Key West Weekly 24-0411

21ST TREE G I V E AWAY !

Free Shade Trees for Keys Energy Services Customers

to beautify your property and conserve energy!

Saturday, April 20 @ 8:30 AM

KEYS’ Service Building (1001 James St., Key West) and Blimp Road (755 Blimp Rd., Cudjoe)

HOW: First come, first served

WHAT: Choice of 2 FREE Shade Trees

For a listing of tree species that will be available this year, visit: KeysEnergy.com

When you plant a tree, KEYS asks that you consider the presence of power lines, once trees mature. If any tree limbs are striking electrical lines, do not attempt to trim them yourself. Instead, call KEYS so a trained tree trimmer can safely trim the limbs away from electrical lines — free of charge.

You may call KEYS at (305) 295-1010 to submit a free tree trimming request, or visit KeysEnergy.com to submit a request online.

Something

First time on the market in over 50 years! This property is a plant lovers paradise. The owner spent his entire life collecting plants and seeds from all over the world and created a quiet, serene, and private oasis in the middle of Old Town Key West, on a huge oversized lot. Some of the rare plants and palms are found nowhere else in the continental United States. The main house has many structural upgrades, but the best thing is that the existing carport has HARC approved plans to turn it into a large guest cottage or studio. This is an artist/musician's dream. Quiet solitude in the middle of Key West to stimulate creative juices, or just to chill out in paradise.

2045

For those who didn’t see the April 8 solar eclipse in totality, 2045 will be the next easy chance for Florida residents. A solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2045 will go over a vast portion of the Sunshine State, from the Panhandle and Orlando to portions of South Florida. After that, the next solar eclipse isn’t anticipated to pass over the southern U.S. until 2078.

SHIRLEY FREEMAN MADE HER MARK WITH CLASS & COMPASSION

Shirley Freeman was born and lived much of her life in what she ruefully called “a man’s world.”

On April 6, she left behind a much different world — one she had helped to change — when she died at the age of 89.

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

She was Shirley Van Meter when she arrived in 1935 in a tiny Arkansas town during the Great Depression. But she was destined for faraway places, having always studied with yearning the pull-down maps that used to hang above the blackboard in every classroom in every school.

A dedicated student with an insatiable curiosity about the world around her and the people in it, she graduated from college and earned a master’s degree in education from University of Arkansas.

“After teaching for eight years in Arkansas, she applied to overseas embassy schools in Rome, London and Paris. She ended up in Zagreb, Yugoslavia (now Croatia), and took a position as headmaster of the American School,” according to a 2019 tribute compiled by the Lower Keys League of Women Voters. “After two years she returned to the United States to pursue her doctorate in international education and school management from Miami University in Ohio, where she also taught undergraduate courses. She has taught every grade level from kindergarten to graduate school” and lived throughout the United States, including San Francisco, Denver, Washington, D.C. and ultimately, Key West. Having always noted the map dot called Key West on those classroom maps, and wondering what life must

be like there, Van Meter applied in 1971, “basically out of curiosity” for a job as principal of the newly integrated Frederick Douglass School in Key West. Former superintendent Bookie Henriquez flew her to town from Ohio for an interview and hired her on the spot.

The rest is history.

A blind date in Key West introduced the Key West principal to Billy Freeman, for whom the county’s 2008 courthouse, the Freeman Justice Center, would be named.

But back in 1972, Billy Freeman, whose family owned the Porter-Allen Insurance Co. in town, was just wrapping up a 20-year stint as a Monroe County commissioner. A substitute teacher named Frances Signorelli (her husband, Louie, opened Louie’s Backyard) became friends with Shirley and wanted her to meet her husband’s friend, Billy.

The two married in 1973 and soon after, Billy Freeman was elected state

Former County Commissioner

Shirley Freeman, who died April 6 at the age of 89, celebrates her birthday in style in 2015.

representative. After a two-year term, he successfully ran for sheriff and set to work cleaning up the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office amid corruption and drug scandals.

“We had discussed me running for office after he retired as sheriff and I retired from education,” Shirley Freeman said in 2017. “I had been thrust into public life as soon as I met Billy, so everyone knew me as his wife, but I wanted to get to know them on my own.”

And she did. But she had to do it without her husband by her side. Billy Freeman succumbed to lung cancer in 1989, months after finishing his term as sheriff.

Shirley Freeman continued to fulfill their plans and won her first county commission election in 1992, becoming the county mayor and serving for two terms until 2000.

She met real estate developer Harvey Server in 1995 and the two became supportive sweethearts until the day she died, rarely seen without each other.

Her so-called retirement from education and public office didn’t slow Shirley Freeman at all.

She was instrumental in leadership roles with Zonta service club, the Key West Woman’s Club, the Red Cross, Lower Keys League of Women Voters, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and the Arts Council, to name but a few. She also sang with the Keys Chorale and at times performed on stage for various fundraisers.

continued on page 6

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Zonta Club of Key West, which Shirley Freeman founded in 1981, honored her in 2022. ROBERTA DePIERO/Contributed

Shirley Freeman and Harvey Server, center, at a Community Foundation gala. ROBERTA DePIERO/Contributed

CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

Je MacNelly, creator of the comic strip Shoe lived in Key West for 10 years. He was a triple Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist and couldn’t help making fun of everyone in sight. This rooster in drag makes fun of the descendants of the Cuban ghting cocks as well as a number of residents. Key West, remember?

“Dragster” is one of Je ’s most popular paintings and the subject of numerous articles and a source of mayhem. Perched in the window of The Gallery on Green it’s been the cause of much laughing and a few fender benders.

One day a local police o cer came in and asked me take it out of the window as it had caused a tra c accident. Of course I responded by saying that it is my First Amendment right to have it there. The o cer replied. “Lady, First Amendment? That chicken’s not speaking!”

continued from page 4

SHIRLEY FREEMAN MADE HER MARK WITH CLASS & COMPASSION

JIMMY BUFFETT COLLABORATOR TO PERFORM AT KEY WEST MEMORIAL

Will Kimbrough will sing ‘It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere’ on Sept. 1

Singer/songwriter Will Kimbrough, a longtime collaborator of Jimmy Buffett, will perform at Key West’s Buffett memorial on Sept. 1. CONTRIBUTED

OIn 2010, she bravely posed for Erika Biddle’s tastefully risque “Women Sustaining the Earth” calendar featuring semi-clothed, mature women of the Keys, a fundraiser for the local community garden that was photographed by Carol Tedesco, who recalled the calendar in a Facebook tribute upon Freeman’s passing.

“Each model shared a favorite quote on the subject (of nature, sustainability and the Earth),” Tedesco recalled, adding that Freeman chose a quote by Wendell Berry: “Whether we and

our politicians know it or not, Nature is party to all our deals and decisions, and she has more votes, a longer memory, and a sterner sense of justice than we do.”

Tedesco wrote, “So intelligent and engaging, time in her presence was always time VERY well spent. Bon Voyage, Shirley. You left quite a legacy.”

And while Shirley Freeman more than made her mark in what she called “a man’s world,” she was a classy woman until the very end.

rganizers recently announced that Will Kimbrough, a longtime collaborator of Jimmy Buffett and co-writer of Buffett’s last single release, “Bubbles Up,” will performing on the Friends of Jimmy stage during the first annual “It’s 5 o’clock Key West” Festival on Labor Day weekend in Key West. The free show, scheduled to take place after the Second Line parade on Sept. 1, will be held at the Truman Waterfront Park and will showcase some of the Keys’ best local singer-songwriters, including CW Colt, Zach Miller, Caffeine Carl, Mike Stack and Howard Livingston performing original music and Jimmy Buffett covers. Kimbrough and Buffett were both natives of Mobile, Alabama. The duo had been collaborating for the last 20 years, contributing 21 songs to the last seven Buffett albums. The soulful and poignant tune “Bubbles Up” is featured on Buffett’s posthumous album, “Equal Strain On All Parts.” Apart from being an honorary member of the Coral Reefer Band, Kimbrough is a Nashville journeyman who frequently tours with Alabama, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell. He is set to release a new solo album, “For the Life of Me.”

Kimbrough expressed his anticipation to be part of this legacy celebration in Key West, where he and Buffett often spent time creating at Shrimpboat Sound Studio on Lazy Way. “It was, and probably still is, Jimmy Buffett’s world; we just live in it,” Kimbrough said.

Labor Day weekend in Key West is associated with the beloved Buffett’s passing. The music legend died Sept. 1, 2023, prompting locals, led by entrepreneur Paul Menta and community activist Jordan Upchurch, to organize a parade that attracted thousands of grieving fans. In honor of his memory, legacy and cultural impact on the Conch Republic, the inaugural “It’s 5 o’clock Key West” celebration aims to revive that parade, making it even grander while introducing new events and activities for an entire weekend dedicated to Buffett and his devoted fans.

The Second Line memorial parade will start at 5 pm on lower Duval, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, and will culminate at the Truman Waterfront Park. Attendees can expect vendor booths, photo opportunities, food, drinks and live music.

Special souvenir parade lanyards are available for a $30 tax-deductible donation, with all proceeds collected by the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys for distribution to the Bahama Village Music Program and Reef Relief. Guests unable to attend the event in Key West are encouraged to participate virtually through a special link provided with their donation. More information is at its5oclockkeywest.com.

Activities are planned throughout the weekend, including walking tours, a margarita bar crawl, brunches, parties and a variety of live music at different venues across the city. Each day will be themed to a specific Buffett song, offering attendees a range of free and ticketed options. Businesses interested in participating as event venues, sponsors, vendors, or suppliers may contact the organizers at its5oclock@dailyplan-it.net or call Jill Snodgrass, event director, at 305-731-5780.

Shirley Freeman poses for the ‘Women Sustaining the Earth’ calendar in 2010. CAROL TEDESCO/Contributed

The late Shirley Freeman always smiled upon entering the Freeman Justice Center that was named for her late husband, Billy Freeman, a former sheriff. Photo courtesy of David H. Fauss, image from courthouseofflorida.com. All rights reserved.

A CAPTAIN AND HIS CAMERA

Stone Soup Gallery features photos

by sailor Adam Davis

Adam Davis grew up near Niagara Falls, New York, but hated cold weather and, as a kid, he spent the long winters inside drawing race cars, airplanes and other “typical kid stuff.”

His artistic bent continued in college, where he ultimately switched majors from electrical engineering to art and humanities, although his mind still works like that of an engineer when it comes to fixing, fabricating and figuring things out. (Which comes in handy, as he and his wife work on their 40-foot catamaran, Bikini Bottom, as they sail the world and recently dropped anchor in Key West.)

His drawings of race cars have evolved into photographs — of the sailboat he shares with his wife, of his dog and their travels. A field of sunflowers in Ukraine. Sloppy Joe’s at night in Key West. Sailboats under a fiery sunset.

His first photography gallery show will take place at Stone Soup Gallery & Frame Shop, 802 White St., on Thursday, April 18 during the monthly Walk on White art stroll. His images are printed directly on glass for a striking visual effect.

“I think my photography speaks for itself. It isn’t to impress the world, but rather to document the time that I get to go sailing with my wonderful wife and my rescue dog. They chose me and this is a tribute to them and our time together,” he said. “If it inspires you or someone else to be creative and show off your skills, then my misguided adventures have done some good, and my ancestors will be proud.”

Davis has partnered with Fracture, a company that specializes in printing photos

on glass — single prints, gallery walls, business gifts and posters.

“Fractureme.com became the perfect partner for my gallery show,” Davis said. “A lot of my work will be printed on glass sheets as large as 40 inches by 30 inches.”

Plastic and faux-wood picture frames have never been Davis’ thing.

“My family had an antique business and, pre-internet, traveled the world in search of rare treasures — Steiff teddy bears, Oriental rugs, rare china, reverse-cut tiger maple furniture. My mother actually sold items to Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey. My father bought 1920s-era gas pumps, jukeboxes and movie posters from the golden age of cinema — whatever was rare and collected.”

The experience gave Davis an appreciation for authenticity, originality — and travel.

“Things with plastic parts and bar codes aren’t usually worth keeping,” he said. “Wood, glass and metal are made to last,” as are the indelible memories made while traveling.

During a whirlwind European vacation to visit friends in 2018, the couple put 3,300 miles on their rented Peugeot in two weeks, from Scotland to Ukraine.

“In Monaco, my wife saw Paris Hilton’s yacht in Hercule Harbor and said, ‘Paris has the right idea.’”

A successful job at an environmentally concerned, startup company that recycled cars enabled Davis to retire at 42 and see the world.

Enter Bikini Bottom, the couple’s floating home — a 40-foot catamaran that needed a complete refit, then sail and rigging work that has been done in Key West.

The

“I had been coming to Key West since 1991 and we’ve made great friends here, so it was the perfect fit. Along the way, I started taking photos for the blog and realized I still had some artistic skills from college.”

They’re documenting the boat renovation and their high-seas adventures on their blog at gingerandthesea.com.

Photographer Adam Davis, with wife Ginger, will exhibit his photos printed on glass at Stone Soup Gallery & Frame Shop, 802 White St,. during Walk on White on April 18. ADAM DAVIS/Contributed

40-foot catamaran Bikini Bottom is currently home to photographer Adam Davis, his wife Ginger and their rescue dog, Bruno.

Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear.

Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.

