Key West Weekly 24-0606

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Key West Inspired, Island Style For Women & Men Ocean Key Resort Zero Duval Street Boutique& Gallery June 6, 2024 1¢ TikTok’s bad. Unless TikTok donates. Now TikTok’s good. KEY WEST PRIDE CAN’T BE DENIED ISLAND CELEBRATES DIVERSITY THROUGH JUNE 9 | P. 16 KEY WEST MAN IS UP FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE HIS COMPANY MAKES DRINKING WATER FROM THE AIR | P. 4 TOURISM BOARD FACES CHANGES COUNTY COMMISSION PULLS RANK ON TDC APPOINTEES | P. 6
KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 2

Unparalleled masterpiece

This 5,400 square-foot open water estate in the prestigious Shark Key neighborhood is just minutes from Key West. No home in Shark Key rivals the waterfront sunset views offered by this unique property. You are greeted by grand gates opening up to a tropical paradise adorned with lush landscaping and a custom water feature. As you step inside, you are welcomed by a spacious great room, flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning water views and unparalleled panoramic sunsets from every room in the house. The three guest bedrooms, each with private balconies, allow for further enjoyment of these magnificent sunsets. The primary suite, accessible via a private elevator, features an office and a private veranda with stunning vistas of the Gulf of Mexico. With over 13,000 square feet under roof, this estate provides ample space, including a large storage enclosure and a two-car garage, both accessible by elevator. The expansive 34,140 square foot point lot, one of the largest in Shark Key, includes an orchid house, adding a touch of natural beauty. Additional amenities include a covered waterfront lanai with a grilling area, perfect for entertaining, a chef's kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances for culinary enthusiasts, a whole-house generator ensuring uninterrupted comfort, and a cistern for efficient irrigation. Experience luxury living in paradise.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 3 1075 Duval Street | Suite 15C | Key West 305.294.1117 | oceansir.com Each office is independently owned and operated. SHARK KEY | $6,149,000 | LISTING ID: 610060

5450 MacDonald Ave. No.5

Key West, FL 33040

Office: 305.453.6928 www.keysweekly.com

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NUMBER OF THE WEEK

$25,000

In an effort to eradicate the invasive Burmese pythons from the wild, state officials gathered in the Everglades on May 30 to announce the 2024 Florida Python Challenge. With $25,000 in prizes, professional and novice participants can complete the required online training to compete in the 10-day competition, which runs Aug. 9-18.

Key West celebrates Pride through June 9 with dozens of events highlighting the island’s diversity and acceptance — all with a disco theme. See page 16.

KEY WEST LOCAL NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

Ed Russo & business partner

make clean drinking water from the air

AKey West man and his business partner in Miami have been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Yes, THAT Nobel Peace Prize, the one and only, awarded annually since 1901 and counting among its recipients Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu, the International Red Cross and more.

Ed Russo of Key West and Yehuda Kaploun, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi in Miami, have been nominated for their work with atmospheric water technology that creates clean, healthy drinking water from the air. You read that correctly — from the air.

Russo’s and Kaploun’s company, RussKap, manufactures machines that remove moisture from the air and convert it to clean drinking water “at the point of need,” Kaploun said, rather than having to transport it long distances through a pipeline.

Their machines are being used in 45 countries for disaster relief, humanitarian and military operations, often where drinking water is contaminated due to pollution, natural disasters or limited natural resources. The machines can produce 200 gallons of drinking water a day.

“Clean water is the international language of peace,” Kaploun said. “Water is not political; it’s personal and it’s the most basic requirement for human life. People tend to politicize it and I have no respect for people who want to talk about a humanitarian water crisis if they’re not willing to fix it.”

The Nobel Peace Prize nomination is in both Kaploun’s and Russo’s names. The two were nominated for the prize by a foreign government official, who cannot be named as an official nominator, but who confirmed the nomination to the Keys Weekly.

“We’re part of a global effort to bring drinking water to places without

it,” said Russo, a longtime Key West resident, who said he’s been a “water geek” for decades.

“This technology is key for so many places, and we didn’t invent it, but we significantly improved upon it,” Russo said. “Think about it: there are so many places in Africa where the only water ‘facility’ is on the heads of 3.5 million women who carry it for three hours a day in baskets back to their villages — and it’s brown water. Our water tastes amazing. We have a household-sized unit at our home and in my wife’s shop in downtown Key West.”

Though humbled by the Nobel nomination, Russo said his efforts are devoted to education, awareness and encouraging more people to enter the industry so more people can be helped.

Kaploun lamented the national and global politics that often surround clean drinking water issues, including the U.S. disaster in Flint, Michigan, where people are often more interested in denying a problem, laying blame for it and avoiding responsibility than they are in solving it.

“We had a machine in an orphanage in Sierra Leone, Africa, and the girls initially refused to drink the water because they’d never seen clear water before,” Kaploun told the Keys Weekly last week.

RussKap Water machines can be scaled from smaller household use with water makers about the size of a typical office water cooler and dispenser to military and humanitarian operations requiring several hundreds gallons a day. In those uses, the RussKap water systems are loaded onto trailers and are about the size of a central air-conditioning unit on the side of a house.

About the Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize – along with Nobel Prizes awarded in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and

and

The U.S. military deploys RussKap Water systems during a classified humanitarian mission in a foreign country.

economic sciences – was established and funded by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist, inventor, engineer and businessman. He is known for inventing dynamite — and later remarking amusedly on his own use of nitroglycerin internally for heart problems. In his will, Nobel, who died in 1896, outlined three criteria for the Peace Prize: disarmament, peace congresses and brotherhood between nations. Unlike the other Nobel awards, which are announced in Sweden each year, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each December in Oslo, Norway with each year’s recipient known as a Nobel laureate, selected by members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a division of the Norwegian Nobel Institute. Nominations were due Jan. 31, and the institute this year has registered a total of 285 candidates for this year’s peace prize, of which 196 are individuals and 89 are organizations.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 4
ON THE COVER KEYS
NEWSPAPERS
MANDY MILES Ed Russo Yehuda Kaploun with a household-sized RussKap water maker that’s installed at Russo’s wife’s Key West boutique. CONTRIBUTED
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BOCC MAKES CLEAR IT CAN REMOVE TDC BOARD MEMBERS

Code will say the TDC board serves ‘at the pleasure’ of county commissioners

The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners said it wouldn’t tinker with the overall structure of the Tourist Development Council, in response to a series of audits that exposed failures in the TDC’s financial oversight and operations.

But commissioners want to make certain they have the power to swiftly remove any of the six appointed TDC board members. To do so, they added three sentences to the existing code section about the board.

One of those sentences couldn’t be more clear that the BOCC runs the show when it comes to who stays on the TDC board, which still governs the agency.

At its May 15 meeting, the BOCC moved forward with an ordinance to clarify in the county code that TDC board members serve “at the pleasure of the five commissioners,” just like the rest of the county boards including the planning commission.

Commissioners set a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that drops the new language into the code on July 17 in Marathon.

“Nothing else is changing regarding appointments,” county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood told Keys Weekly. “It just clarifies that people who serve are serving at the pleasure of the BOCC.”

TDC board members apply for the seats and are chosen by the BOCC.

The new rules would allow the removal of an already appointed TDC board member by a vote of at least three commissioners.

The nine-person TDC board is made up of six Keys residents who work in the tourism industry. It’s rounded out by a county commissioner and two locally elected officials, including at least one from Key West.

County Clerk Kevin Madok’s audits of the TDC and the companies it pays to promote the Keys as a tourist destination – NewmanPR, Tinsley Advertising and Two Oceans Digital – started in October 2023 with the release of an in-depth report that clocked the Keys tourism agency for a series of blunders in accounting and spending.

It was the first county audit of the TDC in at least 20 years, a lapse that the BOCC blamed on the agency for not self-regulating. The BOCC in 1981 created the tourism council.

Only one audit is forthcoming: the review of Two Oceans Digital’s financial practices. Madok said this one would take more time.

TDC board members serve staggered four-year terms, and they elect their own chairperson. Current chair Rita Irwin’s term expires Aug. 18. That slot is appointed by commissioner Michelle Lincoln.

While the board members will serve at the pleasure of the BOCC, the TDC holds some independence in running the tourism agency, which runs as a nonprofit called Visit the Florida Keys.

When the TDC fired its marketing director Stacey Mitchell in March, it was at the behest of County Mayor Holly Raschein, who showed up at the board meeting to represent the BOCC after commissioner Craig Cates’ motion at a previous TDC meeting to fire Mitchell was voted down.

The BOCC doesn’t meet in June. Its next regular meeting is July 17 at 9 a.m. at the Marathon Government Center.

Another change made in the wake of the failed TDC audits is that its board meetings are now broadcast on Monroe County Television, with the videos available on demand just like the BOCC’s. Previously, meetings were only captured on audio recordings that were available upon request. Since April, the TDC meetings are also available via Zoom.

PLANS IN PLACE

Monroe County School District, teachers union reach tentative deal

Harry Russell, lead negotiator for the Monroe County School District, and Diana Walker, president of the United Teachers of Monroe, shake hands after a final contract negotiation session. MCSD/Contributed

The United Teachers of Monroe (UTM) and the Monroe County School District (MCSD) began contract negotiations for the upcoming school year in February to address compensation, benefits and evaluation. After 13 collective bargaining sessions, the two teams were able to reach tentative agreements, including new language as well as additional compensation for the two bargaining units.

