facebook to view the scheduled stops.

Monday, Dec. 18 • Bereavement group meeting at 6 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, Islamorada. Call Janet Gillow at 531-396-5626 for more information.

Wednesday, Dec. 20 • Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• Immerse Yourself lecture series welcomes Mark “Sharky” Alexander at 7 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada. Join in person or online.

Thursday, Dec. 21 • Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.

• Deck the Hulls holiday party and boat show from 5 to 9 p.m. at Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, MM 81.8, bayside.

29

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

CLIPS OF THE KEYS’ PAST

Old newspapers provide glimpse of the early days

L

ess than a decade after the island chain became an American territory, the first Key West newspaper began spreading the news. It was called The Key West Register, and Commercial Advertiser and was first printed on Jan. 8, 1929.

The operation was managed by Thomas Eastin, who later became FLORIDA a U.S. Marshal overseeing FloriKEYS da’s Southern District.

HISTORY The weekly newspaper was WITH delivered to the public every BRAD Thursday. It did not concentrate BERTELLI on local news but primarily served to keep the community abreast of An author, speaker, Florida stories being reported beyond the Keys historian and island chain. Some local stories Honorary Conch. did make the page, though most His latest book, of the local news came in the form “Florida Keys of government announcements, History with Brad Bertelli, Volume election notices and advertise1,” shares fasciments. nating glimpses The Key West Register, and into the rich and Commercial Advertiser was not a sometimes surlong-lived enterprise and susprising histories of the Florida Keys. pended operations in 1830.

In 1829, the island chain was sparsely populated and consisted of two primary communities. Key West was, and always has been, Monroe County’s largest community, and in those days, its population was in the neighborhood of 500 people (the 1830 census counted 517 people).

The 11-acre Indian Key, the other primary community, had boasted a population of around 50. A third significant community had developed around Key Biscayne’s Cape Florida Lighthouse. Smaller than the Indian Key community, Key Biscayne, while part of Monroe County at the time, is not one of the islands attributed to the Florida Keys archipelago. It should be noted that in 1829, Monroe County stretched from Key West to Lake Okeechobee to Port Charlotte on the west coast.

Sometimes, it is fun to let old documents tell a story as they uniquely provide a window into the past. Reading through old newspapers can become a bit of a rabbit hole — great fun, but still a rabbit hole. The Key West Register offers some interesting peeks into what was happening on Key West and, to a lesser degree, at Indian Key, as the following tidbits will reveal.

• March 5, 1829: advertised in this edition was “W.R. Hackley, Attorney at Law, and Notary Public for the County of Monroe.”

William Hackley practiced law in the county from 1828 to 1857. His name has remained on the lips of locals because he did one of the most memorable things possible — Hackley kept a diary. Fortunately, parts of his book of daily observations were preserved and stored at the Key West Library’s Florida Keys History Center. The diary represents a delightful (and often mundane) record of early life in the Keys. In 2016 and 2017, daily diary entries from 1855-1856 were presented in the “Today in Keys History” column of the Key West Citizen.

• The same edition also advertised: “R.W. Cussans, House Carpenter & Joiner, Having located himself in Key West, and feeling grateful for past favors, hopes by particular attention to merit a share of public patronage. R.W.C. will contract for building and repairing houses on the most reasonable terms, and executed in a workmanlike manner, and with the utmost dispatch. Feb 26 – tf” The presence of the advertisement is interesting as, that same year, it is said that he built a four-room house on Whitehead Street. It was moved to Duval Street using mules and rolling logs and is now home to Key West’s Oldest House Museum.

• March 19, 1829: Dr. H.S. Waterhouse “has procured from the government hospital at Havana, a supply of pure, fresh vaccine or Cow Pox Matter to inoculate those for small pox who may desire it.”

Hoping to escape to a warmer climate and soothe his ailments, Dr. Waterhouse moved to Key West from Vermont in 1828.

He would later move to Indian Key, where he lived for a short time.

• March 26, 1829: “In pursuance of law, I, M.G. Hawson, one of the judges of the County Court for Monroe County, hereby appoint polls to be held at the following places in said county; and the following named persons to be the judges of the election, which will be held the first Monday in May next for a – Delegate to Congress – on Indian Key: Charles Howe, Joseph Prince and Thomas Gibson.”