‘LIFESPAN OF A FACT’ AT RED BARN GOES BEYOND FUNNY MEET THE CURRENT ARTISTS AT THE STUDIOS’ PEAR HOUSE

Open house on April 11 features paintings, music and literature

The Studios of Key

West’s Peyton Evans Artist Residency (PEAR) program draws nearly 40 artists, writers and performers annually from across the country and overseas who spend a month-long residency at the PEAR House on Eaton Street.

On Thursday, April 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., current resident artists Timothy Goldkin, Derek Lassiter and Jeffrey Colvin will welcome the public to an open house at the PEAR House, 529 Eaton St, to share their recent works.

Goldkin, a cyanotype printmaker and wheat paste artist from Portland, Maine has been working with archival images from the Key West library, giving them new life through

the cyanotype process. Lassiter, a vocalist and composer in the Bay Area arts scene, fuses elements of soul, jazz and R&B to depict humankind’s journey through dark days that ultimately deliver us back into the light. Colvin is editing his second novel, after the success of his 2019 debut novel, “Africaville.” He’s a research-based fiction writer who was born and raised in Alabama and now lives in New York.

The program kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by Lassiter, followed by a reading by Colvin. Throughout the evening, Goldkin’s artwork will be on display. The open house is free and open to the public.

— Contributed

Play tackles ‘fake news’ & current issues

In a world where war, disease, famine, diversity, equality, AI and God knows what else is piled on the plate in front of us, there may be one issue in that stew of concerns that trumps them all: Is any of what we’re being told by the media about anything actually true?

In the final main stage production of its 44th season, the Red Barn Theatre in Key West takes this controversy head-on with “Lifespan of a Fact,” a play with relevance in this era of alternative facts. The play, written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell, runs through April 27, and is adapted from a 2012 book by the real men portrayed in the play about a real incident in Nevada. All curtain times are 7 p.m. instead of the normal 8 p.m.

The play stars local actors Dave Bootle, Cody Borah and Rita Troxel. It’s directed by the Barn’s artistic director, Joy Hawkins. “It’s a very unique play,” said Hawkins. “I can’t compare it to anything else. It’s not a tie-it-upin-a-bow kind of theater. You have to figure out for yourself what you think.”

The story starts innocuously enough. Jim is a fresh-out-of-Harvard, eager fact checker hired by Emily, a struggling magazine’s top editor, to check an article submitted by the well-known and talented writer, John. The article is about an indisputable incident: a 16-year-old boy is dead,

having jumped from the observation deck of Las Vegas’ Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Beyond that, things get sticky.

Turns out John has inserted unnecessary lies into his work under the guise of “artistic license” – for instance, was the casino deck actually 1,100 feet high or far shorter? Did the boy’s death connect with other phenomena that day – like banned lap dances or a tic-tac-toe-playing chicken named Ginger?

“I’m not interested in accuracy,” says John. “I’m interested in truth.” And woe to anyone who calls his shattering essay an “article.” He is not cool with anyone tampering with his copy, insisting that 100% accuracy in names, dates and specific incidents is less important than rhythm, music and beauty in the language.

But Jim – out to prove himself –is not having any of it, and Emily is caught in the middle, concerned only with saving her magazine and knowing a sensational piece by the acclaimed John could prop up shrinking ad sales and disappearing subscriptions. What should she do?

Who’s to say which character is focusing on truth that really matters? Those in attendance will have to decide for themselves.

Tickets for “Lifespan of a Fact” are available at redbarntheatre.com or by calling 305-296-9911.

Michael Ross, The Studios’ director of exhibitions and education, second from left, joins residency artists Derek Lassiter, Jeffrey Colvin and Timothy Goldkin for a rooftop sunset at Hugh’s View atop The Studios headquarters. CONTRIBUTED

‘Lifespan of a Fact,’ playing at Red Barn Theatre through April 27, stars, from left, Cody Borah, Rita Troxel and Dave Bootle. LARRY BLACKBURN/Contributed

Mosquito Control: Keeping blood-suckers at bay for 75 years

The centuries-long battles with mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit within the tropical climate of the Florida Keys are well known.

In 1949, in an effort to combat these pests and their threat to public health, the Monroe County AntiMosquito District was authorized by an act of the Florida Legislature and later overwhelmingly approved by local referendum. In 1970, the name was changed to the Monroe County Mosquito Control District. It changed again in 2002 to the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD). But more than the name has changed for this independent special taxing district in the past 75 years.

Beginning in the mid-1940s, mosquito control in the Keys was conducted by a few individuals in Key West spraying DDT from a truck. After 1949, the Key West group was absorbed into the newly formed antimosquito district. Spraying by truck was expanded to the entire county and later supplemented by spraying from aircraft. Within a few years, it was determined that the mosquitoes in the Keys and elsewhere were becoming resistant to DDT, so throughout the 1960s several derivatives of DDT were used instead. In 1962, Rachel Carson’s book “Silent Spring” was published, changing the world of mosquito control forever. Reaction to the book led to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency in 1970. Soon after, DDT and other chemically similar pesticides were banned from use in the U.S.

The use of DDT over a 30-year span is credited with saving millions of lives worldwide and helping to temporarily eliminate some of the disease-carrying mosquitoes in much of the United States and Florida, including the Keys. For the next 30 years, without major threats of mosquito-vectored diseases, mosquito control districts, including FKMCD, were able to focus mainly on nuisance mosquito control, which again produced great results. This helped Florida and the Florida Keys become a year-round tourist destination, which contributed to a thriving economy. In addition, the science of mosquito control continued to expand with an increasing focus on protecting our fragile ecosystems.

Guided by the goal of continuous improvement, FKMCD has transitioned from a very humble beginning

to one of the leading mosquito control operations in the world. Today, our team of scientists and technicians use the most effective and efficient equipment, including highly advanced helicopters with precision dispensing systems. Our chemical technology has advanced from using almost exclusively broad-spectrum pesticides to using mostly new- generation larvicides when appropriate. These larvicides are non-toxic to humans and animals, protect our environment and are very effective in controlling billions of mosquitoes before the public ever sees them.

Since the year 2000, increased international travel, along with other factors, have contributed to a drastic increase in the number of mosquitoborne disease cases worldwide. In 2023 the Florida Department of Health reported that about 30 Florida counties had recorded local transmission of five different mosquitoborne diseases. This includes Miami Dade County, currently witnessing the largest dengue fever outbreak in the U.S. in more than 70 years. Fortunately, our science-based, proactive and robust mosquito control efforts at FKMCD have kept the Keys disease-free for another year, but we remain on high alert as we enter the 2024 season.

As we come full circle with the return of these diseases to Florida, we are much better prepared today to combat them. The mosquito control industry is now in the midst of a huge technological boom that promises to continue developing new products that yield improved results and economic value for the Keys. Only time will tell what new technologies lie in the future for mosquito control. We strive to do our best, and with the continued support from our community, FKMCD is working hard to remain at the forefront in science and best practices so that paradise will remain paradise for our residents and visitors.

To help us celebrate our 75 years of service to the Florida Keys and learn more about our comprehensive efforts to control mosquitoes, please visit us at keysmosquito.org.

Sincerely,

Phil Goodman FKMCD Commissioner, District II and board chair

After fleeing the Florida Keys on April 1, Monte Chitty was taken into custody after approaching a Texas church group just four days later. MCSO/Contributed

FUGITIVE MARATHON PASTOR CAUGHT IN TEXAS

Monte Chitty will return to Keys to face sexual assault charges

AMarathon pastor facing charges for molesting a 15-year-old girl was taken into custody in Texas just four days after skipping his April 1 arraignment, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay confirmed to the Keys Weekly.

Monte Chitty, 62, will return to the Keys to face charges of sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation and contributing to the delinquency of a minor after being apprehended in Woodville, Texas, MCSO said in a press release.

According to the release, Chitty approached a Texas church group working with homeless residents in the area before a church member there contacted law enforcement. The release called the work of the Woodville, Texas Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service “instrumental in apprehending Chitty.”

Originally arrested March 4, Chitty is accused of providing a 15-year-old girl with an alcoholic beverage that the victim believed was spiked with something else. According to the arrest report, the victim said she lost consciousness on a couch in the library of Marathon’s First Baptist Church after drinking it, and awoke to find Chitty molesting her.

Released from jail on a $75,000 bond shortly after his first arrest, Chitty’s bond was upped to its current amount of $1.3 million after he failed to appear before Judge James Morgan. Intelligence that day suggested that Chitty had left Florida traveling west in a white van with out-of-state plates.

Additional evidence presented in court that day, including recorded telephone calls during Chitty’s short stay in jail and his internet search history, gave prosecutors and detectives reason to believe Chitty would leave Monroe County.

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) gives notice of its intent to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal (DEP File No FLR04E132-004) for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) to the FDOT District 6. The renewal permit requires the implementation of a Stormwater

d. A statement of how each petitioner's substantial interests are affected by the Department action;

e. A statement of all disputed issues of material fact. If there are none, the petition must so indicate;

f. A statement of facts that the petitioner contends warrant reversal or modification of the Department action;

g. A concise statement of the ultimate facts alleged, as well as the rules and statutes which entitle the petitioner to relief; and

h. A statement of the relief sought by the petitioner, stating precisely the action that the petitioner wants the Department to take.

Because the administrative hearing process is designed to formulate final agency action, the filing of a petition means that the Department’s final action may be different from the position taken by it in this notice. Persons whose substantial interests will be affected by any such final decision of the Department have the right to petition to become a party to the proceeding, in accordance with the requirements set forth above.

SPEAKER DIVES INTO MARINE SANCTUARY

Fangman to be featured at presentation on April 18

The College of the Florida Keys continues its 2024 VIP Series with “State of the National Marine Sanctuary” on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus. The presentation will be led by Sarah Fangman, superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Sarah Fangman, superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. CONTRIBUTED

Now in its 10th season, the VIP (Views, Ideas and Perspectives) Series invites the community to learn from speakers of local, regional and national prominence.

Fangman will discuss managing the sanctuary under stress and how marine researchers and the community have responded in novel ways to try to protect threatened resources. Topics will include the impacts from the current temperature stress on the whole system — including corals, seagrass, fish and sponges — and how the marine community is answering the cry for help.

Fangman became Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary superintendent in 2017, transitioning from the same position with Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary in Georgia. She began working with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries in 1998 after serving as a U.S. presidential management fellow with NOAA Fisheries at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center and the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response program in Washington, D.C.

The series is sponsored by First Horizon Bank. Tickets are $5 at the door. Admission is free for CFK and Monroe County students. More information is available at 305-296-9081 or cfk.edu/vip.

JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com

ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES

Crane Point leaps forward with more event space and outdoor adventures

As one of only 47 sites on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida, Crane Point Hammock and Nature Center offers more than just history. Long known for its outdoor walking, kayaking and snorkeling adventures, the sprawling preserve is beginning to become a hub for events in the Middle Keys.

Crane Point is an undisputed ecological and cultural gem. Its lush tropical forest hammocks shelter rare and endangered species alongside archaeological and historical treasures. The diverse ecosystems within its 63 acres include a large thatch palm hammock, a hardwood hammock, a mangrove forest, tidal lagoons and wetland ponds, with each habitat providing a haven for a variety of wildlife.

As of late, however, the hammock has offered its patrons a bit more than just nature.

“We have four areas that have been designated as event spaces,” said Crane Point CEO Charlotte Quinn. “The center of our property has just been completed and there’s a beautiful fire pit there as well. With separate event spaces, Crane Point can accommodate a variety of functions, which is ideal for large corporate events or weddings."

Of the four designated areas, the first area is known as the Crane House. It pays homage to Francis and Mary Crane, the property's conservationist owners prior to the 1970s. Steeped in history, the recently-remodeled home showcases the legacy of the Crane family. Original ceiling decorations pay tribute to their Great Pyrenees dogs, rescued during World War II and brought to America before becoming the breed's founding bloodline in the U.S. Additionally, re-created indigenous artifacts reflect the couple's passion for collecting and preserving cultural heritage. Although all of Crane Point’s spaces have natural breezes, this is the only event space that offers an upstairs, air-conditioned option.

Nestled within the lush hammock is the Adderley House. Originally built in 1904, it’s a captivating example of Bahamian architecture and is the oldest surviving house in the Florida Keys beyond Key West. The Adderley House boasts a practical layout, measuring 30 feet by 21 feet. Its rectangular shape is punctuated by centered doors at the front and back, allowing for a cool breeze to flow through the eight windows. This seemingly simple structure is the only remaining building in Florida constructed using the unique "tabby" method. This involved burning oyster shells to create lime, which was then combined with water, sand, ash and the leftover shell fragments to form a strong concrete-like substance.

The third event space offered is the museum and accompanying courtyard area. While visiting, patrons may uncover the fascinating story of the Florida Keys at the museum and explore exhibits showcasing the area's natural wonders and rich history. Learning about the Calusa Indians, the first inhabitants, visitors can understand how Spanish explorers and pioneers left their mark and discover tales of pirates who once roamed the waters of the Keys. The outside accompanying courtyard has a diorama replicating a vibrant coral reef teeming with life. Butterflies, colorful tree snails, artwork and land tortoises also surround the area.

Finally, made possible by the Marathon Wild Bird Center’s move to impressive new digs near the front

of the property, Crane Point has a centrally-located area that has been recently cleared and is now available. As the largest of the center’s four event spaces, this expansive area in the heart of the property boasts ample room for large gatherings. Tents and canopies of twinkling lights may be used along with the surrounding vicinity of newly planted gardens, flourishing trees and finished walking paths.