“We are pleased that our union and MCSD continue to negotiate fair and equitable compensation, benefits and working conditions for our employees in the bargaining units,” said Diana Walker, president of United Teachers of Monroe. “Their hard work and dedication to public education in Monroe County are the reason UTM will always strive to create better lives for our working families.”

“It is important that MCSD continues to offer competitive salaries for all of our employees so we can recruit and retain the best and brightest who contribute to an excellent education system that our stakeholders expect,” said Harry Russell, lead negotiator for the Monroe County School District.

“Congratulations to all the members of the UTM and district bargaining team led by Harry Russell,” said superintendent Theresa Axford. “Their thoughtful negotiations led to a truly amazing salary improvement for all Monroe County employees. This is the first time in many years that employees complete the school year knowing what their salary will be for 202425. In addition, we can hire teachers throughout the summer with a starting salary of $62,100, which I believe will be the highest in the state. Kudos to all.”

“I am proud of our district’s ability to work collaboratively with UTM and come to an agreement so quickly,” said school board chair Sue Woltanski. “By working together, we can continue to focus on what matters most: providing a high-quality education for our students.”

The tentative agreements were ratified by instructional and school resource personnel on May 21. The agreements will go before the school board for approval on June 11. The contracts will become effective July 1, 2024, and last through June 30, 2026.

— Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 6

Welcome to Even More Convenient Care.

The Fishermen’s Community Hospital campus has expanded.

Our new 10,000-square-foot Medical Arts Building will bring multiple services under one roof:

• Primary care

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy

• Oncology infusion for Baptist Health Cancer Care patients

• Physician offices for orthopedics, general surgery and gastroenterology

At Baptist Health, we’ve got the Middle Keys covered — from emergency care and surgery, to wellness appointments and cancer care. Welcome to expert, compassionate care, all on one campus.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 7
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‘‘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

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Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm Adorasyon 8:30pm

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• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.

• A property that is being rented out for six months or less must have a tourist development tax account.

• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are being rented.

Since the implementation of our new vacation rental software one year ago, the Tax Collector’s O ce has collected over $800,000 in back taxes, penalties, and interest from 101 non-compliant vacation rentals. Follow us on for more imortant tax information.

11 FACTS
TAX
FROM THE
COLLECTOR

MEET THE 2024 ALL-KEYS GIRLS TRACK & FIELD TEAM

Standouts broke records and put the islands on the map at states

Girls track and field this year culminated in five athletes earning bids to the state championships, with two of those athletes medaling at the highest level of competition in Florida. Marathon achieved third place at the district championship meet, just four points shy of the runner-up trophy. Three district championship titles were claimed by the Dolphins, who went on to qualify three athletes for states and bring home one FHSAA 1A medal to Marathon.

Key West earned runner-up hardware at districts as a team and crowned three district champions, sending a pair of athletes to states and bringing home one FHSAA 2A medal to Key West. Several Fins and Conchs broke school records this season, and of those record breakers, a majority were underclassmen, setting the stage for even greater success in 2025.

Coral Shores endured a rebuilding season, and though no district champions or regional qualifiers were produced, numerous athletes registered personal bests.

TRACK & FIELD FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

JUSTICE LEE | Sophomore, Marathon | Throwing

Sophomore Justice Lee transferred her state-championship strength in weightlifting to the throwing events this season, setting school records in shot put, javelin and discus. At districts, Lee claimed gold medals in shot put and javelin while securing a silver in discus. Her regional throws in shot put placed second and qualified her for the state championships, where Lee brought home a fourthplace medal in the event, re-breaking her own record four times at the big show and proving that the best is yet to come for this exceptional athlete.

AVA MERRYMAN

Sophomore, Marathon

Pole vault

Marathon’s Ava Merryman brought home district gold and regional silver in the pole vault this season, qualifying her for a second state championship bid in as many years. The talented sophomore owns the all-time Marathon record in pole vault, ran a leg of Marathon’s secondbest-ever 4x100 relay, and often fills in on the 4x800 relay, showing her versatility and willingness to put her skills to work when the Fins need her.

KAYESHA CHRISTIAN Senior, Marathon

Jumping

Kayesha Christian capped off her final season with the Fins in style, with a trip to the state championships to compete in the long jump. Christian was a district silver medalist and placed seventh at regionals to claim an at-large bid to states. She owns the school records in both long and triple jump and is the second-fastest 100-meter runner in Marathon history.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 12
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MIRA JONES

Sophomore, Coral Shores

Sprints

Just a sophomore, Mira Jones has already found a place in Coral Shores’ record books with a solid 400-meter time, the third-fastest in school history. Jones’ time improved steadily as the season went on, peaking in the postseason with a fifth-place finish at the district meet and narrowly missing a bid to regionals.

BROOKE MANDOZZI

Senior, Coral Shores

Sprints

Senior sprinter Brooke Mandozzi completed her final season with the ’Canes with two top-five all-time school records. Mandozzi is third for Coral Shores in the 100, an event in which she placed seventh at districts. She is the No. 5 all-time Hurricane in the 200-meter event, in which she finished eighth at districts.

CAYLAA MAKIMAA

Senior, Key West Distance

When Caylaa Makimaa qualified for the state cross country championships as an individual athlete last fall, it was clear that the senior’s dedication and hard work were paying off. Those same efforts transferred to the track this season, where Makimaa excelled in all things distance. Makimaa was a 3200-meter silver medalist at districts and was sixth at regionals. In the 1600, she was fifth at districts, and she ran a leg of the Conchs’ regional-qualifying 4x800 relay as well. Makimaa finishes her Key West career in second place in the Key West record books for the 800, 1600, 3200 and 4x400 relay.

DAYSI WILLIAMS

Sophomore, Marathon Jumping/sprinting

Marathon’s Daysi Williams took silver in high jump at the district meet this year, and though her season ended sooner than she would have liked, it was a successful sophomore campaign. Williams broke her own high-jump record earlier in the season and is in Marathon’s record books in the top five in 300 hurdles, long jump and the 4x100 relay as well. In the 200-meter race, Williams was fourth at districts, proving she has speed as well as hops.

Sophomore, Key West Throwing

Key West’s Audrey Smith excelled in two throwing events for the Conchs this season. The sophomore tossed the javelin for a first-place district medal, qualifying for regionals and then states, where she set a personal record and claimed a sixthplace medal in the event. In discus, she placed fourth at districts and qualified for regionals. Smith continues to gain strength and distance on her throws, and with two seasons left to compete, already stands in second for all-time javelin distance in Key West’s record books.

GRACE ANDREW

Senior, Key West Hurdles/throwing

Despite sitting out nearly half the season with a foot injury, Key West’s Grace Andrew brought home three bronze medals from districts. The talented senior was third in the 100 and 400 hurdles as well as the javelin event. Andrew is the all-time Conch record-holder in the 400 hurdles and holds the fourth and fifth spots in the 100 hurdles and javelin, respectively.

ANABEL PORTUONDO

Senior, Key West Pole Vault

State-qualifying pole vaulter Anabel Portuondo was the silver medalist at districts and regionals, earning an automatic trip to states in the event. Her jumping skills also shined in the high jump, in which she placed fifth at districts. Portuondo is third in Key West’s record books in pole vault.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 13
AUDREY SMITH Photos by Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden, Doug Finger and contributed images.

COMMUNITY COMES TO A DEPUTY’S AID

Benefit set for Julian Garcia at Islander Resort

More than three weeks have passed since Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Julian Garcia was discharged from the hospital — his life forever changed when, police say, a drunk driver slammed into the back of his patrol car as he conducted a traffic stop in Islamorada on the evening of April 9.

A swift response by fellow deputies and Islamorada Fire Rescue led Garcia to be airlifted to Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital. The young deputy underwent more than eight surgeries and many weeks in the hospital in hopes of saving his leg; it was severely injured when the drunk driver struck his patrol cruiser as he was walking between his car and another he had pulled over.

Despite the efforts by surgeons at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the decision was made that Garcia’s leg needed to be amputated.

Today, Garcia is slowly beginning the recovery journey with some rest and therapy. Eventually, he’ll begin to work with a prosthetic leg.

“The therapist gave me a paper of exercises to do at home. The first day doing it was pretty tough,” Garcia told the Keys Weekly in a recent phone interview. “For the most part I’ve just been waiting to be fully cleared and to start with the prosthetic.”

With everything Garcia experienced and endured, he continues to exude a chipperness many colleagues in the sheriff’s office have come to witness and admire about the 26-year-old.

“He’s always upbeat,” said Capt. Derek Paul, who oversees the Islamorada district where Garcia worked. “I really hope he can get back and work with us in some capacity.”

“Julian is phenomenal,” said Lt. Charlene Sprinkle. “He always has a good attitude and a smile on his face.”

Sheriff Rick Ramsay described Garcia as humble and one of the nicest people there is. Born in Miami, Garcia attended the law enforcement academy at the College of the Florida Keys and began with the sheriff’s office in February 2022.

“He worked really hard to become a law enforcement officer,” Ramsay said. “He’s remained positive and upbeat throughout the entire situation. It’s a testament to see how he’s handled this traumatic situation. He’s a fighter, and he’ll beat the odds and challenges.”

Garcia credits his support system, including his parents, girlfriend, three siblings and Sprinkle, in helping get through a life-changing experience.

“They’ve been there every step of the way,” he said.

And he’s especially overwhelmed by the support from his colleagues at the sheriff’s office, the Florida Keys community and other people outside the island chain who learned about the incident and either called to offer him best wishes or provide a donation.