Howe, Prince and Gibson all played roles in the early development of Indian Key and Duck Key, where Howe and his family lived and operated a salt farm before moving to

William R. Hackley, circa 1850s. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY CENTER/Contributed

Indian Key and becoming its first postmaster. Prince and Gibson operated Indian Key’s two general stores.

• April 6, 1829: “The citizens of the Key (Indian Key) were joined by a number of wreckers and smackmen and the staff (flagstaff) was raised amidst the shouts of the multitude assembled on the occasion. A remarkable occurrence took place — persons who had climbed to the top of the staff, up to the height of 40 feet — after drinking several toasts, threw the glasses to the ground, which fell without breaking or fracturing any of them.”

• April 9, 1829: “On board the boat ‘Saucy Jack,’ Cooley from Key West bound to New River off Key Vacas, at 12 O’clock at night, 22nd ult. Mr. Wm. Emroy fell from the stern of the boat and was drowned. Every exertion was made to save his life, but in vain. The body was taken to Indian Key and decently interred.”

• June 4, 1829: (Charles Howe, identified as a resident of Duck Key) “appointed by the Governor of Florida Associate Judge of Monroe County.”

I could go on. For me, every detail is a shiny nugget. One of the things I’ll be spending my time doing for the rest of the year (at least) is reading through old editions of the Key West Register and The Key West Gazette, which began sharing its news with the island in 1831.

Those old newspapers are going to be filled with stories I have not heard, and I am looking forward to sharing them every way I can.

30

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

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31

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023

TROPICAL HOLIDAYS Artist paints a festive season in the Keys

S

trolling through the city streets, carolers grace your ears and the fresh snow gives you a little chill on your nose. ColorWILLIAM ful little lights DEPAULA illuminate the buildings as you is an artist, walk home. designer and You think to gemologist who believes in the yourself, perhaps power of art.

I’ll roast some chestnuts or hang some stockings by the chimney with care? Yes, that is what the holiday songs tell you life is going to be like in December. That might be suitable in the great white north, or what I call everything above Florida.

Snowbirds love their seasons, but in the Florida Keys, the holidays are different.

Our Christmas happens without the snow, but rather sand and palm trees. That is not to say we don’t have our holiday spirit. Don’t worry Santa, we believe. Our holidays are filled with just as much joy, but they are unique and have a tropical flavor. That tropical flavor here in the Keys is crafted by local artist Kim McCoy. If you have been out to the many wonderful holiday festivals our community has, you surely would have met McCoy. She creates a tropical Keys Christmas with her coastalthemed ornaments and painted driftwood palm pieces. McCoy knew she wanted to be an artist since she was a little kid. Some kids want to be an astronaut, a doctor or a police officer. For McCoy, she wanted to beautify the world and be an artist.

Even at a young age she really stood out with her creative talents.

Art always had a place in her home.

McCoy’s talents were passed down from her grandfather and mother.

“I feel like my artistic abilities are

a gift from them,” she said.

McCoy became known for painting on visors that she sold at the old Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen restaurant, where she worked for 25 years. Mrs. Mac’s is also where she started painting her ornaments. Most locals and repeat Keys visitors know her best from those visors and ornaments.

The one thing you will notice about McCoy is that she likes to paint on things that are not canvas. She paints with acrylics because they are the only paints that can keep up with her fast painting. Acrylics dry quickly and tend to have brighter colors, perfect for her style.

Besides ornaments, palm pieces and visors, McCoy paints murals. She painted a big lobster at Key Largo Fisheries.

Her visions of what to paint come from within.

“I am a creative person and kind of get a vision sometimes of what I want to paint. I don’t look at anything, it just comes out of me,” she said.

McCoy likes to get crafty making holiday and Keysy earrings, jewelry and fused glass. She gets inspiration from comic book art, great illustrations and tattoo art.

“I love the holidays because I make people happy with my ornaments,” she said.

McCoy has become an essential part of holidays in the Florida Keys.

She has been selling her coastal holiday ornaments at the local festivals and art shows on and off for the last 30 years. Her son, Jack, is following in his family’s artistic footsteps in being an artist.

McCoy’s ornaments are available at Garrett Chiropractic in Tavernier on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Her work can also be purchased online by emailing Keysartist@gmail.com or private messaging Kim Hyde McCoy on Facebook.

I wish you all a very artsy and merry Christmas and holiday season.

Flamingo ornaments by artist Kim McCoy. CONTRIBUTED

Artist Kim McCoy paints coastalthemed ornaments.

Artist Kim McCoy.

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 14, 2023