“Each event space is different, and each has its own natural beauty," said Quinn. “We are continuing to enhance the event area with beautiful gardens and amenities all the time.”

Besides the abundant event options, there are many nature offerings and ways to gaze at local wildlife at Crane Point. Another recently-renovated area is the Wild Bird Center. For more than 25 years, the Middle Keys rescue hospital has served as a beacon of hope for injured wildlife. Under founder and director Kelly Grinter, a dedicated team of volunteers has a remarkable record of success, rehabilitating and releasing more than 16,000 wild birds back into their natural habitat. Recognized throughout the region, the team has an unwavering commitment to caring for Monroe County's avian population.

“Come see our bald eagle, Rita,” said Quinn. “She is the only bald eagle in the entire Florida Keys.”

More information is at cranepoint. net, marathonwildbirdcenter.org or 305-783-7551.

Crane Point CEO Charlotte Quinn, right, and Marathon Wild Bird Center veterinarian Dr. Geraldine Deithelm show off the new entrance to the Marathon Wild Bird Center. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

• 6-week courses (May 14-June 25) On-campus, online, and hybrid courses

• 12-week courses (May 14 - Aug. 6)

Earn credits quickly and enjoy the flexibility of virtual learning.

• Summer Kickstart program (June 3- Aug. 8)

Eight-week term for new students:

- English Composition I

- Preparing for Student Success. On-campus, online, and hybrid courses Questions? Contact Marissa Owens at recruiter@cfk.edu. www.cfk.edu/futurestudents

ELEGANT EVENING HELPS LOCAL KIDS & FAMILIES

Wesley House Black Tie Benefit features live auction & dancing

On April 6, Wesley House Family Services transformed the grand ballroom at the Beachside Resort & Residences (formerly named the Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel) into an elegant tropical oasis for its 2024 Key West Black Tie Benefit presented by Steve Brenner and Darla Snyder.

Emerald green drapery adorned the walls, while elegantly set tables featured gold chargers, emerald green water glasses and tropical centerpieces.

The evening’s boisterous live auction saw paddles being raised continuously, prompting several of the 250 attendees to comment on the look and elegance of the venue and the event, where DJ Cardi drew nearly all guests to the dance floor.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of our 2024 Black Tie Benefit,” said Grace Epperly, Wesley House development coordinator. “Our goal is to educate our guests about our mis-

sion and share our programs and stories, while having a great time. We showed a video featuring the amazing journey of a mother in crisis who put in the hard work to be reunited with her two daughters within six months. We are beyond blessed by the generosity of this community, which truly shined on Saturday night. Our sponsors Steve Brenner and Darla Snyder spearheaded the fundraising excitement with their incredible gift and we cannot thank all the sponsors, donors and guests enough for coming out, having fun and supporting us. All monies raised will continue our mission and support the many programs of Wesley House.”

Wesley House is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and nurturing children and strengthening families with services spanning Monroe County.

More information, including photos and a recap video of the Black Tie Benefit, are at wesleyhouse.org.

— Contributed

Beachside Resort & Residences welcomes the 2024 Black Tie Benefit for Wesley House Family Services on April 6. MARK FUNKHOUSER/Contributed

COME WORSHIP WITH US

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

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am

Service 11am

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Adorasyon 8:30pm

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Domingo Estudio Biblico a las 5pm

Servicio de Adoración a las 6pm

Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, ...’’ I Peter 3:15 NKJV

MIND ALTERING LUBRICANTS FOR SOCIAL INTERCOURSE DINNER COCKTAILS MUSIC

MONDAY - SATURDAY | 6P - LATE 524 DUVAL ST. | 305.296.1075

HOPING TO FIND HARMONY

Harmony: the sound of more than one note played simultaneously. The definition seems simple enough, but harmony and its effects on the brain have been the subject of questions since the first time two notes were ever heard at the same time. For now, we will leave that discussion to the scholars.

Harmonies abound in our daily lives. The sound of birds singing in the trees blends with children’s voices on a playground, and then both get shoved aside by the sound of car horns blaring impatiently at the same time.

But as you roll up the window you are ushered into the comfort of your favorite song. A few harmony structures have proven so pleasing to the ear that they appear in nearly every popular piece of music. Twopart harmonies are the foundation and perhaps the most personal. The simplicity and intimacy of two voices blending runs through music all over the world, by people of every race, creed and color. We all know the strength two voices can represent.

Harmonies are named for the distance between two notes, called an interval. For instance, the difference between an A note and a C note would be called a third (a minor third to be exact, but exact is not necessary here). The distance between an A note and E note is a fifth.

When we think of harmonies of thirds we can look to Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” as a fine example of some very close, tight harmonies many times using thirds to create the haunting

RAY WEST

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

sound on that song. Duplicating the harmonies on that song takes skill and work.

The next step in harmonies usually reaches up to the fifth and we add another singer. But before that we must add a footnote for the band Alice In Chains. Unlike many bands, especially in harder edged rock music, they used the interval of a fifth with only two singers. The result was haunting, unique and something many still consider to be among the best of the era. Harmonies can be either consonant, meaning they sound pleasant to us, or dissonant, meaning they’re harsh or a bit jarring. Alice In Chains managed to do both simultaneously.

Once we add another singer, we enter the realm of three-part harmony. Think Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Bee Gees, the Beatles or Fleetwood Mac. Part of the glory of three-part harmony is its ability to make a full chord with words. With that comes a unique tool to power both the music and the lyrics.

The addition of a fourth voice creates even more interesting chords and adds the ability to double up a note, but in a higher octave. A low C to a high C, for instance. This can make the chord wider and create space for even more voices to find a place.

More often than not, all this harmony is greatly dependent on the melody. The melody note could be considered the one, or root, note of the chord we create with our voices. While the melody is there to guide you through the song, harmony lets you know you’re not alone.

The removal of two Australian pines from a parking lot at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, scheduled for April 9, violates a 2008 agreement made between the Department of Environmental Protection and then-State Rep. Ron Saunders on behalf of the local nonprofit group Save Our Pines (SOP).

The agreement states, “No Australian pines will be removed for building, landscaping or hardscaping purposes. The existing pines shall remain unencumbered on the property until their natural death.”

What is disappointing is that up to this point the park service and SOP have worked together in trying to make the park the best it can be. Now, without notice or conversation, two pines are being removed for hardscaping. What hurts is the DEP’s lack of transparency. Why should we trust the state to be forthright in the future? The plans have been in the works since 2021, and we only last week, unexpectedly, found out. By violating the agreement, the park service has broken the trust we have tried so hard to develop. Had we been advised of the plans, we would not have objected as we know a paved lot is good for the park.

Unfortunately without a program for replenishment, the pines will eventually die off due to state legislation preventing a replanting program. However, the law as written allows for exceptions on a case-bycase basis. We Ft. Zach lovers believe our park qualifies and would like a legislative exemption that would allow replacement pines. The City of Key West and the Monroe County Commission each have passed resolutions opposing any removal of the mature pines and advocating a “controlled growth replacement program.”

The pines have NOT been saved. Over the past 18 years, they have dwindled greatly. Save Our Pines is certainly not against native trees. On this particular spit of fill, the pines were the first growth and have proven themselves able to withstand this harsh environment and are controlled from spreading. A balance of pines and natives has worked. Northern Florida parks that have experienced total pine removal have told SOP for years, “Don’t let this happen to you.”

So where do we go from here? Perhaps we should all ask the park to do the right thing and replace the two pines they unceremoniously removed in violation of the agreement.

For more information visit saveourpines.com and/or contact our state representatives.

Sincerely,

Helen Harrison Founder, Save Our Pines Key West

Adrienne Z., McKenna Carlson and Juliana Walker MacDowell perfect a three-part harmony in Bill Blue’s ‘Carolina Time.’ RALPH DE PALMA/Contributed

PALOMA SILVER GREY LEATHER with grey stained base

PALOMA MUSHROOM LEATHER with WALNUT stained base

I.CARE TRASH DERBY

MAY 2-5 KEYS-WIDE

THURSDAY, May 2, 6:15-7:30 p.m., Bud N' Mary's Marina Mandatory Team Leader meeting (in-person and virtual), gear pick-up and Mote coral nursery tour.

Free beer from Florida Keys Brewing Co.

FRIDAY, May 3 and SATURDAY, May 4, Sunrise to Sunset Debris clean-up Key Largo through Key West.

SUNDAY, May 5, 12 noon-6 p.m. I.CARE Trash Derby Festival & Awards Ceremony at Founders Park Islamorada.

Food, Vendors, Raffle, Silent Auction and Awards. Performances by the well-known singer songwriter Leah Sutter and Southern Stampede, a touring rock band with amazing vocals and incredible guitar work. www.icaretrashderby.com

Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s o ce. AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS.

THERE AREN’T ENOUGH WORDS FOR BLUE

MARK HEDDEN

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

Indigo buntings don’t have a particularly distinctive shape. They’re round little things about the height and weight of a pack of cigarettes with a modest but sturdy triangular bill built largely for cracking seeds.

No one is sure where, exactly, the name bunting came from, though one theory says it derived from the Scandinavian word “buntin,” which means short and thick, or plump.

But it’s not the shape of an indigo bunting that anyone really notices. It’s the color, at least when it comes to the adult males.

Technically it’s the indigo of its name, except on a color chart, indigo skews more purple than the bird. Indigo is also a dye, though, and if you look at pictures of the dried dye, the bird’s name makes more sense.

Indigo the color was given its name by Sir Isaac Newton, before he was a sir, but after his famous prism experiment that showed different colors were created by different wavelengths of light, and that there were seven colors in the rainbow of the visible color spectrum – colors every kindergartner can recite: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

Newton named the color indigo after the dye, even though the dye and the color in the visible color spectrum are not the same.

There are actually a lot of people who believe indigo shouldn’t be one of the colors named in the visible light spectrum. They point out that indigo has the narrowest bandwidth of any of the colors in the rainbow, with wavelengths between 425 and 445nm, or a zone of only 20 nanometers, where red lives between 625 and 740nm, with a zone of about 115 nanometers. Pro-indigo people make the counter argument that yellow only occupies a bandwidth of 25 nanometers, which is not much wider.

Another argument against indigo having a place in the rainbow is the fact that of the seven colors, three are primary (red, blue, yellow). Three are secondary colors (green, orange, violet), which are made from combinations of two primary colors. Indigo sticks out like a sore thumb as the only tertiary color, which is made of blue and violet, a primary and a secondary color.

Interestingly, in modern times, indigo has disappeared from icons such as the gay pride rainbow, the cover of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” and the My Little Pony lineup, but it seems to have retained its place in stickers of unicorns with rainbows in the background. Also: There’s the Indigo Girls.

So why did Newtown include indigo? Some believe it was because, despite being one of history’s great thinkers, he also had some occult beliefs (who doesn’t?) and considered seven a harmonic number, with seven notes in an octave, seven planets in the solar system (at the time), and seven days in a week.

According to one of my dictionaries of bird names (I own two; yes, I know I’m a geek), the bird was named after the dye, which is at least the right color.

Until 1882, when functional synthetic dyes were first created, if someone wanted a blue garment, it was almost always dyed with indigo, which was derived from plants that could not be grown in temperate Europe, but had to come from somewhere warm like Africa or East Asia. The name “indigo” is derived from the Greek for “from India.”

Making indigo dye was a complicated process. But, blue being a popular color, it was also insanely profitable.

Eliza Lucas, who was 16 in 1739 when her father left her to manage his three plantations in South Carolina, is often credited, along with her husband, Charles Pinckney, with bringing indigo production to the new world. Modern historians will usually point out that neither she nor her husband actually figured out how to cultivate indigo here, but rather the enslaved people working on her plantations who discovered a reliable method with knowledge they’d brought from Africa. Soon, indigo production was responsible for a third of the income brought in from exports in South Carolina.

One of the bleaker facts about indigo’s profitability is that slavery was not legal in

neighboring Georgia during the early part of this era, but became so in 1851, once the potential profit from indigo — and the laborintensive process to make it — was noted.

I can’t say I considered anything I’ve written so far when I saw an indigo bunting at the Botanical Garden last week. Some of that stuff I knew, some of it I researched. But I am generally too confounded with surprise or wonder any time I see an indigo bunting to think much about language and history, or even science.

The dumbfoundedness is not a result of rarity. This one bird was a precursor to the waves of indigo buntings – hundreds, but more likely thousands – that will come through the Keys in the coming weeks. They are skittish, at least when they are here, and usually give you just a one- or two-second look at best, but I’ve unexpectedly flushed 50 of them at a time from a single bush.

But they are just so blue, so (f-ing) blue that often I find myself almost paralyzed by the sight of them. It’s a regal blue that shifts into dark midnight, that shifts into deep cerulean, that shifts into Prussian blue, that shifts into a thousand other descriptives, none of them wholly satisfying.

And all of it glows just a bit, as if perhaps there is something electric behind it. That glow, I believe, comes from the fact that none of those blues are created by pigments.They are structural colors, created by minute particles in the feathers, all of them smaller in diameter than the wavelength of the color red, that scatter and reflect the blues in all different directions.

Because they tend to move fast through the open, I don’t have many good shots of indigo buntings. But this one I spied through a gap in the bushes, and managed to raise my camera fast enough to get a series of halfway decent shots. It felt something like catching lightning in a bottle.

A male Indigo bunting seen recently at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

HELEN, A HEIST AND HEADLINES

Wife of Righter Perky made her own news

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.