“I don’t know how to explain it. I know the way our community is, but the way it happened, it opened my eyes even more as to how much they

help. They really appreciate us,” Garcia said in relation to the community support, which has included a blood drive and will feature a June 23 benefit at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. Organized by Islamorada Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, all proceeds will go to support Garcia’s recovery. Mahoney was traveling home from a council meeting the evening of the accident.

“I must have passed there minutes before he put his lights on and pulled over the car,” she said.

Mahoney, who runs the Casting for Cats and organizes the annual Poor Girls Sailfish Tournament, said securing donations and sponsorships has been rather easy for Garcia’s benefit.

“People have been phenomenal. They’re coming out of the woodwork and calling me,” Mahoney said as she retrieved two certificates donated by Hog Heaven. “It has been so simple. Everything right now is 100% donated.”

Those coming out to support Garcia during the benefit at Islander Resort between noon and 6 p.m. can enjoy an antique show, dunk tank and ax-throwing. There will also be a barbecue — the majority of the food items were donated by WinnDixie in Tavernier — and a drink tent. Attendees can also bid on items during a silent auction, and a live painting by Pasta Pantaleo will be auctioned off by emcee Capt. Skip Bradeen.

“It’s unbelievable how people just stepped up to the plate. I think we’ll have a big turnout,” Mahoney said.

Garcia is also receiving support from neighboring Miami-Dade County. Danny Morales is a law enforcement officer with Miami-Dade Police who founded Bleeding Blue Inc. in November 2022. Through his nonprofit, challenge coins are created by WarriorCoinCompany for people to purchase to support a law enforcement officer and family. Since its founding, Bleeding Blue Inc. has donated more than $168,000 to 31 law enforcement families.

Morales worked with Garcia’s sister, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Ramsay to create a coin, which features a sailfish and nautical background on one side and the sheriff’s badge with palm trees and water in the background on the other side.

“The officer’s sister was super grateful. She explained there were a lot of bills that must be paid. I understand that officers make most of their money working overtime and doing extra duty,” Morales said.

The coin can be purchased for $30. All proceeds from the challenge coin sales will support Garcia.

Garcia couldn’t help but express his appreciation for the way the community has rallied behind him. He said he plans to be in attendance for the June 23 benefit.

“From what I hear it’s going to be a lot of people and it still just blows my mind of everything that’s going on and the way people are going to help. We’re grateful for everything, no matter what the help is,” he said.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 14
Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Julian Garcia shows equipment inside his patrol car to Citizen’s Police Academy participants earlier in the year. CONTRIBUTED Deputy Julian Garcia, pictured right, started with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office in February 2022. The challenge coin by Bleeding Blue Inc. to benefit deputy Garcia. Scan the QR code to purchase the challenge coin to benefit Julian Garcia. People can help Garcia by donating via GoFundMe.
KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 15 THE BUBBAS ARE BACK! Thank you for supporting our lifesaving mission! NOMINATE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA FOR BEST NON PROFIT 5711 COLLEGE RD KEY WEST 305.294.4857 10550 AVIATION BLVD MARATHON 305.743.4800

KEY WEST GETS LOUD & PROUD

Island celebrates diversity & disco

Key West’s Pride permeates nearly every inch of the island city this month, but particularly through June 9, when the Key West Business Guild welcomes all to an array of events that celebrate the differences that make the island a place like no other.

Visitors and locals unite this week to celebrate the island’s unique LGBTQ community –and boogie like it’s the 1970s disco era.

Presented by the Key West Business Guild and featuring a retro disco theme, Pride salutes the all-inclusive “One Human Family” mindset of the subtropical island internationally known as a top LGBTQ vacation spot.

Attractions include late-night dance parties, daytime and sunset sailing excursions, films and drag performances, a disco bar crawl for costumed participants and Pride’s traditional street fair — but with a colorful new twist.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Friday, June 7 is packed with activities including a brunch sail on the Argo Navis catamaran. Options that evening are the “We Love Our Allies Pride Party” at 22&Co., 504 Angela St.; “I Feel Love: A Queer Disco Revue” at La Te Da, 1125 Duval St.; and a retro disco-themed party and ’70s costume competition at Mangoes, 700 Duval St.

• Saturday, June 8 brings the Pride “We Are Family” Street Fair & Dance Party. Featuring live entertainment and dance music, the fun begins at 4 p.m. in the 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Duval Street. The party in the street will include food and libation offerings.

• The final-day schedule Sunday, June 9, features the all-welcome Pride Parade that kicks off at 5 p.m. The parade will proceed along a route that includes most of Duval Street, showcasing a 100-foot section of Key West’s famed 1.25-mile-long sea-to-sea rainbow flag, created in 2003 and unfurled the length of Duval Street, bathing the ground in a rainbow of acceptance and pride.

Those events and countless others will mark the island city’s annual celebration. More event information, tickets and a complete schedule are at gaykeywestfl.com/pride.

— Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 16
Key West’s annual Pride celebration features scores of events, including a street fair, parade, boat trips, brunches, bar strolls, drag shows and more. KEY WEST BUSINESS GUILD/Contributed

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 17
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OCEANOGRAPHER

SYLVIA EARLE: KEYS A ‘HOPE SPOT’

Island chain chosen for its

importance to the ocean

The Florida Keys, along with Biscayne Bay and Ten Thousand Islands, have been selected as a Hope Spot by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue, becoming the 163rd such location lauded for its critical role in ocean health.

Earle, a world-renowned conservationist, made the official announcement on June 3 at the Explorers Club in New York City during activities for Oceans Week.

“Hope Spots are special places scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean,” states Earle’s Mission Blue website. “Our Hope Spots are championed by local conservationists whom we support with communications, expeditions and scientific advisory. I wish you would use all means at your disposal – films, expeditions, the web, new submarines, campaigns –to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, Hope Spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet,” Earle said.

Florida International University scientists who work in the South Florida region championed the Hope Spot nomination. FIU manages the Aquarius Reef Base undersea lab located in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

“We are grateful for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s

SCAVENGER HUNT SCORES SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR KEY WEST KIDS

Visiting corporate group fills 75 backpacks & donates to Samuel’s House

MANDY MILES

Who would have thought a big corporate group — in town for a conference or rewards trip — would turn a fun, team-building scavenger hunt into a charitable endeavor, filling 75 backpacks with school supplies and donating them to Key West kids they’ll never meet?

Apparently, Casey Arnold thought of it a while ago. This week’s donation by an out-of-town company with 126 people staying at the Casa Marina was the 10th corporate giveback Arnold has organized with his Southernmost Scavenger Hunt clients.

inclusion in Mission Blue’s global network of Hope Spots,” said John Armor, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “The waters and diversity of life within the sanctuary are globally-significant and help conserve biodiversity and valuable habitats, factors critical to maintaining a healthy ocean. The sanctuary also embodies the hopes and dreams of generations of Florida Keys residents and of those who travel from afar and leave with a sense of wonder and stewardship for this special place.”

This Hope Spot recognizes the area’s ecological and economic importance, spanning mangroves, sea grasses and coral reefs. Balancing the natural wonders of this region with significant human impacts, the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands Hope Spot sits just one meter (3.2 feet) above sea level – on the front line of climate change.

“Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has experienced significant declines to key resources and habitats caused by a variety of threats, leaving us at a critical juncture,” said Sarah Fangman, superintendent of the sanctuary. “Establishing these waters as a Mission Blue Hope Spot strengthens our effort to build resilience, while inspiring hope for this national treasure.”

— Contributed

This week’s group donated $5,000 worth of school supplies and backpacks, which Arnold incorporated into its scavenger hunt on June 4. The stuffed backpacks were then donated to Samuel’s House, a nonprofit that provides housing and support to Key West women, and families that are facing homelessness, escaping domestic violence or overcoming addiction and other struggles.

Arnold packaged bundles of school supplies in each team’s designated color. A Southernmost Scavenger Hunt employee was positioned at one of the clue locations and would hand each team its bundle as they found their way to that clue. Each of 25 teams ended up filling three backpacks with the supplies during the hunt that took them throughout Old Town.

Southernmost Scavenger Hunt offers a variety of options for all sorts of groups — wedding parties, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, business executives, company retreats, family reunions or just groups of friends. Teams of two to six people drive golf carts around Old Town, working together and competing with the other teams in other golf carts to answer cryptic clues about Key West’s history and culture, sip outlandish tropical drinks from pineapples or coconuts and find local landmarks, murals and other eccentricities, where fun photos must be taken for proof.

Arnold, who bought the business a few years ago, said he enjoys offering a charitable component to the hunts.

And if you’ve never done one, you’re missing out. (And if you’ve ever cursed the driver of a golf cart for

Arnold, owner of Southernmost Scavenger Hunt, works with a visiting corporate group of clients that donated 75 backpacks, each filled with school supplies, to Samuel’s House for needy Key West kids. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

leaving their blinker on for six blocks, you’ll immediately understand how it happens.)

The island adventures last two to three hours and can be customized in countless ways for each group.

“I love being able to include a charitable giveback into these corporate groups’ hunts, and so many of my clients have been eager to participate and help a local Key West charity,” Arnold told the Keys Weekly, adding that other groups have collected and donated items to Wesley House Family Services for Keys kids in the foster care system.

“This has been amazing, and we’re so grateful to this visiting group for their generosity, the backpacks and supplies, and to Casey Arnold, who has figured out a way to bring together different groups to help local organizations. It’s just a wonderful combination of compassion,” said Maria Protopsaltis, deputy director of Samuel’s House.

Scout Boats, which will hold its annual Scout Customer Rendezvous for owners of its boats in Key West June 12-16, will also donate backpacks and school supplies during their scheduled hunt, bringing the total to 100 backpacks for Samuel’s House, said Arnold, who added that he’s happy to work with other organizations to determine what items they need that can be incorporated into the group scavenger hunts.

For more information, visit keywesthunt.com.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 19
Smallmouth grunts in Key Largo. STEPHEN FRINK/Courtesy of NOAA Casey

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LOCAL COUPLE EMBRACES KEY WEST’S WILD SIDE

‘Chiguana’ brand blends chickens, iguanas & humor

WYATT SAMUELSON

www.keysweekly.com

Ask any Key West resident about the local wildlife that shares our island home, and you’re bound to hear about our chickens and iguanas.

Love ’em or hate ’em, they’re here to stay, strutting brazenly across busy streets, skulking in trees and swimming uninvited in local pools (the iguanas, not the chickens, although that would be hilarious).

One night, while out with a few friends (and, he admits, after a few beers), resident Bill Andrews took the local wildlife question a step further: What if a chicken and iguana had a baby?

Andrews’ answer prompted laughs over drinks — and launched a fun, new business venture.

The Chiguana brand was born. “Chiguana” is a locally- and veteranowned merchandise brand in Key West, created and operated by Bill Andrews, a retired Coast Guard officer, and his wife, Feliz Andrews.

The pair have lived in Key West for nearly a decade. He now works as a civilian for the military at Truman Annex, and Feliz is a performing-arts teacher at Sigsbee Charter School.

The Chiguana brand sells a variety of merchandise, including T-shirts, drink koozies, hats and tote bags, all featuring their signature “Chiguana” character. Feliz created the whimsical design, which came to life after the two couldn’t find a local artist who accurately captured their vision for the clever creature.

“We wanted to create a brand that locals would really recognize that would be equally appealing to Key West visitors,” Feliz Andrews said.

The Andrews adore the local Key West community and its military residents, which is why every Chiguana product is printed and embroidered locally. Their social media pages — @chiguanakw on Instagram and Chiguana Key West on Facebook — even feature models who are either active-duty military or veterans.

“We wanted to offer something

West residents Bill and

created the Chiguana merchandise brand two years ago, with each product embroidered locally and available at local markets and shops. CONTRIBUTED

that’s uniquely Key West with the idea that you can come here and be whatever you want to be. You don’t have to fit into a certain box.”

The couple typically set up shop at the Key West Artisan Market, held on Sundays, October through April, at Higgs Beach, and at local street fairs, fundraisers and other events featuring local vendor booths. Find their schedule and locations on their social media pages.

When the event benefits a local charity, the Andrews are committed to giving back to the local community.

“When we do fundraising events for the Florida Keys SPCA and others, we give 10% of the proceeds back to the cause,” Bill Andrews said.

He and Feliz also sponsor local military sports teams when they can. They’ve supported a Sigsbee soccer team and bought new jerseys for the volleyball team that feature, of course, the loveable “Chiguana.”

The brand launched two years ago, although the first year was spent on paperwork, details and obtaining the legal rights for the logo. They’ve been selling merchandise for about a year now and, like the local chickens and iguanas, the Chiguana population is steadily growing and becoming a familiar character around town.

The products are available at chiguana.com and in local shops like Sea, Key West, a local watersports shop, 720B Caroline St.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with locals and tourists alike embracing the quirky and original concept. Looking ahead, Bill and Feliz plan to expand their product line and participate in more community events, further embedding Chiguana into the fabric of Key West culture.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 20
Key Feliz Andrews
30180 Overseas Highway • Big Pine Key • 305.697.6496 • KeySmiles.com

... 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.

The interior of the 12-year-old Honda CR-V is well insulated, soundwise, but still, the raindrops thumping on the roof were loud. Ellen Westbrook and I had been birding around Grassy Key between the bands of a seemingly endless storm. We were up there looking for a rare bird that we weren’t going to find, but we didn’t know that yet.

There are quite a few houses on Grassy Key, but also quite a few salt ponds that are often full of birds. We’d seen several when we were walking around. But then the rain came.

My camera is advertised as being weather-sealed, which differs, I believe, from waterproof, though I’m not sure how. At a certain point in a Florida deluge, there doesn’t seem to be an appreciable difference between standing in the open air and sitting in a pool, and testing the limits of the definition of weather-sealed didn’t seem a wise decision financially.

This was probably our fourth retreat to the car. We didn’t know how long the rain band would last, but we weren’t yet ready to give up on the rare bird. We’d pulled off the side of the road and down a little dropoff, though not all the way, lest we get stuck. Then we sat, staring straight ahead.

A car windshield, like a camera, can frame the world for you. The stage set in front of us featured mangroves, salt ponds, beige Keys mud and dark clouds. And within that tableau were a few potential protagonists, divided into two camps – a troupe of least terns and a troupe of reddish egrets.

The least terns varied in number. Sometimes there was only one, sometimes eight or nine.

Least terns are so light and quick that when they fly up it looks as if they’re pulled by a force outside the realm of aeronautics, almost as if they’ve been raptured. They land almost as quickly, as if they’d been raptured accidentally and the unnamed forces of the universe were trying to put them back as fast as possible so no one would notice.

Least terns in the Keys are most commonly seen in the air over parking lots near flat-roofed structures — grocery stores, office buildings and government buildings. In the proper order of things, least terns would be nesting on beaches, but there aren’t a lot of beaches in the Keys, or Florida in general, that aren’t dominated by human activity, which makes breeding on them a losing proposition. So they generally nest on gravel rooftops.

Ellen knows a thing or two about least terns. For close to a decade she has worked as a volunteer surveyor, going around Key West once a week during breeding season, monitoring the least tern population.

Sitting there, she pointed out that there weren’t any gravel rooftops for miles, so these birds were probably nesting somewhere on some nearby, slightly elevated upland surrounded by the salt ponds. I was so used to associating them with modern buildings I’d kind of forgotten it was possible for them to nest in more natural habitats.

After a while we noticed one tern that hadn’t joined all the hyper active peripateticism. She, or he – least terns are sexually monomorphic – was just sitting in the same spot for minutes on end.

Ellen and I both lifted our binoculars to see if maybe a least tern was sitting on an egg right in front of us. While a car windshield may be a good framing device, it also warps the light somewhat, like a lens. It’s not something you notice so much naked-eyed or wearing glasses while driving, but it’s definitely something you notice looking through binoculars, because it can be difficult, if not impossible, to focus. And I had the wipers on slow, so the view would slowly blur even further, then periodically get squeegeed clean for a few moments, before blurring again.

All of which can make it difficult to ascertain whether a 9-inch, 1.5-ounce bird 50 yards away is sitting on an inch-long egg. Eventually, though, it was clear there was daylight under the bird, meaning he or she was standing, and not on an egg.

Maybe the disinclined-to-move least tern had enjoyed a successful morning plunge diving for fish and was just digesting. Maybe he or she just wasn’t buying into all the excitability. Meanwhile, the troupe of reddish egrets just stood there, which was also a little odd.

A LEAST TERN AND REDDISH EGRET TABLEAU

I tend to think of reddish egrets as solo acts, probably because in the heron and egret world, they are what the kids used to call a little extra. It’s their feeding technique, which relies largely on drama, fakery and chaos. Whereas wading birds like great egrets, great blue herons or tricolored herons often stand stock still in, or immediately next to, water, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and catch a fish, reddish egrets run around like freaks, splashing, throwing their wings out, spinning, changing direction, stopping quickly. All with the intention of confusing and scaring small fish into showing themselves and inadvertently offering themselves up as meals. That all requires a lot of space. Which is why, to my mind, you tend to only see a single reddish egret working a salt pond or a tidal flat. Even an agent of chaos can only handle so much chaos.

So why were there four reddish egrets standing in the same patch of pond? Reddish egrets come in two color morphs – the purplish/mauve color that gives them their name and white. These were all dark birds, two of them the reddish of adults, and two of them with the paler, chalkier plumage (as David Sibley describes it) of juveniles. It was a family unit, if an unusually subdued one.

Since reddish egrets are visual hunters, there wasn’t much point in them executing their usual antics in heavy rain. So for a long time they just stood.

The kids must have grown hungry, though, because when the rain subsided slightly, they began to move around, slowly and seemingly without a lot of intent at first, but then warming up into their sudden sprints across the pond.

As the rain lessened, the parents followed suit, everyone eventually moving out of the frame.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 21
A young Reddish Egret feeds in the rain on Grassy Key. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly MARK HEDDEN
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Key West United Methodist Church | 600 Eaton Street | Key West Friday July 12th 5pm - 8pm Saturday July 13th 9am - 2pm Sunday July 14th 11am at Sunday Worship 5pm Christmas Concert performed by the kids followed by a Christmas dinner!
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Key West Bond Proposal: Vote yes for residents

Dear Editor:

We should all applaud City Manager Al Childress and the city commission for proposing the bond financing that will appear on Key West voters’ November ballot. As a 20-year resident, I have never been more excited about the city’s future.

The bond financing will allow Key West to invest in infrastructure that will benefit residents and visitors for several generations. This financing spreads the cost over time so current and future property owners will all share in the costs of maintaining our city.