Helen

Nellie Davis was no wallflower. She was born on Dec. 11, 1879, in Baltimore. Because her story is more interesting and complicated than can be told in 900 words or so, this story will concentrate on the time she spent with her last husband, Righter Clyde Perky, the “bat man” of Sugarloaf Key. When Helen met Perky, she lived in New York but had spent several winters in Miami. Perky was a successful real estate investor who owned several companies in Florida and Texas. In 1926, he was the president of the Miami Motor Club and was living on Santa Maria Avenue in Coral Gables. They married on July 6, 1926. The intimate ceremony was performed at his home and attended by only one other couple. The newlyweds honeymooned in Cuba.

It would not be a particularly long or uneventful marriage. In October of 1929, the Perkys traveled to Chicago to enjoy the horseracing season. On October 10, she visited the Hawthorne Race Track, where horses had been racing at the family-owned track since 1891. She attended the track with two people with whom she reportedly had become recently acquainted, James Lamorte and the “38-year-old divorcee Marie Knowles.”

While in the car and traveling home from the track, they passed through the Chicago suburb of Cicero when another vehicle pulled up and forced them to pull over to the curb and stop. Two men jumped out of the car. Lamorte was behind the wheel of the vehicle, and one of the men ran up and held a gun to his head. The other leaned through the passenger window and, holding a gun with his right hand, grabbed at Mrs. Perky’s purse with his left. The pistol was held under her chin. When she screamed, the gunman

squeezed the trigger, and the bullet passed up through her chin and exited through her forehead above her left eye. Perky went limp, the bandit grabbed the purse, and the two men ran back to their car and sped away.

Helen Perky was rushed to the hospital, where doctors attended to her injury. While she was recuperating, a curious thing happened. Some anonymous person walked into the hospital and handed a nurse a “pasteboard box wrapped in white paper.” Inside the box was the $50,000 worth of jewelry Mrs. Perky had in her purse when it was stolen, including a pear-shaped 16.5-carat diamond ring.

Mrs. Perky’s companions at the time of the attack were taken into custody for questioning. According to chief investigator Patrick Roche of the state’s attorney’s office, a secret investigation of Marie Knowles had been underway, and he thought that when she discovered she was being investigated, she had the jewelry returned.

Helen Perky recovered from the gunshot wound. However, her marriage proved more delicate. The Perky divorce was filed on Dec. 15, 1932, and made regular newspaper headlines in 1933. In March 1933, lawyers on behalf of Mrs. Perky filed a suit for separate maintenance, resulting in Mr. Perky being served with a series of injunctions. Those injunctions reveal that Righter Clyde Perky was more than just the guy who wanted to build a fishing camp and who built Sugarloaf Key’s famous bat tower.

Before moving any further ahead, one housekeeping matter needs to be addressed.

Since I began writing about Mr. Perky and his bat tower, I have called him Richter, Richter Clyde Perky, and did so, in fact, in last week’s column. I am one of many who have made this mistake, as many stories about him also refer to him as Richter. While digging into old newspaper accounts (and with help from David Sloan), it became clear that I had been calling him by the wrong name for over a decade. The man’s given name is Righter Clyde Perky.

Righter or Richter, Perky had more interests than the bats and a tower that once stood on Sugarloaf

Key at MM 17. Those interests were detailed in the injunctions from Mrs. Perky’s suit. In addition to having ownership in Perky Properties Inc., Perkall Properties Inc., Perky Mercantile Company, and the North End Development Company, there was the real estate company Island Holdings Company, where he had an alleged $500,000 in holdings.

Also listed as assets in the March 25, 1933 story in the Miami News were $150,000 in deposits at the First National Bank of Miami and $250,000 worth of stocks. The story also alleged that he owned the Perky Sponge Farm on Sugarloaf Key outright, all 5,000 acres of land and near-shore shallows and that it was valued at $500,000. He also had interests in the Commonwealth Royalty Corporation of Tyler, Texas, valued at between $250,000 and $1 million.

According to the newspaper story, “The injunctions are to prevent Perky from molesting his wife, obtaining a divorce from her without her knowledge, transferring his properties, cashing certificates of deposit in the First National Bank, or damaging property belonging to her. A $25,000 bond is to be required when he is taken into custody.”

The headline in the Miami News the following day read: “PERKY BEING HELD ON WRIT OF WIFE – Miami Real Estate Man Un-

der Technical Arrest in Key West.” Nothing about the newspaper stories screams amicable separation, including the March 30, 1933 story in the paper. “Mrs. Perky claims her husband, through misrepresentation, obtained possession of $23,810 in jewelry he gave to her before their marriage, $20,000 in cash in the bank in her own name and $6,000 she made on real estate commissions.”

After the divorce, Helen D. Perky remained in Coral Gables. Her name frequently appeared on the local society pages. In 1938, she was again named in a legal notice posted in the paper regarding Mrs. Perky and the Key Largo North End Development Company. The property was being auctioned off to the highest cash bidder at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West.

On Jan. 2, 1941, Helen Davis Perky died in her Coral Gables home after a brief illness.

Miss Marie Knowles and James Lamorte, the two in the car with Mrs. Perky in the October 1929 Chicago Tribune. CONTRIBUTED

OTIS GIBBS

OLD TOWN NEW FOLK CONCERT SERIES

TUE APRIL 16, 7PM - THEATER

$75 front row, $40, $30 mbrs.

WED APRIL 17, 8PM - ROOFTOP front row sold out, $50, $40 mbrs.

A songwriter, storyteller and painter described as “the best unknown songwriter in music today.”

RE ABLE DANCE PROJECT

SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 4PM - $15

The feel good event of the year! This innovative dance program from Dance Key West gives a voice, and an opportunity for movement and expression, to every “reMARCable” participant.

Featuring poetry written by MARC clients and read by Steve Burns (actor, Blue’s Clues); original choreography by MARC clients and Dance Key West; and a mural backdrop by artist Garth Holtkamp.

ABBIE GARDNER

OLD TOWN NEW FOLK CONCERT SERIES

TUE APRIL 23, 7PM - THEATER

$75 front row, $50, $40 mbrs

WED APRIL 24, 8PM - ROOFTOP $100 front row, $60, $50 mbrs.

A show-stopping songwriter, captivating vocalist, and worldclass lap style dobro guitar player.

KING TIDE

by Michael Marrero

FRI & SAT APR 26-27, 8PM $35, $30 mbrs.

In a future where the climate crisis has left their hometown perpetually flooded, residents Ash and Ezra navigate survival with a blend of dark humor and stark reality, as they grapple with the choice of leaving or fighting for their submerged existence. sponsored by 7 Artists & Friends

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea

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

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

alert and loves to explore the world around her. She loves attention and being around people.

Sally is a fun-loving girl who’s been at the Key West campus since October 2023. She turned a year old during her time with us and has learned to trust and love our staff and volunteers. They love her just as much in return.

Fennel is a sweet little 1-year-old rabbit. Fennel is very friendly and loves to be around people.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

Plogging the Keys met at Mallory Square on April 5 for the Friday morning cleanup. The city’s community services department does a great job cleaning the area daily so much of the work entailed getting cigarette butts out of the rocks. In one hour, 58 volunteers collected 84 pounds of “micro trash,” 19 pounds of recycling and 4 gallons of cigarette butts, below. Special thanks to Ocean Key Resort for hosting the Ploggers for the second time with breakfast sandwiches and coffee. CONTRIBUTED

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

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

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

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

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

the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

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

— Contributed

Join a Friday morning cleanup each week from 8 to 9 a.m.

April 12: Nelson English Park. Meet at the park, 300 Catherine St. (Hosted by Last Stand of the Florida Keys)

April 19: White Street & Atlantic Blvd. Meet at the bocce courts, 1301 Atlantic Blvd. (Joint cleanup with the Green Ops of the Conch Republic)

April 26: Between both entrances of College Road on U.S. 1, both sides. Meet along the bike path across U.S. 1 from Dion’s, just past Maloney Avenue. Park along College Road. (Hosted by Keys Weekly)

Tiny Tina is a sweet little 5-year-old lady. She is very

Meet Sonny, a 3-year-old cat who has been with us since he was a kitten. Sonny loves a warm lap to curl up in and enjoys head scratches.

Meet Ichigo. This lovely lady is 9 years old. She doesn’t let her age get to her, as she still loves to play, run and take all the biscuits you can handle.

WORLD FAMOUS LOBSTER PIZZA

How often should parents talk to their teens about the harms of alcohol?

How often should parents talk to their teens about the harms of drug use?

How often should parents talk to their teens about mental health, including stress, anxiety, anger, bullying, depression, etc.?

Talk Early, Talk Often, Find Time

5 CONVERSATION GOALS

1. Show you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.

2. Show you care about your teen’s health, wellness, and success.

3. Show you’re a good source of information about alcohol and other drugs.

4. Show you’re paying attention and you will discourage risky behaviors.

5. Build your teen’s skills and strategies for avoiding drinking and drug use.

Healthy Life

By Dr. Christina Sawyer

Mastering Stress

Effective techniques for a healthier, happier life.

Managing stress is essential to maintaining your health, but it can often be challenging in the face of life's demands

Stress can derive from different situations, whether from work pressures, personal relationships, or financial worries

Left unchecked, stress can heighten feelings of anxiety and depre ssion or even impact your heart health, blood pressure, digestion, sleeping patterns, and so on

Here are a few ways to effectively manage stress: Exercise: Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, alleviates muscle tension, and reduces risks of diseases

2

1 Meditate: Practicing mindfulness through meditation, journaling, or focused breathing calms the mind, reduces stress hormones, and promotes relaxation

3

Schedule Annual Checkups: Prioritize your health by attending to your physical and emotional needs, including regular check-ups with your primary care provider (PCP)

4

Eat a Balanced Diet: Fueling your body with nutritious meals can help support your mood, energy, and immune system

Establish a Sleeping Routine: Stress can heighten a sense of alertness, delaying the onset of sleep By sleeping 7-9 hours every night, your body can enter REM sleep, which can regulate your mood and repair and grow tissues for a healthier immune system

6

5 Seek Support: Feeling alone can add to the stress your experiencing Talking to loved ones or professionals for support can provide perspective and comfort and reduce stress levels in the process

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, they may help you reduce stress and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life

For appointments with our Key West primary care physicians, call: 305-535-3434.

Dr Christina Kemp Sawyer is a board certified, licensed Primary Care Physician

A Key West native, Dr Sawyer earned her undergraduate degree in 2011 at the University of Florida and her medical degree in 2015 at Florida Atlantic University s Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine She completed her residency training at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E Schmidt College of Medicine in Boca Raton, Florida in 2019

On May 9, the City Commission will decide whether to approve the rezoning of 3.3 acres at 715-811 Seminole St., which is owned by the adjacent Casa Marina Resort, from a workforce/ residential zone to a commercial zone.

If approved, it will permit the conversion of this parcel into another exclusive hotel property, along with allowing for retail shops, scooter rentals, restaurants, bars etc. This zoning change would also permit, as a “matter of right,” transient rentals.

The law is very clear that you cannot put conditions on a rezoning request. Hence if passed, the floodgates will be forever open to the transference of transient rentals onto this property. Once approved, these and future developers of this property cannot be bound by promises made concerning transient rentals.

At a time of soaring rents, dwindling workforce, growing traffic congestion and questionable infrastructure, this rezoning does not help alleviate these and other related problems, it only exacerbates and compounds them. We need to preserve and protect our ever-shrinking residential neighborhoods and the quality of life that goes with them. That is why our existing codes and ordinances expressly prohibit these changes and our Planning Department strongly opposes this precedent.

This passed the Planning Board because two board members claimed there was no opposition. This request will directly or indirectly impact all of us, so I hope you’ll take a moment to contact our commissioners to let your voice be heard. If no one objects, you can pretty much guarantee it will pass.

Sincerely,

Gregory Lloyd Key West

LEADERSHIP MONROE PLANS GRADUATION PARTY

Community invited to GradFest on April 27 at Marathon

Leadership Monroe County (LMC) will celebrate its Class XXXI graduation with “Leadership Spring GradFest,” a community festival and alumni reunion to be held April 27, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Marathon Community Park, MM49.

The expanded family-friendly event will feature multiple food trucks, games, a bounce house, water slide, a classic car show, axthrowing booth, the Key West Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit, all-day music, artist vendors, Monroe County nonprofit booths, a targeted 50/50 $25,000 Class XXXI raffle, graduation ceremony at 3 p.m. and more.

SAVE THE DATE

Monday, April 15

• Congregation Bnai Zion hosts the final free movie Monday of the season, “The Man in the Basement.” A former history teacher moves into a basement space in Paris, where his false and anti-Semitic conspiracy theories tell an important story about today’s issues. Doors open at 7 p.m. Film starts at 7:30 p.m. followed by dessert. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Wednesday, April 17

• The College of the Florida Keys invites employers and job seekers to join CFK students and alumni at their annual Career Connections Job Fair and Networking events from noon to 3 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus

April 19-28

• Key West and the Conch Republic celebrate the offbeat “nation’s” 42nd birthday April 19-28 in Key West, offering more than 20 colorful activities, ranging from a pirate bash and quirky races to a “sea-to-sea” parade. Visit conchrepublic.com for a complete schedule.

Saturday, April 20

• The 3rd annual Stock Island Earth Day Cleanup, 8 a.m. to noon. All supplies will be provided. Meet at Bernstein Park. Come for an hour or more. All are welcome and families with children are encouraged. A workshop

Admission is $10; children aged 12 and under free.

LMC is an educational, nonpartisan, nonprofit community organization that brings together existing and emerging leaders to build constructive alliances in the Florida Keys.

More information is at leadershipmonroecounty.org or 305-3943804.

— Contributed

SHELF HELP

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

What: “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

on “Creating musical Instruments from recycled materials” will also take place. For more information, contact Jo Anne at 917-680-2079 or joanneellis242@ aol.com.

• Mote Marine’s Ocean Fest at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All ages are invited to enjoy crafts, games, music, food, local brews and shopping as Mote and other environmental organizations provide exhibits. Visit mote.org/oceanfest.

Friday, April 26

• Shop at Lilly Pulitzer, 600 Front St., Key West, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the store will donate 10% of all sales to A Positive Step of Monroe County’s Idle Hands Summer Jobs program that puts at-risk kids to work throughout Key West.

Saturday, April 27

• Leadership Monroe County celebrates its Class XXXI graduation with Leadership Spring GradFest, a community festival and alumni reunion, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Marathon Community Park, MM49. The familyfriendly event will feature food trucks, games, a bounce house, artist booths, the KWPD Mounted Patrol Unit, music, vendors,non-profit booths, a Class XXXI raffle and graduation ceremony and more. Admission is $10; children 12 and under are admitted free. For more information, visit leadershipmonroecounty.org or call 305-394-3804.

Why: Between life and death there is a library filled with books providing a chance to try another life you could have lived. Norah Seed finds herself in that library, having killed herself and suddenly frozen at midnight in the “in between.” The first book to read is the Book of Regrets. Read a regret and decide between death, your current life or the life you could have lived based on the regret. Doing this, Norah must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what makes it worth living in the first place.

Where: This is available in regular and large print, as an e-book, audiobook on CD, e-audiobook – and as a “Book Club in a Bag” (with 10 copies and questions for discussion) 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: Amy Skerly, library assistant, Key West library

See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.

LOVE SONG

Local alt-rock duo Lung produces music video in the Keys to benefit local children

If you are having even the slightest bummer of a day, play the video for the charity song “In the Key of West (Keys Strong)” by alt-rock duo Lung and prepare to be charmed.

In joyful, sun-splashed scenarios, Lung members Chris and Ric Chandler sing catchy lyrics and take part in everything we love to do in our island paradise, including, among many other favorites, boating through mangroves and Toilet Seat Cut in Islamorada, having cocktails on a sandbar, doing shots on Duval Street, visiting the Hemingway House and enjoying a sunset over a beach.

The video may soften even the most jaded heart. It ends with the Chandlers surrounded by Coral Shores High School students, who are pumping their fists with huge smiles and shouting, “Keys strong!”

The sentiment is fitting, since all proceeds from purchases of the song go directly to a child in need in the Florida Keys, through Lung’s charity Little Angels.

The duo have chosen Tavernier’s Florida Keys Children’s Shelter to be one of Little Angel’s first beneficiaries.

“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting effort,” Ben Kemmer, the CEO of the shelter, told Keys Weekly. “This is something entirely new for our organization, and we feel very honored to help raise awareness of the needs of children in our Florida Keys community.”

Chris and Ric are a husband-and-wife team who have made a living as professional musicians for decades in Europe (Chris is from France, while Ric is from England). Ric is a drummer, producer and songwriter, and, though not a part of the original lineup of Modern English — known for the ’80s hit love song “I Melt With You” — he is a member of the band and currently touring with them in Europe. He has also worked with Calvin Harris and Tricky.

Chris, a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and filmmaker, released a record in France on the Sony Music label under her family name, Chris Loung, and worked with industry names such as renowned violinist Nigel Kennedy and producer Boris Bergman, who helped create hits for artists such as Moby, The Kills and Marianne Faithfull.

The couple took advantage of their extensive contacts to create “In the Key of West.” The song was mixed by Grammy Award–winner Chris Lord-Alge (who mixed Bruce Sprinsteen’s “Born in the USA”). And to help her direct the video, Chris reached out to a friend in the film industry in Paris, Olivier Févin.

All proceeds from the single ‘In the Key of West (Keys Strong)’ will be donated to local nonprofits that benefit children, including the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter. CONTRIBUTED. Inset: Lung is a band formed by husband-and-wife team Ric (left) and Chris Chandler, who moved to the U.S. in 2011.

“We filmed over three weeks,” she said. “No assistant. The three of us did everything. We were up every morning at 6 a.m. and back every night by 8 p.m. We were completely dead but it was a wonderful experience.”

Through “In the Key of West,” the couple wanted to express gratitude to the community that supported them through their immigration journey, which sometimes became bumpy, especially during the pandemic. They have lived in the Keys for nine years.

“We are proud to be green-card holders and would like to be citizens,” Ric said. “The American dream is still alive in the United States. America supports entrepreneurs and people who work hard. We came here with $7,000 to buy an RV and musical equipment. We built it up from zero. We got our tools and worked hard.”

Though the Chandlers now have a packed schedule in the Keys, when they first arrived in this country, they took any gig they could get. Chris’ native language is French, but as the guitarist and frontwoman of Lung, she had to get used to speaking to audiences in English and shilling their CDs at performances.

“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “It was a whole new country and culture. But by the second gig we had a breakthrough — the audience bought all our albums.”

Chris explained that they wanted to help children specifically because her husband and she know what it feels like to suffer hard knocks while growing up.

“When you don’t have a privileged upbringing, it’s more difficult to achieve dreams,” she said. “We want to give our money to children who are having difficulties. And we want to meet the child and talk with the child. When we decided that playing music has to be for a higher purpose and not for ego, it was immediately motivating and encouraging.”

Ric was moved that venues throughout the Keys, such as the Hemingway House, wanted to help with the video once they learned it was for charity.

“Everyone opened their doors,” he said.

“I was thrilled to hear that the museum said ‘yes,’” said Chris. “It meant a lot for us that somebody as eminent as the Hemingway Museum trusted us with our project. We cried in each other’s arms. For us, it expressed that we were accepted here in this country.”

To purchase the song, learn more about the charity and watch the “In the Key of West (Keys Strong)” video, scan the QR code.

FORMER COUNCILWOMAN FILES ETHICS COMPLAINT AGAINST VILLAGE MAYOR

Investigation finds Pinder didn’t abuse public funds for political gain in 2022

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

An ethics complaint filed against Islamorada Mayor Buddy Pinder by a former councilwoman, who alleged he misused public funds for his election campaign, led to an investigation that found no wrongdoing on Pinder’s part.

An investigation by Elizabeth Miller, attorney with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, recommends the Florida Commission on Ethics, at its April 19 meeting, find no probable cause that Pinder violated the Florida Constitution and state statutes on claims that he misused public funds for his election campaign — as he was no longer running for office by the time a village employee started filming a video thanking voters. Pinder appeared in that video riding his bicycle through Founders Park shortly after the November 2022 election in which voters re-elected him.

In September 2023, the Florida Commission on Ethics received a complaint from Hobe Sound resident Cheryl Meads. She served on the Islamorada council from 2016 until leaving in January 2020 to take a seat on the South Florida Water Management District’s governing board. She’s one of the original members who started the Islamorada Community Alliance.

Meads’ complaint contained several allegations, but an investigation was only ordered as to whether public funds were used for Pinder’s 2022 campaign. The complaint alleged that Pinder used a village-contracted employee, Carlos Garcia, to create and post a video on social media to thank voters who supported him.

Garcia’s company, AML, received a four-month contract in February 2021 to develop a media outreach program for the village. The contract stipulated that Garcia’s company wouldn’t provide any social media or

marketing service to political candidates running for village council.

Following the Nov. 8, 2022 election results, which showed Pinder the winner over candidate Sue Miller, Garcia began filming an 86-second video titled “Thank You Islamorada” on Nov. 13, 2022. The video shows segments with Pinder riding his bicycle and displaying a campaign sign and American flag through Founders Park.

The purpose of the video, according to Pinder, was simply to express his thanks to the community. Garcia was the one who determined the content. The video appeared on the Islamorada Instagram page, Youtube and the village’s social media pages.

Garcia told the investigator he didn’t receive additional compensation from Pinder for the video.

The allegation raised two potential ethical concerns over whether Pinder received a “disproportionate benefit” that was inconsistent with the proper performance of his duties. The investigation states the political solicitations on Pinder’s bike would support wrongful intent; however, the election had already occurred and he was no longer running for office. Rather, he was a re-elected village council member.

“Respondent (Pinder) utilized and benefited from a village resource that was equally available to all council members via a council-approved contract with AML, (Garcia’s social media and marketing company),” Miller’s report stated. “Some members chose to use it and others did not. His conduct did not conflict with the contract’s terms. It does not appear that sufficient evidence exists to find the respondent had a wrongful intent with respect to obtaining a disproportionate benefit.”

Miller’s recommendation to the Florida Commission on Ethics is scheduled to be heard at an April 19 ethics commission meeting in Tallahassee.

Miller deemed other allegations brought forward by Meads against Pinder related to campaign finances weren’t worthy of a deeper investigation.

REEF CHATS WITH FRED THE TREE

Attraction on Old Seven Mile Bridge talks ‘Road House’

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I have the interview to top all interviews this week.

I have another local celebrity who just made his Hollywood debut in the remake of “Road House.” Yes, that’s right, Fred the Tree.

You may be wondering how I was able to get such an exclusive interview? Let’s just say my paw has a wide reach and I know all the right people.

Reef: Hi Fred! I feel like we should have done this a long time ago, seeing as how we are both unique celebrities here in Monroe County. But as the saying goes; better late than never. And I promise I won’t pee on you. It is my favorite thing to do when claiming things I find fabulous, but in this case, I will be a respectable journalist and keep my bladder contained.

So, my first question(s) are about your recent appearance in the “Road House” remake. Did they ask your permission to be in the movie? Was a contract signed? And why the heck wasn’t your name in the credits?!

Fred: Ok, I am really sad I wasn’t in the credits either. Like, what were they thinking? They did ask my permission to be filmed and even went as far as asking the elves who decorate me every year if they would hold off my holiday attire for an extra couple of weeks. I was naked in my movie debut!

Reef: Woah, all naked on the big screen. I didn’t realize Amazon Prime was that sort of streaming service? Next up, how old are you? Because you look fabulous for your age.

Fred: 40ish, and thank you. I’ll start lying about my age soon.

Reef: Do you ever get scared during hurricanes?

Fred: I love a good blow — but prefer a light one to an Irma any day. My roots run deep in the bridge, so I’m just up here living my life to the fullest. I have heard that seeing me after Hurricane Irma gave a ton of hope to everyone and that was much appreciated.

Reef: What is the strangest thing you’ve seen watching traffic go by on the bridge?

REEF THE FOX

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

Fred: I love the 7-Mile Bridge runners every year in April. Sometimes people moon me out their windows when they drive by, but I especially love all the honks. Can we just talk about those slow drivers with their GoPros out the sunroofs though? Let’s keep the traffic moving, people!

Reef: Yeah, traffic is wild and hanging a $400 camera out the sunroof doesn’t seem like the smartest thing to do. Has anyone, besides your team of dedicated elves, tried to climb onto the bridge and get a selfie with you?

Fred: I’m pretty sure it might be frowned upon and super dangerous so I 10-out-of-10 do not recommend it.

Reef: What is the coolest bird you’ve ever had to stop and take a break on your branches?

Fred: I have a resident osprey who visits me all the time. One year, she even nested in me. It was the best.

Reef: I feel like we should campaign for you to be Best Local Celebrity this year for the Best of Marathon awards. What do you think?

Fred: #winning!

Reef: Finally, how can I become a Fred Elf and help dress you up for the holidays?

Fred: Ask my friend Kristen, she knows the big guy up north and might be able to help you get on the magic sleigh ride!

Well friends, that’s all for this week. Special thank you to Fred’s team of elves for coordinating this one-of-a-kind interview!

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Mayor Buddy Pinder. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

Fred the Tree is located on the Old Seven Mile Bridge. CONTRIBUTED

HEALTH CARE CYBERATTACK

Nation’s entire payment system hit

At the beginning of 2020, the city of Marathon was hit with a ransomware cyberattack. The perpetrators found a way into the city’s main computer server, and they even found a path to the city’s offsite backup server. The perpetrators demanded a ransom be paid or the city’s records and data would forever be lost. The city paid, the data was recovered, and the investigation may still be ongoing.

Cyberattacks have become far too commonplace in today’s technology-reliant world. A huge part of the information technology market is driven by cybersecurity and protection of information assets. As fast as new protective strategies and techniques are developed, hackers seem to find ways around them.

On Feb. 21, Change Healthcare revealed that it suffered a cyberattack. Change Healthcare is owned by insurance giant UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation’s largest insurers. Change Healthcare’s mission is processing billions of health care transactions nationwide, aligning billing with insurance coverage and ensuring prompt payment to providers.

This attack has basically paralyzed the nation’s health care payment system, affecting hospitals, providers and patients. The American Hospital Association has called it “the most significant cyberattack against the country’s health care system in history.” If that isn’t enough, Change Healthcare also has a relationship with state government programs and Medicaid, processing eligibility determinations and longterm assessments. According to the American Hospital Association, 94% of America’s hospitals have been financially affected by the cyberattack.