CONCERNS & QUESTIONS

Fire Station 3 preliminary plans, Key West Police station renovation and several projects within the four categories have been criticized for being “wants” instead of “needs.”

I agree. The best part of the bond financing is that it is preapproved, but not obligated to be used. All borrowings under the bond will be for specific individual projects with planning, refined cost estimates, subject to a public input process and a vote by our elected representatives.

Several items in the bond description detail appear to have a useful life shorter than 30 years.

I agree. Most of the funds will be used to finance long-term capital assets with a 30-year useful life. If funds are used to finance assets with shorter lives, then financing for these projects will be repaid over the useful life of the related longterm asset being funded.

Why is the city not pursuing other forms of funding for these projects? Will approving this financing cause the city to not vigorously pursue other financing such as cash reserves (pay as you go), TDC funding and federal/ state grants?

The city intends to fund these long-term projects with multiple sources including cash reserves, TDC funding, grants and this bond financing. It is up to us as engaged citizens to hold our elected representatives and city staff accountable for pursuing all funding sources for all projects.

Does the city need $300 million in debt?

Not necessarily. The funding will be used by the city if necessary to fund long-term capital needs. Each project’s funding will be subject to a public input process and vote of our elected representatives. The timing of specific projects will be spread over many years and limited by availability of city staff and volume of projects that the staff can effectively manage. It is a common finance principle that longterm capital projects are funded by a combination of debt and equity (net position in a municipal entity). The city has $415 million in capital assets and less than $7 million in long-term debt. Other similarly sized local organizations such as Key West Housing Authority, Keys Energy, FKAA and Monroe County have long-term debt ranging from $60 million to $605 million.

Why approve $300 million of bond financing all at once?

For the same reason homeowners obtain pre-approved mortgages before shopping for a house. Accessing the capital markets is a time-consuming process requiring approval by the voters and costs of financial advisers, underwriters, attorneys, etc. Why not incur those costs once with benefits realized for many years into the future?

Will the city be paying on these 30-year bonds for as long as 45 years?

Maybe. It is possible the repayment period will extend beyond 30 years depending on when the funds are borrowed and the useful life of the assets being financed.

Why is the city funding maintenance as part of this bond funding?

The city has no intention of funding maintenance with this bond funding. The city endeavors to fund routine maintenance every year to extend the lives of long-term capital assets. The city has been unable to fund routine maintenance of its long-term capital assets in the past. This lack of funds for maintenance can be attributed to the city’s failure to raise property taxes equal to the rate of increase in its costs and ex-

penses, coupled with a lack of other revenue sources such as impact fees, a social services tax or other tax alternatives and the city’s “pay as you go” cash approach to funding long-term capital assets.

Why is the city perpetually behind in maintaining its road system?

Two reasons: Because the city does not have adequate revenue sources to maintain its road system and because other entities and utilities are constantly damaging our roads. In the past, the city has not held these partners accountable to pay their fair share of road repair costs.

Is it true $40 million allocated from this bond funding for roads will only pave 15 miles of the city’s 60 miles of roads?

Yes. Road repair here is very expensive, partially attributable to our remote location and the lack of sufficient annual spending to attract multiple vendors in a competitive bidding process.

What happens if voters fail to vote in favor of the bond referendums?

It will be a sad day for the future of Key West. The city will continue its legacy “pay as you go” approach with city infrastructure continuing to fall into disrepair. The city will not have sufficient capital to undertake many of the large projects identified in our most recent strategic plan prioritized by the public such as Bayview Park renovation, MLK Pool rebuild, Fire Station #3 replacement, Coffee Butler Amphitheater enhancements and Mallory Square renovation, to name a few.

Please join me and vote yes in November to the four bond referendum questions to provide our city the tools necessary to make needed capital improvements that will enhance our quality of life and the Key West experience for our visitors.

Sincerely,

SHELF HELP

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

What: “How To Be Perfect” by Michael Schur

Why: What does it mean to be a good person? Can we reach a state of perfection? What do we owe each other?

These are important questions that all of us should address periodically but rarely do. “How To Be Perfect” discusses philosophers from Aristotle to Kant, addressing them all with modern-day examples to allow the reader a fresh perspective on old themes. If you’re considering becoming a better version of yourself, then this is a great read.

Approaching this thorny idea, Schur gives the reader clear and modern examples showing why the great thinkers are considered – great.

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

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

Recommended by: Amy Skerly, senior library assistant, Key West Library

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

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 28
LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Lovin’ our Locals

Dinner Specials:

We’re Bringing back Your favorites!

Sunday Family Fried Chicken $28

2 Pieces of Fried Chicken | Beer-Battered Fries Cole Slaw | NA Beverage | Dessert

Monday st louis Ribs $34 Cole Slaw | Sweet Potato Fries

Tuesday

2 Asian Tuna Tacos in Wonton Shell $28 Sweet Soy & Wasabi Aioli | Kimchi

Wednesday

Prime Rib Night 12oz $60 | 16oz $70 Mashed Potatoes | Green Beans

Thursday Jumbo Shrimp & Grits: $32

Friday

Swordfish Rockefeller: $48 Potato Croquette | Grilled Asparagus

Saturday Seafood Strudel with Broccolini: $42

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024
Weekly
L O C A L S O N L Y : 2 0 % O F F D I N N E R & 1 5 % O F F D R I N K S E V E R Y D A Y Reservations recommended Must show valid local ID Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer Subject to blackout dates WORLD FAMOUS LOBSTER PIZZA TOP RATED GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA AND VEGETARIAN MENU WE LOVE KIDS & DOGS COME FOR THE FOOD. STAY FOR THE VIEW. 1400 DUVAL ST, KEY WEST OPEN DAILY 11:30A - 8P | SEASIDECAFEKW.COM CASUAL WATERFRONT DINING

STOCK UP ON HURRICANE SUPPLIES

These items are tax-free for a short time

Hurricane preparedness supplies are tax-free now through Saturday, June 15. The sales tax holiday will return Saturday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Sept. 6. ADOBE STOCK

The 2024 Florida disaster preparedness sales tax holiday provides residents with the opportunity to purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies tax-free during two 14-day periods. The 2024 tax holidays are now through Friday, June 15, and again Saturday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Sept. 6.

Eligible items include pet leashes, collars and muzzles costing $20 or less; flashlights, lanterns and pet beds costing $40 or less; batteries and weather radios costing $50 or less; coolers costing $60 or less; smoke detectors costing $70 or less; tarps costing $100 or less; and generators costing $3,000 or less. A full list of tax-free items is available at floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.

Stock a disaster supply kit for the entire household, including pets, for at least seven

days. The complete disaster supply kit checklist is available for download at floridadisaster. org/kit.

For go-to storm prep tips, visit the Keys Weekly’s annual Hurricane Guide at keysweekly. com/florida-keys-hurricaneguides.

— Contributed

‘Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage’ runs June 11-15

Fringe Theater Key West closes its 15th season with “Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage,” written by Ken Davenport and Sarah Saltzberg. This interactive comedy runs June 11-15 at 7 p.m. in the Key West Armory located, 600 White St.

The comedy is based on Abigail Grotke’s book by the same name. It is a collection of “classic advice for contemporary dilemmas.” The theatrical production opened off-Broadway in 2010 with Eve Plumb in the title role. Since then, the fictional characters of Miss Abigail and Paco have traveled the world imparting quaint and quirky “Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post”-style relationship advice.

The title character of Abigail walked the walk of true love with Robert, her beloved husband of 25 years, who passed away seven years ago. So Miss Abigail takes her relational expertise on the road. With the help of her devoted assistant Paco, she is now the relationship guru to the stars. (No, of course we will not name-drop. But if we did, it might just rhyme with Crad and Crennifer.)

The result is a world of fun for the audience. And maybe even some take-home prizes.

“Ask The Looking Glass” and “Love Lust or Stalking” are two of the games Miss Abigail plays with the love-lorn members of the audience. And of course there will be practical, realworld, hands-on exercises to experience, like the classic “This Stool is Free.”

But wait, there’s more.

Could true love be developing on stage, and does Miss Abigail have the courage to take her own advice and grab it?

Fringe’s production of “Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating, and Marriage” is directed by Rebecca Tomlinson. The show stars Caroline Taylor and Aramis Ikatu. The show features light design by Kendall Cameron with Thomas Masat and Samantha Laskey on run crew. Miss Abigail’s Guide is sponsored by the Key West Business Guild.

Tickets are available at keystix.com or by calling the KeysTix box office at 305-2967575. The show runs five nights only and offers special summer pricing. More information is at fringetheater.org or info@fringetheater.org.

— Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 30
FRINGE THEATER OFFERS FUN SUMMER PLAY
Fringe Theater presents ‘Miss Abigail’s Guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage,’ starring Caroline Taylor and Aramis Ikatu. FRINGE THEATER KEY WEST/Contributed
31 LET'S
BUBBAS — KEYS WEEKLY TEAM ANSWERS READERS' QUESTIONS
nearly
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THE BUBBAS ARE BACK. Nominate your favorite people, places, foods, drinks & businesses once a day through JUNE 16 AT KEYSWEEKLY.COM. On this episode of the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast, publisher Britt Myers joins editor Mandy Miles and creative director Stephanie Mitchell to answer readers’ questions about the nomination and voting process for the 11th annual Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards. You can submit nominations in
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The Studios presents just under 30 exhibitions each year, plus the Helmerich Theater and Hugh’s View rooftop terrace offer spaces for intimate concerts and theater productions. The Studios also offers over 70 workshops in a range of media and experience level per season.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 Pi er House Resort & Spa 1 Duval St | Key West 305.295.3255 | pierhouse.com SAVOR THE NEW FLAVORS OF KEY WEST SPECIAL TREAT FOR LOCALS AT ONE DUVAL FOR LOCALS ON TOTAL DINNER BILL 20% OFF (local ID required; excludes holidays) Reservations recommended on OpenTable or call 305.295.3255 OPENS THU JUNE 6, 6-8PM ON VIEW JUNE 6-JULY 25 533 EATON ST. 305-296-0458 TSKW.ORG MANGO MADNESS ANNUAL SUMMER MEMBERS’ EXHIBITION GALLERY HOURS: TUE-SUN, 10AM-4PM Our annual summer exhibition is an expression of gratitude – for the artists that inspire us, and for the island that inspires them. Every member of The Studios is invited to participate, and the result is a bounty of creativity in every form and style imaginable. CALLING ALL TEACHERS, ARTISTS AND PERFORMERS! NOW ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR EXHIBITIONS, WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES FOR 2024/25! Got an idea for an exhibit? Working on a one-woman show? Have a special skill you’d like to share?
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THE SEVEN(ISH) MILE BRIDGES

There is talk about building a new Seven Mile Bridge to replace the old Seven Mile Bridge, which replaced the original Seven Mile Bridge. Between road projects and the water pipeline, a simple drive down the Overseas Highway provides clear evidence that the infrastructure supporting our Florida Keys communities is aging.

Building a new conduit to bridge the sevenish-mile gap between the Middle Keys and Lower Keys would be a massive undertaking, and the cost would be substantial. It is likely that the job will not be just about bridge building but will also involve the lone conduit delivering fresh water to the Lower Keys. The current pipeline travels beneath the modern Seven Mile Bridge, and rerouting it to accommodate a new Seven Mile Bridge will cost some serious coin.

The pipeline did not begin delivering water to the island chain until 1942, with the first drops arriving in Key West on Sept. 22. It traveled then, as it does today (with a few exceptions), along the right-of-way established by the Florida East Coast Railway. Of course, there are one or two places where the modern highway has diverted from the old railroad line.

The Bahia Honda bridges are one example. Henry Flagler’s train chugged along the path of the park’s road, past Loggerhead Beach and through that magnificent old camelback bridge. For decades, the Overseas Highway traveled along the same path — except that it traveled up and over the bridge, 65 feet

above the sparkling waters of the pass! The modern highway route across Bahia Honda that skirts the park and delivers breathtaking views of the railroad bridge opened in 1972. The Seven Mile Bridge is another section of the railroad that veered significantly from the modern Overseas Highway’s route: the original bridge incorporated four distinct sections, plus the Moser Channel Swing Bridge. The first three bridge spans, Knights Key (6,803 feet), Pigeon Key (5,935 feet), and Moser Channel (13,947 feet), were built using concrete piers reinforced with three-quarter-inch steel rods. Steel girders, weighing more than 40 tons each and measuring 80 feet long, were lowered across the piers to create the foundation on which the railroad tracks were later attached.

seven miles. The combined footage of the four railroad bridges is 35,720, making for a 1,240-foot shortfall.

BERTELLI

The fourth section, the Pacet Channel Viaduct (9,035 feet), used a different design, a series of concrete arches to support the tracks — hence, its distinction as a viaduct. When the length of each of the four spans is tallied together, they come up a little short of seven miles.

It takes 36,960 feet to stretch

Once, there was a plan to build an automobile bridge that roughly paralleled the not-quite-seven-mile railroad spans. When the first Overseas Highway opened to traffic in 1928, it was incomplete. While driving from the mainland to Key West was possible, there was a 40-mile gap between Lower Matecumbe and No Name Keys. Reaching the Lower Keys from the Upper Keys required a four-hour trip aboard an automobile ferry.

The plan to build the automobile bridges to eradicate the need for a ferry system never fully came to fruition. The project’s workforce began to arrive in November 1934; many were World War I veterans. Three work camps were built to house the men, each capable of accommodating about 250 people. The first major bridge project that was undertaken was linking Lower Matecumbe to Fiesta Key (called Jewfish Bush Key in those days). Evidence of the effort to construct the bridge still stands in the shallow waters in the form of eight cement bridge piers.

And then, on Sept. 2, 1935, the eye of the Category 5 Labor Day Hurricane crossed Lower Matecumbe and Long Keys. The seminal Florida Keys event took hundreds of lives. The killer hurricane also destroyed 40 miles of railroad tracks, and Flagler’s train never ran again. Had the hurricane not struck the

Keys on Sept. 2, the bridge projects would have been completed, and it is pretty likely that there would already be three “Seven Mile Bridges” standing in the shallows between Marathon and the Lower Keys. As a result of the devastation and the end of the railroad, the decision was made to abandon the bridge-building projects. While 40 miles of railroad tracks were destroyed in the storm, Flagler’s bridges withstood the fury of the Category 4 hurricane. As a result, the Florida East Coast Railway sold its right-of-way to the state for $640,000. Rather than build a new series of bridges, the decision was made to convert the standing railroad bridges to accommodate automobile traffic. The new and improved Overseas Highway that incorporated the old railroad bridges (and widened them to accommodate cars, trucks and buses) opened to traffic in 1938.

It was not until 1982 that we started driving along the modern Seven Mile Bridge, marveling (still) at the vistas, and now saying hello to Fred the Tree inexplicably thriving on the remains of the Pacet Channel Viaduct. The modern bridge measures a reported 6.79 miles or 35,851 feet – still a little short of the seven-mile mark. Perhaps, if they build a new Seven Mile Bridge, they will find a way to tack on the extra 1,110 feet to make it an actual Seven Mile Bridge.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 35
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys. FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD The Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly. Inset: Moser Channel Swing Bridge. FLORIDA KEYS PUBLIC LIBRARIES/Contributed

‘THE WORST TRIP YOU’LL EVER LOVE’

Castaways Against Cancer set out to provide ‘silver linings’ with 2024 ‘Here Comes the Sun Tour’

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Saturday, June 8 will mark the 25th time a team of 13 paddlers push off from shore in Miami for one of the most daunting 170-mile treks imaginable. They’ll square off against hordes of mosquitoes, miles of open water, a brutal sun, and ever-changing wind and weather conditions that can either aid them or thwart them at every turn.

But this year, on the shoulders of $2.3 million in fundraising and more than 3,840 miles paddled, the Castaways Against Cancer will do so starting from a beach they can call their own.

This year’s “Here Comes the Sun Tour” will once again send teams of kayakers, runners and cyclists from Miami’s Virginia Key to Simonton Beach in Key West as part of a never-ending fight to raise funds to combat cancer while honoring and celebrating those who have fought the battle before, regardless of the outcome.

Three months ago, the group heard their praises sung in the chambers of the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, who on March 19 unanimously approved the official naming of the team’s launch site on Hobie Beach as “Castaways Against Cancer Beach.”

In 2022, the group inked a five-year, $1.5 million pledge to the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, with U.M. matching donations 50 cents on the dollar. They’re more than on track for this year, with donations already totaling roughly $260,000 and still climbing. Donations from the Here Comes the Sun Tour will go to support ongoing research for pediatric Ewing sarcoma, a metastatic bone and soft tissue cancer that ranks as the second most prevalent

1. An air horn blast from Jaime Lemus heralds the Castaways’ arrival at Simonton Street Beach in 2023. CONTRIBUTED

2. Ultramarathoners Vince Yllanes, left, and Paige Douglass make their entrance into Key West in 2023 after splitting the 170-mile journey on foot. Though Yllanes will run again in 2024, Douglass’ leg of the trip will be replaced by a relay team as she herself continues a battle with cancer. CONTRIBUTED

3. Many familiar faces from 2023’s ‘Ridiculous Stunt Tour’ will again paddle more than 160 miles starting Saturday. CONTRIBUTED

4. The Castaways’ ‘Mayor of the Keys’ Suzy Curry stops by the Marathon Weekly during the cycling leg of her Golden Oldies Triathlon in March 2024. ALEX RICKERT/ Keys Weekly

malignant bone tumor, according to the National Institutes of Health.

“I paddle and lead the Castaways because I am inspired by hope and I know what we’re doing is making a difference,” said founder Steve O’Brien. Along with three others whose lives had felt cancer’s cruel touch, the high school teacher completed the first Castaways trek in June 2000 after losing both his mother and grandmother in a seven-month stretch. “The possibility of success, the potential for better treatments, and the opportunity to engage people affected by cancer is our motivation. I hope that our work uplifts people, inspires others, resonates with all who hear our stories and watch us in action.”

The battle against the world’s most insidious disease also hits home for Marathon paddling legend, breast cancer survivor and longtime Castaways stalwart Suzy Curry. Though injuries will prevent her from making the complete paddle with the team this year, she’s in the middle of completing a “Golden Oldies Triathlon” at her own pace: traversing the length of the Keys three times on foot, in a kayak and on a bike.

“The problem with children’s cancers is that children are such a small population of the ones who get cancer, so the research isn’t there,” she said. “It’s not like breast cancer, which affects one in eight women. The money isn’t there, because it’s not a big population. It’s really sad, especially when you tell that to a parent. We’re shooting for $300,000, so it then becomes a $450,000 grant.”