And if even that isn’t enough, Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association, says that there’s no doubt that patient data was compromised in this cyberattack. Dean Sittig, a professor at the University of Texas Health School of Biomedical Informatics, said that once hackers have that data, they can use it themselves to scam or hack those consumers, their banks or credit cards.

How does this affect us locally? Local providers (hospitals, doctors, therapists, etc.) are unable to bill for services provided. That lack of cash flow affects their ability to meet staff

JOHN BARTUS

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.

payrolls and make vendor payments. Patients may be unable to get life-saving medications, or have to pay out-of-pocket to get them. And they now need to be worried about what might have happened to their private information.

Larger providers may have reserves that will help them cover expenses until billing can resume. Smaller providers may have a much tougher time riding this cyberattack out, some not having any insurance income since January. Change Healthcare originally estimated its operations would be back online by mid-March; its timeline now extends through April 29.

At least two dozen class action lawsuits have been filed against Change Healthcare by law firms representing providers and patients. There likely will be more as the attack’s influence spreads and delays in service resumption mount.

What’s puzzling is the lack of a coordinated response from the federal and state governments. If this had been an attack on the nation’s energy grid or air traffic control system, there’s no doubt that there would have been a significant response from the authorities. Health care is a major part of the American economy, and an incident of this magnitude merits a real response. Strangely, this story hasn’t made headlines, even though it will most certainly negatively affect millions of people.

The federal government should immediately streamline the process for approving SBA loans to providers and offer whatever assistance possible to try to solve this attack and prevent future cyber-disasters. When one considers that our health care workers were the ones who put themselves on the frontlines during the pandemic — and are the ones who take care of us all the time — it’s the least we as a society can do.

— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, this Saturday and next Wednesday at Isla Bella, and Sundays at Skipjack Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www.johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow.com

CORAL SHORES EDUCATOR HOSPITALIZED AFTER TRYING TO STOP A FIGHT

ACoral Shores High School teacher was taken to the hospital after she reportedly tried to break up a fight between two students the morning of April 8.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Islamorada Fire Rescue were called to the high school after a fight broke out between two males. The teacher was trying to stop the altercation when she was knocked into a table and hit her head. She was treated at the scene and taken to Mariners Hospital for JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

head injuries. She was released from the hospital the same day, according to Coral Shores Principal Laura Lietaert.

On April 9, the sheriff’s office announced the arrest of 15-yearold Heikel Castro Moro, of Key Largo, for injuring the teacher while fighting another student. He was charged with felony battery on an educational employee and misdemeanor battery.

“Violence will not be tolerated in our schools and I will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay.

WOMAN’S CLUB INVESTS IN KEY WEST’S WORKFORCE

PITCH IN FOR THE PLANET

Lower Keys plans Earth Day events

The Florida Keys & Key West are putting Earth Day in the spotlight with a wide range of activities throughout the island chain on and around April 22, 2024.

While Earth Day highlights in the Keys are listed here, more can be found at fla-keys.com/ calendar/.

KEY WEST

• Mote Marine Laboratory’s Ocean Fest, April 20

This community celebration of the Florida Keys’ marine environment takes place Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West. All ages are invited to enjoy crafts, games, music, food, local brews and shopping as Mote and other environmental organizations provide exhibits. Visit mote. org/oceanfest.

• Earth Day 5k Run/Walk, April 20

The Key West Southernmost Runners’ 26th annual Earth Day 5k Run/Walk is set for Saturday, April 20, at Truman Waterfront Park in Key West. Proceeds from the race benefit the Conch Republic Marine Army, a local nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to cleaning and restoring the shallow mangrove habitats of the Florida Keys. Registration is $25 per person. Visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/KeyWest/ED5K.

• Earth Day Jam with That Hippie Band, April 22

Key West musician Gary Dempsey and friends perform as That Hippie Band on Earth Day, April 22, at Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St. The band performs songs from the Moody Blues to Joni Mitchell and all points in between. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. Visit thekeywesttheater.com.

• Plogging the Keys Earth Day Cleanup, April 22

Plogging the Keys, a group that stages numerous cleanups around Key West, will hold its Earth Day cleanup event in the Triangle area at the entrance to

the island city starting at 8 a.m. Monday, April 22. Those interested can meet at Tavern N Town restaurant, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd.

LOWER KEYS

• Bahia Honda State Park Earth Day Celebration, April 20

Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Highway in the Lower Keys, will stage its 27th annual Earth Day celebration Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about earth-friendly practices from conservationminded vendors and enjoy live music and crafts.

• Plant Mangroves with Plant a Million Corals and Coastlove, April 20

Plant a Million Corals and Coastlove have partnered for an Earth Day weekend event at Summerland Farms, 23801 Overseas Hwy., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, with tours of the coral and mangrove nurseries and the chance to plant baby mangroves along the shoreline, along with educational activities, live music and refreshments.

• Stock Island Earth Day Cleanup, April 29

The Conch Republic Independence Celebration will hold a community cleanup around Stock Island from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 20. Participants are to meet at Bernstein Park, 6751 5th St., for the cleanup effort. Vests, pokers and buckets will be provided and people are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes.

• Full Moon Kayak Excursion, April 23

Captain Bill Keogh’s Big Pine Kayak Adventures hosts a full moon paddle Tuesday, April 23, the day after Earth Day. Paddlers on the 6:30-8:30 p.m. excursion can explore the mangrove estuary, view the full moon and learn about the area’s delicate ecosystem. Cost is a $30 donation that supports the Florida Keys Wildlife Society. Visit floridakeyswildlifesociety.org/full-moon-kayakexcursions.

Presented by the CFK Foundation to benefit the students and programs of CFK Academy Charter High School.

Friday, April 19 | 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Tennessee Williams Theatre

CFK Key West Campus

cfk.edu/roaring

• Tickets $75

• Auction Items (Dining, travel and adventure packages, art, jewelry and more)

• Food, cash bar, & entertainment!

TOSS OLD TIRES — RESPONSIBLY

County hosts 3 ‘tire amnesty days’ to celebrate Earth Day

Monroe County County Solid Waste, partnering with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, will host three free Earth Day Tire Amnesty events for Monroe County residents with proof of residency.

Residents may turn in up to six non-commercial tires with no rims for free on Saturday, April 20, Saturday, April 27, or Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Monroe County transfer stations.

The transfer stations are located at:

• Cudjoe Transfer Station, MM 21.5, Blimp Road

• Long Key Transfer Station, MM 68, Overseas Highway

• Key Largo Transfer Station, 11180 County Road 905

Residents must be able to load the tires into a container at the transfer stations, but assistance can be requested

if needed by calling Monroe County Recycling Coordinator Melody Tuschel at 305-5090325.

“Tires can be a detriment to our local ecosystem and, when disposed of improperly, can hold water, making them the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos,” said Tuschel. This event will help us remove some of these tires lying around people’s properties to recycle them properly.”

In a landfill, it can take about 2,000 years for a tire to decompose. The tires collected at the event will be hauled to American Tire Recycling in Miami, where they are processed into rubber mesh granules. The granules are repurposed for asphalt/road surfacing, playgrounds, athletic fields, and landscape applications.

— Contributed

WHEN LOCAL NEWS MATTERS –IT SHOULD COME FROM LOCAL WRITERS

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APPALACHIAN VOICES

REVIEWS FROM THE HILLS AND HOLLERS OF KENTUCKY

SOMEPLACE LIKE HOME

By Bob Conn

KAREN NEWFIELD

Jenny Caudill spent her whole life in Kentucky near the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Her father was a mechanic while her mother raised four children, struggling to stretch every dollar. Her mother was as tough as she had to be to keep the children away from the dangers lurking in a small town. Jobs were scarce, and they all wound up at the factory, bored and mistreated, stitching zippers into jeans. Jenny fell for the first guy who paid her any attention – Rob Lewis, an older boy who dropped out of school and was a handful of trouble. Everyone warned her, but once he was set on courting Jenny, she transitioned from her mother’s rules to a prison of Rob’s making. He drank, took pills and fought with everybody. With little education and a dead-end job, Rob found his power by lording over Jenny and their children. Living deep in the holler, Jenny was suffocating from Rob’s violent mood swings, and she needed to find a way out before someone got killed. Loosely based on her mother’s life, this author pulled all my heartstrings. Beautifully written, this quiet story is about family, motherhood and self-preservation.

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

HILL WOMEN

By Cassie Chambers

Cassie Chambers grew up in Owsley County, one of the most impoverished communities in Appalachia. Her mother, both beautiful and smart, left the family tobacco farm to attend college. As frightened as she was to leave, Wilma knew this was the key to a better life. Cassie stayed in the ramshackle home of her Granny, Papaw and aunt Ruth. She ran barefoot through the fields with her hardscrabble cousins. As Cassie matured, she strove for the same accolades her mother had: good grades and a step up on the steep education ladder. An opportunity for a unique boarding school in New Mexico took Cassie away from Kentucky for the first time. This turning point filled her with even more determination, which served her well as she later attended Yale College and Harvard Law. Torn between two worlds, it took years for Cassie to understand the beauty she remembered in the heroic mountain women who were brave, loving and tireless. With deep admiration and respect, Cassie yearns to find a compromise that will allow her the honors she earned while helping those left behind. Mesmerizing and compelling, this is nonfiction that reads like an inspirational novel.

THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK

By Kim Michele Richardson

In 1936, with few opportunities available, Cussy Mary Carter was lucky enough to get a job as a pack horse librarian. Through a government initiative, these women were hired to distribute reading materials to remote and impoverished communities in Appalachia. Cussy is the last of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky. Commonly known as the Fugates, they carry a genetic trait that led to a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, causing their skin to appear blue. As one of the few literate folks in this area, Cussy, whom many of the locals found most curious, was as determined to bring comfort to this neglected community as she was to break down lingering prejudices. While the men risk their lives daily at the coal mine, these poor women work their fingers to the bone, barely scraping by. Witnessing the joy that books bring to the most troubled stops along her route brings Cussy unquestionable happiness. This novel delves into the intertwined narratives of heartbreak and beauty, offering an exploration of historical education and socioeconomic challenges that persist in our contemporary struggles. It emphasizes the transformative power of kindness and reading in shaping lives.

#WORTHWATCHING

“Hillbilly Elegy.” A tender glimpse of the American Dream blended with the drama of a dysfunctional Appalachian family narrated through the eyes of a young man caught between two worlds. Can be viewed on Netflix.

SOARING UP THE LEADERBOARDS

Key West’s Suharevskis notches personal record, state ranking | P.8

APRIL 11

Kaylee

points for her team APRIL 11

Kaylee is a multi-event studentathlete who works hard in the classroom as well as on the track.”

– Dave Perkins, Conchs head coach

3

15 event wins

Senior Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo was dominant in the field events at the track and field meet between Key West and Coral Shores last week, earning a trio of first places. Matas Cabezuelo was the top finisher in long jump, triple jump and discus, earning 15 points for her team. The talented athlete does not just excel in athletics, though; Kaylee was recently accepted at Georgetown University, where she plans to study biomedical engineering. Despite a full class load of the most challenging courses Key West High School offers, she never shies away from the hard work and dedication needed to win a variety of technical events on the track. For her three-win meet and laser-like focus, Key West’s Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed

With a vault of 14 feet, 11 3/4 inches in an April 4 meet against Coral Shores, Key West’s NiksDavis Suharevskis set a personal record en route to a third-place ranking in Florida for FHSAA’s 2A classification. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

tracy mcdonald

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

sean mcdonald

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

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

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Riding a 12-3 record at press time, Zack Payne and the Key West Conchs await their first playoff opponent after a first-round bye. MARK HEDDEN/ Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST

In this week’s Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, Sean and Tracy will give you all the latest scores and statistics from this week’s games and events. You will find out the official opponents our local lacrosse teams will face in playoffs as well as behind-the-scenes details you won’t hear anywhere else.

LARIZ, ZIELS LEAD DISTRICTS IN STRIKEOUTS

Monroe County baseball season in full swing

Two Keys pitchers lead their districts in strikeouts. Key West’s Anthony Lariz leads 4A District 16 with 55 Ks and counting, while Marathon’s Dylan Ziels has fanned 58 to lead the District 16 3A charts. Both athletes will have ample opportunity to boost those figures in the upcoming weeks, which offer a whirlwind of scheduled games as Florida baseball barrels toward the start of the postseason on April 29.

The Conchs were busy last week with three games, beginning on April 3 at Columbus. The 7A Explorers held the Conchs to just 2 hits, both off the bats of freshmen. Nelson Ong and Auggy Davila each singled in the 10-0 loss. Anthony Lariz and Felix Ong shared pitching duties, combining for 5 strikeouts in 4 innings of play in Key West’s first mercy-rule loss of the season.

Two nights later, it would be the Conchs showing the mercy. Key West opened play against another 7A team, the Sailors of Sarasota, with a four-run first inning, applying immediate pressure and ultimately winning 10-0. In six innings, the Conchs totaled 11 hits with 3 from Steel Mientkiewicz, 2 from Nelson Ong, and 1 each from Davila, Lariz, Caden Pichardo, Jose Perdigon, Sam Holland and Roman Garcia. Senior Jacob Burnham was a force on the mound, striking out 11 over 6 innings, walking none and allowing a stingy 2 hits.

The next night, the Sailors came out on top, despite the Conchs out-hitting them 5-4. Noah Burnham, Jacob Burnham, Nelson Ong, Davila and Mientkiewicz collected 1 hit each in the 4-2 loss. Lariz started strong on the mound for Key West, striking out 4, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk but no runs in 3 innings. Felix Ong, Christian Koppal and Vinnie Moline combined for the remainder of the game. The trouble came in inning 5 when 5 walks, a hit and a sacrifice fly resulted in 4 runs for the Sailors. Key West now heads to the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina for the National High School Invitational.

Marathon improved to 12-4 after a pair of wins last week. The Fins started off with a resounding 14-5 victory at Miami Country Day. The Dolphins topped the Spartans on

April 3, fueled by 11 hits. Jack Dunn, Mason Thornton and Dylan Ziels had 2 apiece while Roco Piscetello, Dylan Williams, Leo Mendez, Gabe Leal and Aiden Gonzalez each had 1. Marathon stole a total of 6 bases, 3 by Thornton, and were error-free in the field. Thornton, Piscetello and Williams combined forces on the mound.

Their next victim would be the Chargers of North Miami Beach. Despite outhitting the Fins 12 to 6, the Chargers committed 6 errors and doled out a dozen walks to lose the advantage and the game. Leal and Thornton each had two hits and Jack Chapman and Mendez accounted for the other two. Leal pitched a full game for Marathon, striking out 3 with no walks.

Coral Shores played one game last week, losing to the 5A Thoroughbreds of Hialeah High 6-1 in Tavernier. The ’Canes had 5 hits, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 15 the Thoroughbreds racked up. Maykol BonitoRodriguez, AJ Putetti, Ben Friedman, Riley O’Berry and Zeke Myers each singled in the loss.

Top: Nelson Ong. Below: Anthony Lariz. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly See more game photos at keysweekly.com

Key West boys lacrosse is riding a 4-game win streak, having not lost since March 15. The Conchs are picking up steam heading into district action.

The 11-3 Conchs get a bye in the first round of playoffs, which sends them directly into the semifinals. Their opponent is predicted to be Ransom Everglades on Friday, April 12 with the possibility of a last-minute change due to final power rankings, which occurred after press time.

The Conchs added three wins in four days, starting with Coral Reef on April 2. Smith Switzer, Carter Sessoms, Noah Collins and Max Louchheim netted 2 goals apiece, while Roman Van Loon, Reif Walen, Zack Payne and Kieran Smith each had 1. Mateo Lopez had doubledigit saves in goal, earning the Player of the Game award. Louchheim and Anthony Fernandez teamed up to win a majority of the game’s faceoffs to help Key West pull off a 12-8 victory over the Barracudas.

On April 5, the Conchs beat the St. Brendan Sabres, 13-7. Brooks Pellicier and Sessoms scored 3 goals each with Wallen, Switzer, Collins, Louchheim and Dreyden Telfer adding 1 each. Lopez collected 17 saves in goal to preserve the win.

Fernandez dominated faceoffs, winning what coach Alberto Piceno guessed would amount to about 15 once the game film was thoroughly analyzed. Piceno credited Louchheim with

Key West went on to beat Westminster Christian 7-5 the following night for their third win of the week. Collins was awarded the Player of the Game title in that matchup with 2 goals and 4 assists. Louchheim, Switzer, Sessoms, Pellicier and Mack Hill scored the rest. Lopez had more than 20 saves in goal and Fernandez was dominant on faceoffs.

The Hurricanes finished the regular season with two losses last week, with the first coming from Westminster Christian on April 3 and the next, two days later, against North Broward Prep. In the 12-3 loss to Westminster Christian, Lucas Carballo, Reed Tudor and Zane Martinez scored 1 time each. Brock Bynum had 19 saves in the 12-4 loss.

solid offensive and defensive play, awarding him Player of the Game for the win.

CONCH BOYS LACROSSE FINISHES REGULAR SEASON ON FOUR-GAME WIN STREAK

Giacopuzzi was elated with the team’s play.

“The girls played a beautiful game of lacrosse. Solid teamwork, patience with possession and the defense did a phenomenal job shutting down anything the Barracudas tried to do,” Giacopuzzi said.

Top left: The Conchs’ Carter Sessoms netted 2 goals in a win against Coral Reef on April 2 and 3 in a win against the St. Brendan Sabres on April 5.

Above: Key West’s Kaitlyn Piloto scored 3 goals and was credited with 2 ground balls, leading the scoring for Key West in a win against Coral Reef on April 2.

MARK HEDDEN/

Keys Weekly

In the game against North Broward Prep, Carballo had 2 goals and Tudor added another to his season stats in the 5-3 loss. Bynum saved 15 to keep the game close. The ’Canes could face Westminster once again on Thursday, April 11 in a district quarterfinal game, depending on the final power rankings from the FHSAA.

The Lady ’Canes lost a pair of games last week, ending their regular season with a 2-7 record. Coral Shores lost to Palmer Trinity 15-10 on April 3, then to NSU University School on April 5 by a score of 11-5. The Hurricanes’ first postseason opponent was not yet determined

Below: Coral Shores’ Shay Stober moves the ball upfield against NSU University on Senior Day on April 5.

DOUG FINGER/

Keys Weekly

as of press time.

The Lady Conchs faced two of their toughest opponents of the season last week, playing both American Heritage schools over the span of three days. Before that, they took on Coral Reef at home on April 2, beating the Barracudas 11-4. Kaitlyn Piloto scored 3 goals and was credited with 2 ground balls, leading the scoring for Key West. Taylor Gibson and Deanna Mercier each netted a pair of goals. Mercier had 6 draw controls, a pair of caused turnovers and a pair of ground balls; Gibson scooped up 4 ground balls. Maeve O’Hearn scored once, caused 2 turnovers, earned 3 ground balls and captured an interception to help on both sides of play.

Colbie Turner, Ava Brock and Ella Bishop each scored 1 goal in the win while Courtney Grabus was credited with 6 saves and 2 ground balls. Coach Marisa

Two nights later, Key West faced the defending state champions and No. 1-ranked team in Florida, American Heritage out of Delray Beach. The Conchs lost 18-1, but Courtney Grabus made 8 saves while Deanna Mercier prevented Key West from being shut out. The Plantation version of American Heritage ended in a 16-2 loss, but Giacopuzzi had positive takeaways from the game. She credited Bishop with her defensive play on Heritage’s topscorer, completely shutting her down and preventing a single goal from her. The game’s 6 yellow cards, 3 from each team, were a testament to the physical play and efforts on both sides to win.

Grabus was peppered with shots on goal, saving 10 from the scoreboard. Brock and Mercier, assisted by Eisley Whitehead, scored the Conchs’ goals. With official district brackets still in the works, Giacopuzzi offered her prediction, saying, “We will likely see Palmer Trinity again on our turf and will undoubtedly be looking for a redemption from our senior night.”

LADY ’CANES SWEEP WESTMINSTER

Dolphin boys earn first W

On April 4, Coral Shores hosted Westminster Christian for a set of tennis matches that produced mixed results. The No. 2 doubles team of Johann Smith and Jaden Heilbron picked up the only win of the day for the boys team. The girls had better luck, winning all seven matches. Charlotte MacEachern and Olivia Hughes won their No. 1 and 2 singles matches and teamed up to earn another victory in doubles action. Kai Guth and Kai Redruello did the same at the No. 3 and 4 spots in singles and the No. 2 doubles match. Macy Cakans added the final win of the day for the ’Canes, making it a clean sweep over the Warriors.

Key West spent the afternoon of April 3 in Marathon, where the girls picked up a win.

Amalia Strunk, Juliana Strunk, Violet Jangraw and Leyla Atilla racked up singles wins for the Lady Conchs. Eva Drozdetskaia and Amalia Strunk plus Zoe Gehin and Juliana Strunk earned doubles wins, as well. Marquisha Abraham of Marathon earned the only Fins win of the day at the No. 1 singles spot.

The Dolphin boys won their first match in over six years, defeating the Conchs 4-3. Adrien Holdinga won the No. 1 singles match, then Carlos Lezcano, in his first-ever season of play, earned his first win. Holdinga teamed up with middle-schooler Tanner Snowden to pick up their third doubles win of the season. Lezcano and fellow newbie Matt Delgado earned a doubles win as well, giving the Fins the win.

Conchs Devin Soni and Mason O’Conner each won their singles matches for Key West with their final point coming from a forfeit.

Tennis districts are April 15 and 16. Key West will play at Tropical Park, while Marathon and Coral Shores will compete at the Miami Dade College campus.

Charlotte MacEachern. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

CONCHS’ POLE VAULTER LAUNCHES INTO STATE RANKINGS

Hurricanes’ runners have strong showings

An April 4 track and field meet between Key West and Coral Shores saw one pole vaulter launching his way to one of the best marks in the state.

Key West’s Niks-Davis Suharevskis and Ian Newton took first and second, respectively, in the pole vault at Coral Shores High School. Suharevskis launched himself to a personal best of 14 feet, 11 3/4 inches — a mark that currently ranks third in the state for 2A.

Key West’s boys racked up the points in a win over the Hurricanes, 107-38,

with a pair of wins from Jeef Dejean in the long and triple jumps and Colbin Hill in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters. Clerff Alexandre was second in triple jump and Andrew Fedor was second in the 1,600.

The Conchs’ Shane Lavallee was the fastest gentleman on the track, winning the 100-meter dash. William Forster and Rayan Barrios took first and second place in the 800, while Jeremiah Harvey won the 110-meter high hurdles with Anthony Jenner right behind.

In other boys events, Key West’s Anthony Jenner took two second-place

finishes in the discus and shot put. Brondson Etienne won the high jump event with Josue Quiche coming in second. Jean Louis won shot put and Noah Mercer won discus.

The Lady Conchs had a commanding performance in a win over the Hurricanes, 99-30. Dazmine Jenkins won the 100-meter dash, while Alyssandra Camargo took first in the 400. Colleen Barter was second in the 400. Caylaa Makimaa won the 1,600 with Naima Thomas finishing right behind her in second. Thomas went on to win the 3,200 with Lily Kaufman in second place.

Key West’s Grace Andrew won the 100-meter hurdles and Neslo Atilla finished first in the 400 hurdles with Valeria Juarez in second. Nesgaard was second in the 200 to round out running events.

In field events, the Conchs’ Kaylee Matas Cabuzeulo led the charge with three first-place finishes in long jump, shot put and discus. Audrey Smith was second in discus. Anabel Portuondo was first in the pole vault with teammate Ariel Newton in second. Nesgaard took first in the high jump with Portuondo finishing second.

Despite being the smaller school, the ’Canes had some strong showings in boys and girls events. The Lady ’Canes’ Brooke Mandozzi finished first in the 200-meter dash and second in the 100-meter, while Sammy Bates took first in the 800. Julieanna Oddo was second in the 100-meter hurdles while Sofia Jackson and Karala Gutierrez came in second in the long jump and shot put, respectively.

The Hurricanes’ boys saw first-place finishes from Ambrose Sanchez in the 400 hurdles, Adrik Gadea in the 400 and Ethan Marguet in the 200. Sam Harm was right behind Marguet for second in the 200. Jack Collins and Alaric Rodriguez earned second-place finishes in the 400 and the 3,200, respectively. Rex Mathews had a pair of second-place finishes in the 100 meter and long jump.

Top left: The Hurricanes’ Adrik Gadea runs to a first-place finish in the 400-meter dash during a track meet against Key West on April 4.

Top Middle: Key West’s Dazmine Jenkins competes in the 100-meter run at Coral Shores. Jenkins finished first.

Right: Key West’s NiksDavis Suharevskis set a personal best in the pole vault during an April 4 track-and-field meet at Coral Shores High School.

Top right: The Conchs’ Jeef DeJean won the long and triple jumps.

Bottom right: The Hurricanes’ Sammy Bates finished first in the 800-meter dash.

Photos by: Mark Hedden, Doug Finger and Rick Mackenzie

FINS WIN TWO

Conchs split double-header against AIE

Marathon improved to 8-2 last week with a pair of wins. The first was against Gulliver Prep on April 2 when the Fins beat the Warriors 9-8 at home. Allison Garcia struck out 7 batters in 7 innings. Garcia also registered 2 hits in the win. Sara Robinson had a pair of hits and Dani Perdomo, Shynell McGuire and Elena Eubank each had 1 for Marathon. On April 5, the Dolphins hosted Colonial Christian, winning 17-0 in just 3 innings. Garcia fanned 6 and had another pair of hits in the mercy-rule victory. Madelyn Thornton had the hot bat with 3 hits while Elena Eubank, Allison Helms and Maeve Merryman each had 2. Robinson added one more for an even dozen hits by the Fins.

Key West’s Lady Conchs softball team split a pair of games against Academy for Innovative Education on April 6. Key West won the first game of a double-header, 3-1, scoring all three runs in the third inning. Alexa Condella had a pair of hits and a pair of RBIs to lead the Conchs offensively. Nevaeh Arnold, Nina Manresa and Alexandra Rodriguez had a hit apiece in the win. Chloe Gilday commanded in the circle, striking out 6 batters over 7 innings and allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks. In game two, Key West took the early lead, scoring 2 runs in the first inning. Then AIE answered back with a run in the fourth before Key West re-took the lead, holding on until the seventh inning, when the Aviators tied it up. It would take 9 innings to decide a victor when a pair of doubles from AIE ended the game in their favor.