The public is invited to welcome the Castaways paddlers, runners and cyclists as they arrive at Simonton Street Beach at 4, 4:15 and 4:30 p.m., respectively, on Friday, June 14. To learn more about the Castaways’ mission, make a pledge, or add the name of a loved one who has battled cancer to the team’s Honor List, visit castawaysagainstcancer.org.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 36
1 2 3 4

KEYS REEFS GET HELP FROM HALF A WORLD AWAY

United Arab Emirates & local United Way continue preservation partnership

The struggling Florida Keys’ coral reef has been getting help from half a world away, through an unlikely partnership between the local United Way of Collier and the Keys (UWCK) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East.

In February 2020, the UAE gave $3.5 million to help the restoration of seven iconic coral reef sites in the Florida Keys. The funds are distributed by the United Way to local reef restoration organizations in support of Mission: Iconic Reefs, a 20-year plan by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its partners to restore North America’s only barrier reef.

The gift was part of a larger $10 million pledge to the state of Florida for various relief efforts following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Last month, a diplomatic representative for the UAE visited Key West to discuss reef restoration efforts and funding, marine science scholarships and an upcoming cultural learning exchange program, said Alissa Hudak, communications manager for the local United Way chapter.

Dana Al Marashi, the head of cultural diplomacy in the UAE, toured the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, which highlights the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that is managed by NOAA. Marashi also visited Sugarloaf School and participated in coral replanting projects with students to witness her country’s investment in action.

The diplomat met with marine sanctuary superintendent Sarah Fangman and United Way president Leah Stockton. She spoke on US 1 Radio about the UAE’s support, snorkeled at Eastern Dry Rocks, which is one of the seven critical reef sites targeted by Mission: Iconic Reefs, and met with local officials and residents at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden.

Dana Al Marashi, the head of cultural diplomacy in the UAE, works with students at Sugarloaf School on coral replanting projects on May 22. CONTRIBUTED

Over the last four years, UWCK has supported some 1.83 acres of coral outplanted on the identified reefs. This coral will grow, and the coverage area will continue to expand naturally to the healthy, sustainable coverage needed for the reef to flourish. So far, 8,400 volunteer hours, 199 interns, and 11 jobs supported these efforts through the partnership between the UAE and the United Way.

“This is what friends do for each other in times of need. The UAE is delighted to be able to help the Florida Keys community in this special way and begin to restore its iconic coral reefs,” said Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE ambassador to the United States, in 2020 at the time of the gift. “We share the same planet and face the same challenges. That’s why the UAE is so proud to collaborate with partners in the US and around the world to better protect and preserve vital ecosystems.”

Despite their distance and differences, the U.S. and UAE have had strong diplomatic relations since 1972, according to the U.S. State Department.

“The United States and the UAE enjoy strong bilateral cooperation on a full range of issues including defense, non-proliferation, trade, law enforcement, energy policy and cultural exchange,” the department website states. “The two countries work together to promote peace and security, support economic growth and improve educational opportunities in the region and around the world.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 37 305.295.6683 | 1.877.344.6683 | WWW.DRNMOVING.COM CONTACT US TO DETERMINE YOUR INDIVIDUAL MOVING AND/OR STORAGE NEEDS 305.295.6683 IM#26MC450645 | DOT966624 CELEBRATING IN BUSINESS PROUDLY SERVING THE FLORIDA KEYS AND BEYOND! YEARS WE TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR DAY TO DAY HR NEEDS WITH OVER 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Hiring Payroll Management Talent Management Training & Development Your partner in Human Resources 305 780 9837 | www.coralconsultingflorida.com
DO YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR WRITING, NEWS AND JOURNALISM? CONTACT US TODAY OR SEND YOUR RESUME/ PORTFOLIO TO MANDY@KEYSWEEKLY.COM KEYSWEEKLY.COM KEY WEST | MARATHON | UPPER KEYS WHEN LOCAL NEWS MATTERS –IT SHOULD COME FROM LOCAL WRITERS NEWSPAPERS
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

HOMELESS MAN FACING MURDER CHARGES AFTER COMMUNITY PARK BRAWL

Fight began with an argument over military service

A37-year-old homeless Marathon man is facing murder charges after a fight in Marathon Community Park that began over allegations of stolen valor, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

As of press time, Lee Charles Quinn remains in custody as he prepares to face second-degree murder charges after repeatedly punching 54-year-old William “Bill” Claude Prichett in a pavilion at Marathon Community Park on May 25, according to MCSO records. After being discovered unconscious and unresponsive, Prichett was transported to Fishermen’s Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to Quinn’s arrest report, multiple witnesses said the two men had been in a verbal confrontation over Quinn’s claims of military service. When Pritchett challenged those claims, they said, Quinn attacked him, continuing to punch him multiple times in the head and neck area after Pritchett had already fallen to the ground. One of the witnesses attempted to pull Quinn away to protect Pritchett, at which point Quinn began punching him in the face and arms as well, the report states.

A second witness said that after leaving the area of the fight, he was approached by an “irate” Quinn near the park’s bathrooms, with Quinn yelling statements like “Do you want to be next?” before throwing two unopened pocket knives at him.

When confronted by deputies on his bicycle nearby, the report states, Quinn initially blamed the victim’s injuries on the other witnesses before

Lee Charles Quinn remains in MCSO’s custody after allegedly punching another man until he died at Marathon Community Park. MCSO/Contributed

changing his story and saying he began punching Pritchett after Pritchett had pulled him by his hair into the bushes.

In later interviews, the report says, Quinn admitted he “may have gone ‘overboard’” in punching a “frail” man, that he was a “professional fighter,” and that his first punch may have rendered Pritchett unconscious.

Quinn’s bond is set at $750,000, and it is unclear if he has legal representation. He has an extensive criminal record in Monroe County, including a March 2024 felony conviction from a November 2023 incident in which Quinn was arrested for allegedly punching another man. As he resisted arrest, Quinn threatened to kill multiple deputies and attempted to disarm one. After pleading no contest to the charges, Quinn was sentenced to 150 days in jail on March 11, 2024, with credit for 111 days served.

While initial reports listed Pritchett as homeless, acquaintances who contacted the Weekly identified him as an Army veteran and member of the Boot Key Harbor liveaboard community for more than 10 years.

“He was just a quiet guy, and had a mind like a steel trap,” Marathon city marina technician Karen Diehl, who was a friend of Pritchett’s, told the Weekly. “He was just a good guy, and I talked to him almost every day.”

BEATING THE HEAT

Fire rescue to cool down the community

Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR) will host five “Beat the Heat” events this summer at different locations throughout the Florida Keys.

MCFR will provide a gentle stream of misting water for children of all ages to enjoy in a safe and fun environment.

Children are encouraged to wear a bathing suit and water shoes and bring a bottle of water and a towel. The events take place on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m.

“These events are some of our favorite community outreach programs for kids, where they get to come out and meet firefighters and play in water,” said Fire Marshal Craig Marston. “It’s a great way for

the children to learn summer safety tips and have fun at the same time.”

More information is at 305-289-6005. These events are subject to cancellation due to inclement or threatening weather.

— Contributed

Beat the Heat schedule

• June 8 - Harry Harris Park, Tavernier

• June 15 - Layton

Community Baptist Church

• June 22 - Big Pine

Community Park

• June 29 - Sugarloaf School

• July 6 - Bernstein Park, Stock Island

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 38
Firefighter Jon Baird helps the kids ‘put out a house fire’ at the Big Pine Community Park event. MARY MOELLER/Monroe County
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Exploring Men’s Health

A guide to help you form healthy habits and keep up with wellness visits.

Annual wellness checkups are necessary for various reasons, including detecting issues like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer early on According to several health organizations, men are less likely than women to stay on top of their health and wellness goals by scheduling annual checkups During National Men’s Health Month, start prioritizing your health by scheduling a visit with a PCP

Here's a health checklist outlining what men should be aware of during their annual exams:

20s and 30s: Focus on your family medical history and schedule yearly screenings and exams, including blood pressure checks

40s and 50s: Maintain healthy habits and undergo age-specific screenings for diabetes as well as colorectal and prostate cancer

60s and older: Prioritize your overall health by taking calcium and vitamin D and consider eye and hearing exams, cardiovascular and lung screenings, and vaccinations

To maintain a healthy body and prevent long-term conditions, it’s essential to exercise regularly, follow a balanced diet, manage stress, establish a sleep routine, and prioritize mental health From ageappropriate screenings to specialized testing, our care team at Mount Sinai is here for you

To book an appointment with one of our Key West primary care physicians, call 305 535 3434

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024
H e a l t h y L i f e
Dr Kellee Reed is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at Mount Sinai Primary Care & Diagnostic Center Key West Dr Reed earned her doctorate in osteopathic medicine at the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville KY She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, N Y Sponsored by Mount Sina Key West w w w r e a l l y g r e a t s i t e c o m Key West Joi n the Florida Key s
Watch t eam! Keys History & Discovery Center 82100 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada 6 P M JUNE 1 0 , 2 0 2 4 | Marathon City Hall 9805 Overseas Hwy, Marathon 6 P M JUNE 1 2 , 2 02 4 | Upcoming Training
REGISTER A T MOTE.ORG/BLEACHWATC H Program open to divers and snorkelers, no scientific background needed. Workshops are approximately 90 minutes in length. Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center 35 Quay Rd, Key West 6 P M JUNE 1 1, 2 0 2 4 | Mote's International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration 24244 Overseas Hwy, Summerland Key 6 P M JUNE 1 3 , 2 0 2 4 | Reefhouse Resort Conference Center 103800 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo 1 0 A M JUNE 1 5, 2 02 4 | The BleachWatch program trains citizen scientist divers to monitor and report on conditions at the reefs, including coral bleaching, disease and predation. NOMINATIONS MAY 30-JUNE 16 SUBMIT YOUR FAVORITES UNDERWAY
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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.

is a 6-month-old

as

as they come. All he wants is love and attention. Give him a pet, and he won’t let you leave.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Ploggers met at Truman Waterfront on May 31 with this week’s host being the Harry S. Truman Foundation. In one hour, 31 volunteers collected 56 pounds of trash, 20 pounds of recycling and 2 gallons of cigarette butts. The foundation not only provided refreshments and snacks after the cleanup, but also entered every volunteer in a drawing for a ride for up to six people in the presidential limo at a later date. Thank you to Clinton Curry, Kevin Theriault and Tom Whitney for their support in Keeping Key West Beautiful. 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.