Manresa had 2 hits, including a double, in the loss. Scarlet Niles also registered 2 hits. Tavyn Gage, Shylo Sanchez, Vera Rodger and Maicey Malgrat accounted for the rest of the Lady Conchs’ 8 hits. Breanna Breener and Arnold split pitching duties. Key West, now 5-6, has plenty of opportunities in the coming week to get ahead on its record, with five games scheduled in just three days.

Sara Robinson. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Coral Shores has suffered a series of unfortunate events this season, in what head coach Lesa Bonee called “the most challenging and difficult year of my career.” The events have affected the team’s schedule and ability to play. Both Horeb and Dade Christian, two schools that were scheduled for matchups this season, folded due to lack of players and interest. This left the Lady ’Canes with four fewer games right off the bat. Next came an injury, forcing back-to-back cancellations due to the Hurricanes being short players; they had nine and a concussion set them back to eight. Unable to field a team for the past week and a half, they hoped to have a full roster this week, but Bonee received word her player would be out for the season, sending her scrambling to find a replacement so her team, all of whom are freshmen and sophomores, could continue the season. Bonee will have a few extra days to complete her search. Somerset South Homestead canceled its April 8 game against Coral Shores, citing the solar eclipse as the reason they would not be hosting the Hurricanes. Undeterred, the ’Canes will find a way to play at Gulliver early this week, then compete in their final home game of the season Friday, April 12 against Everglades City School at 5 p.m.

THREE KEYS LIFTERS STATES-BOUND

Coral Shores’ AJ Johnson qualifies for dual events

Coral Shores and Marathon sent their strongest athletes to Frostproof on April 4 for the FHSAA 1A Region 4 championships in boys weightlifting. When the chalk settled and the final weights were tabulated, a trio of Keys athletes made the cut to the big show. Marathon’s Tanner Ross and Chase Leird and Coral Shores’ AJ Johnson are headed to states to compete in Lakeland on April 20.

Though no Keys athletes won a regional title, which is an automatic ticket to the state meet, Johnson, Leird and Ross had high enough totals to qualify for at-large spots. Johnson, who is in the 219-lb. category, will compete in both the Olympic and traditional events. In the Olympic event, Johnson has the capacity to crack the top 10. Leird will represent the Fins in traditional lifts at 119 pounds and Ross will have a shot at a medal in Olympic lifts in the 199-lb. class.

Leird was third in the traditional event and likely would have been a double qualifier had he not scratched his three attempts at the snatch lift, negating any chance to move on in the Olympic event in which he was more heavily favored. Johnson was second overall in Olympic lifts and third in traditional. Ross finished fourth in Olympic.

Other standouts at regionals include Marathon’s Matthias Martinez-Velez, who was second in traditional and just 5 pounds from a regional title at 139 pounds. Damian Staciewicz was third in traditional and tied for second in Olympic lifts in the 154-lb. class. At 183, Max Childress finished second in traditional lifts and third in Olympic. Though runner-ups and athletes finishing as deep as fourth or fifth often get an at-large bid, this year’s competition in the northern portion of the state was exceptionally strong. Fortunately for MartinezVelez, Staciewicz and Childress, all have at least one more season to earn a trip to states.

From top: AJ Johnson, Tanner Ross and Chase Leird.

Photos by: DOUG FINGER and BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Community Association Company located at 520 Southard Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Community Association of Florida, LLC

Publish: April 11, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of CAC located at 520 Southard Street, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Community Association of Florida, LLC

Publish: April 11, 2024

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE WHEATON’S SERVICE CENTER gives notice that on 4/26/2024 at 10:00 AM, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78.

Wheaton’s Service Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

2LNHM82W88X654258 2008

LINC

Publish: April 4 & 11, 2024

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

gives notice that on 5/10/2024 at 10:00 AM, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78.

Wheaton’s Service Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

1FTVF14585NA05196 2005

FORD

Publish: April 4 & 11, 2024

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vessels will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vessel repair and storage cost pursuant to Florida Statutes 328.17.

May 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Yacht Club Drive Marina, 107690 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL Yacht Club Drive Marina reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

1994 CTY CTYD0011I495

$9,055.52

Owners: Cincinnati Financial Corp

Publish: April 4 & 11, 2024

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PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly scheduled meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. This will be a hybrid meeting of in person at the Marathon Government Center (2798 Overseas Highway,

Marathon, FL 33050) and Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Monroe County Tourist Development Council Meeting

Please click on the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/83300176016

Or iPhone one-tap:

US: +16465189805,, 83300176016# or +16699006833,, 83300176016#

Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 646 518 9805 or +1 669 900 6833

Webinar ID: 833 0017 6016 International numbers available: https://mcbocc. zoom.us/u/kdfeTtPHLB

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

All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than

Effective April 1, 2024, Karisa Falden, D.O., is no longer practicing with Baptist Health Primary Care at the following location: 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 17, Marathon, FL 33050.

Patients who wish to receive copies of their medical records may log into our patient portal at myBaptistHealth.net, call 305-434-1400 or fax 305-743-0962 to request a records release.

Publish: April 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish: April 11, 2024

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NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that

on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Shift in Centerline of Runway 7/25

Marathon International Airport

Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on May 28, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156#

US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156#

US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

MANDATORY PRE-BID

MEETING

Date: 04-25-2024

Time: 2:00 P.M., EST

***Prospective bidders failing to attend the Mandatory PreBid Meeting shall forfeit their opportunity to respond to the solicitation***

against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

The date of first publication of this Notice is: April 11, 2024.

Co-Personal Representatives: RICHARD J. MCCAUSLAND

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive Key West, Florida 33040

Co-Personal Representatives: PATRICIA A. PIACENTINE

c/o Samuel J. Kaufman, Esq.

Law Offices of Samuel J. Kaufman, P.A. 3130 Northside Drive

Key West, Florida 33040

Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives: Samuel J.

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is April 11, 2024.

Personal Representative: Elizabeth Mcsherry 89 Pine Street South Paris, Maine 04281 Tel: (603) 986-1531

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anwar E. Hadeed, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 1018036 The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm Samah T. Abukhodeir, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 108015

(305) 735-6468 Email: Anwar@flpfl.com eservice@flpfl.com Publish: April 11 & 18, 2024

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-107-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD H. MCCAUSLAND, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of RICHARD H. MCCAUSLAND deceased, whose date of death was January 30, 2024, Case: 24-CP-107-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of

below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands

and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: April 4, 2024.

EMPLOYMENT

Las Marias Medical Center- Hiring bilingual: Front Desk, RN, Medical Assistant & Local Driver. Tavernier, MM 91. 305-780-7730

Personal Assitant needed for Key Colony Beach couple. Two times/week - driving to doctor appts, handyman projects, gardening, light housekeeping, must be capable of lifting large male if needed and be good with animals. Must have references. Call Christina 954-483-5426

Joseph Molinaro CPA, LLC in Tavernier is looking for an Office Manager. Duties include answering phones, client screening, accounts payable and purchasing, accounts receivables, file management and other office duties. Must know Quickbooks desktop and Microsoft suite. Monday –Friday 10-5. Email resume Joe@jmolinaro.cpa

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE

REQUIRED – valid

Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

City of Marathon

Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and Part-time Custodian/ Maintenance. Full Benefits for full-time positions. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time server. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/ dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-7436739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/evening hours Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. Private club, friendly atmosphere, flexible afternoon/ evening hours available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID and social security card or passport. Call 305-7436739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com

The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is now hiring for the following positions: Server, $10/hr + tips, 9:30am-7pm, Beach Shop Attendant, $18/hr, 9:30am-5pm, and Parttime Office Clerk, $18/hr, Thu/Fri/Sat, 9:30am-7pm. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housing Choice Voucher Asst., PT Receptionist, Housing ManagerMiddle Keys, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621

Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug

The Monroe County Homeless Services Continuum of Care (MC-CoC) is seeking an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

The position of Executive Director is a full time exempt salaried supervisory position. This position requires a bachelor's degree in public administration, non-profit management, social services or related field - a graduate degree is preferred - and five (5) years of experience in management and supervision. The executive director will work with the Board of Directors to meet the goals and objectives of the agency.

Please send resume or contact Steve Torrence by email: eywsteve@icloud.com

FLORIDA BAY FOREVER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

FISHING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Rods For Sale: Dolphin Time 4 Penn 30w 2 spd. w-star roller guide Rods 4 50w-w-rods as new 305-743-8860 call between 1p-4p.

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

Place your Hobbies/ Collectibles ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

HOUSING FOR RENT

Venetian Shores home for rent long term. 3BR/2BA on canal. Available now. $4,000/mo. utilities included. 315-405-5202

ANNUAL RENTALKey Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/ month 786-258-3127

3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $3,800/month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228

Efficiency for Rent in Marathon. Furnished. $1,200/month + water & sewer. F/L/S 305-610-8002

Place your Housing For Rent ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

RV LOT FOR RENT

RV Site for rent in Marathon. Up to 35', private gated property. $1,500/mo plus water & sewer (electric included). Dockage available - inquire for price. 305-610-8002

Workshop Manager (Key West)

Place your RV Lot For Rent ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844.

VACATION RENTAL

Key West House For Rent - 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $214/night. Sweet Caroline Seaport. com

YARD SALES

Big, Big Yard Sale: 87847 O/S Hwy—Old Road Access Only. Furniture/Appliances/ Clothes/Fishing/Rugs and 32 years of hoarding more. Saturday, April 13 ONLY from 8a - 3p .

Yard Sale - unusual stuff, glass vases, old records, 2 wood file cabinets, lamps, armoire, etc. Sat April 13th, 9a-2p, 8026 Porpoise Drive, Marathon

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

FT administrative, salaried position. The Workshop manager will be responsible for all phases of the operation of the Adult Day Training Program in accordance with The Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Medicaid Waiver minimum standards. This includes the worksites and contracts, personnel, and training programs. The Workshop Manager will maintain a close liaison with the Group Home Managers and Medical Staff in order to maintain program consistency. Bachelor’s degree required and 2 years’ experience in field required. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL driver’s license with clean driving record. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references.

Come join our family! EOE

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

WE ARE HIRING!

The EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR is the key management leader and is responsible for overseeing the administration, educational programs and fundraising for the organization. Other key duties include marketing, community outreach and volunteer management. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors. For more information email info@floridabayforever.org. Learn more about our work at www.floridabayforever.org.

305-743-0844

Plant Store/Nursery Associate (PT/FT)

Position requires a min. of high school completion and 1 yr. exp. Must be knowledgeable in tropical plants and have good social/business skills, above average computer skills (knowledge of POS a plus). Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL driver’s license w/clean driving record, references and background screening required.

Come join our family! EOE

Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org.

For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32

e Turtle Hospital in Marathon

Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.

Applicants must posses a current Florida Certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.

Salary: $60,000.

Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation.

Email resume to:

Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1

Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace.

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS

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

DOCKHANDS

Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.

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

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

ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE HELP

Fast paced, busy resort in need of Of ce Help. Must be able to multi-task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Be dependable, able to work weekends, 3 to 4 days a week, hours til 7pm.

If you want to be part of a great team, please apply! Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the of ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon to ll out an application. CAPTAIN PIP’S IS

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details, please visit: DAsignSource.com/careers

Interior Designer

Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess history of achievement in quality projects and a strong sales background.

The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

•

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Orthopedics, PT

- Patient Access Associate, Orthopedics, $1,000 Bonus, FT

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Per Diem

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- Manager Wellness Center, FT

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20,000 Bonus, FT & PT

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor

- Pool Yoga Instructor

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25,000 Bonus, FT

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25,000 Bonus, FT

- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15,000 Bonus, FT

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S

COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Room, Part Time

- ED/Acute Care Tech, Emergency, Room, FT & PT

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- First Cook, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, Radiology, $20,000 Bonus, FT

- Mechanic, Facility Operations, FT

- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus, FT, PT and Per Diem

- Patient Experience Advocate, FT

- Radiology Technologist, $15,000 Bonus, FT

- Security Of cer, Security/Safety, FT & Per Diem

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more.

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Advocate (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)

Case Manager (Adult, Forensic)

Substance Abuse Counselor

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (any location) Care Coordinator (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (PT/Per Diem)

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Volunteer Resources

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Staff Photographer

(Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent)

All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability. MARATHON

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Membership & Development Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent)

Medical Technician (Full-Time, Permanent)

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

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

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

Teaching... Learning... Caring

•Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

•Tuition Reimbursement

•Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time

•401K Employer Match

Work with the BEST!

•Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing

•Fun, Fast-Paced Environment

•Great Hours

Voted Best Bank 2014 - 2023

Key West Full Time Teller

Customer Service Representative Administrative Assistant

Customer Service Representative/Online Banking

Islamorada Full Time Teller

Key Largo Upper Keys Floating Teller

Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Membership & Development Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent)

DRC has a full-time opening for a Membership & Development Coordinator. This newly created position’s primary focus will be to assist the Director of Membership & Development in helping the department (and position) grow in multiple ways. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation & paid holidays.

Job description available at www.dolphins.org.

Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for Distribution System Operators to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. We provide on the job training for qualified applicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary:  $50,376.48. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Apply online at www. aa.com/212/opportunities

ADA,

Take your Dolphin Pride on the road with a Dolphin Pride FREE CASH BACK Checking Account!

You can help your kids learn to live on a budget while supporting MHS by using their Dolphin Pride Debit Card!*

*E-statements, e-receipts, a debit card, savings and S15 checking account required. Specific transactions required for each reward level. Restrictions may apply. See us for details. NCUA Insured. See us for details.