June 7: Lower Duval Street. Meet across the street from the Key West Woman’s Club, which is the host.

June 14: S. Roosevelt at Deadman’s Curve. Meet by the last parking spot before the big curve by the Doubletree Grand Key Resort.

June 21: Casa Marina area at Seminole & Alberta streets. Meet at the John & Marv Spottswood Waterfront Park. Hosted by the Casa Marina Resort.

June 28: Lazy Way and the Key West Bight. Meet next to the Wyland Wall at the end of William Street. Hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 43
Meet Bella. This 1-year-old lady is too sweet for words. She was found in an abandoned house, but despite her past, is a little love bug. Hula Hoop is a spunky 9-month-old kitten who is full of energy. He loves to chase laser pointers and play with toys. Apricot kitten who is sweet Sophia is a cute little 1-year-old guinea pig. She’s hanging out with us while she awaits her new forever home. Sophia is relaxed and happy. Say hello to Tub of Bubba, a super chill 8-year-old dude, just looking for a place to take a nap. He is super friendly and loves to snuggle.

BOUTIQUE HOURS

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 11- 4

THURSDAY - SATURDAY 11- 6

Voted BEST

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 44
218 WHITEHEAD STREET #4 | KEY WEST | 305.847.9977 | PAID PARKING GARAGE NEXT TO OPAL KEY RESORT & MARINA Carrying multiple exclusive retail lines. Plus a selection of unique & carefully curated pre-loved items.
Amelia is wearing the sage Lyra Jaspre skirt paired with a handcrafted headband.
NOMINATE US FOR BEST LOCAL RETAILER! 305.906.0272 omg@overseasmediagroup.com overseasmediagroup.com LET US HELP TODAY Your fastest growing digital provider owned and operated in Monroe County. LOCAL SERVICE | LOCAL PRICING | LOCAL EXPERTISE WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS SAY ABOUT YOUR WEBSITE?

PROTECTING KEYS WATER RESOURCES

is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension environmental horticulture agent.

The Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training aims to preserve Florida’s water resources by educating on methods to reduce pollutants such as hydrocarbons, pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and heavy metals. This training is crucial for the Keys, where land and marine ecosystems converge, necessitating careful management to maintain ecological balance.

The training program aims to:

• Educate landscapers, groundskeepers, municipal personnel, and interested citizens on reducing nonpoint source pollution.

• Implement integrated pest management techniques to minimize pollution from diffuse sources.

• Promote efficient water use through efficient irrigation techniques, recycling and reuse, and drought-resistant landscaping.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified stormwater polluted runoff as Florida’s primary water quality issue. Addressing this is vital for protecting marine habitats and reducing non-point source pollution, which is challenging to manage due to its multiple origins and contribution to eutrophication.

Eutrophication is caused by the influx of pollutants, leading to an excessive presence of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. This process depletes oxygen levels, harming marine life and disrupting the ecosystem.

In 2021, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners enacted a fertilizer ordinance to combat nutrient pollution from urban landscapes. This ordinance restricts fertilizer use, mandates best management practices, and requires commercial fertilizer applicators to undergo training and certification. The new fertilizer regulation will affect only the unincorporated areas of Monroe County.

Fertilizer use is restricted in several ways to protect water quality. From May 15 through Oct. 31, no landscape or turf fertilizers are allowed, aligning with the rainy season to prevent nutrient runoff into waterways. Additionally, fertilizer application is prohibited

Fertilizers should not be applied to impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and streets. UF/IFAS.

during flood watches, flood warnings, tropical storm watches or warnings, and hurricane watches or warnings, regardless of the time of year.

Fertilizer applications are also banned within 20 feet of any waterway, including surfaces like shorelines, canals and wetlands and structures like seawalls, docks or bulkheads. An exception allows fertilizer application to newly planted turf and landscape plants within this zone for 60 days, starting 30 days after planting.

Specific restrictions include prohibiting liquid fertilizers containing nitrogen, including those intended for foliar application, and fertilizers containing phosphorus unless a soil test indicates a deficiency. Granular fertilizers with nitrogen must contain at least 65% slowrelease or water-insoluble nitrogen, with a maximum application of 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet per year.

Fertilizers should not be applied to impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and streets. Any spills must be immediately cleaned and applied to the landscape or returned to the container. Washing, sweeping, or blowing fertilizer into any surface water, stormwater drains, or fertilizer-free zones is strictly forbidden.

Although these actions are specific to the Monroe County ordinance, some of the points mentioned are illegal for anyone to undertake at any time.

Exemptions to these rules include golf courses and high-impact areas, which follow specific practices outlined in Florida Administrative Code 5E-1.003. Fruit trees and shrubs must be within the University of Florida IFAS maximum recommendations for fertilization. Organic materials such as compost and mulches intended to improve soil condition are also exempt, as are tree trunk injections performed by certified arborists.

More details and information about upcoming GI-BMP training in Monroe County are available from Brynn Morey, extension coordinator, at 305-292-4501 or monroe@ifas.ufl.edu.

BUBBAS, BIRDS & CORALS

Vote, visit & support the reef

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.

Hi friends!

Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Well, I can’t believe it is this time of year again already, but here we are. It’s award season in the Florida Keys. It has come to be my favorite time of year for obvious reasons; back-toback “Best Local Celebrity” in the Upper Keys winner right here. On May 30, people began nominating all their Key West favorites for the 2024 Bubba Awards. Who makes the top three is entirely up to you. From there, people will vote for their favorites in each category to win the Bubba Award for that category. I am already working on my campaign videos, and I know my mom is working hard for us to win best non-profit in the Upper Keys this year.

Kai visits the birds

Our little ambassador, Kai, made a special appearance last week at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier for a screech owl release. Now, I know what you may be thinking; foxes and birds don’t mix. You would be absolutely correct. However, Kai couldn’t care less about moving objects. He is timid and unbothered by such things, which is another reason he was chosen as our public education ambassador. The kids at the event had a fun time petting him and learning all about foxes.

Cat cafe in Key Largo

Did you know that we have a cat cafe in Key Largo? The Upper Keys Humane Society, located at 101617 Overseas Highway, now has an adorable cat cafe in the front room where you can go play with adoptable cats and kittens. The cafe is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. There is a room just for kittens, cat-themed gifts for sale, a cat library and coffee, tea or water available for a donation.

Coral craze

On Saturday, June 8, Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) will be hosting Coralpalooza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5 Seagate Blvd. in Key Largo.

Activities include an interactive coral slime workshop where attendees can dive into the fun with gooey, educational slimemaking activity. A hands-on reef outplanting demonstration gives people outplanting techniques, while a virtual reality dive will provide some underwater exploration without getting wet.

Coralpalooza attendees can also create a charm bracelet, design a coral reef with art supplies and engage with multiple interactive stations. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, create and help the oceans.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Don’t forget to visit pawsitivebeginnings.org to keep up with all things fox by heading to the socials links.

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JUNE 6, 2024 45
MARIA QUIRICO The Cat Cafe is located at the Upper Keys Humane Society in Key Largo. CONTRIBUTED
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ALMANAC | June 6

On this day: In 1944, 155,000 A ied tr ps landed at Normandy, France, on D-Day as Opera on Overlord, the invasion of Europe, began.

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KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024
News of the Weird

How’s the Weather?

Are you a weather-watcher? It’s helpful to know what the conditions will be outside when we’re making plans. With smartphones and weather apps created by weather experts, it’s easier than ever to check the forecast.

How do the experts know what the weather will be like? This week, The Mini Page looks at weather forecasting.

METEOROLOGY

Meteorologists (MEE-tee-or-ALL-uh-jists) are scientists whose job it is to let us know all about the weather.

Meteorology is the study of the atmosphere and all the conditions that produce our weather.

WEATHER MATTERS

The forecasts that meteorologists make affect people’s lives and well-being. For example, forecasts tell:

• pilots what flight plans to make.

• farmers when to plant crops.

• families to evacuate their homes when a hurricane is coming.

• kids when they need to bundle up to go outside.

Most meteorologists work for the National Weather Service, an agency of the U.S. government. Other meteorologists work for private companies that provide special reports or for TV stations.

The weather service has people at work every hour of the day and night at 122 weather-forecasting offices around the country. Each office is responsible for reporting

ECO NOTE

what is going on in its own area. Experts use powerful supercomputers that can create weather maps.

WEATHER CLUES

Meteorologists forecast the weather in the troposphere (TROP-uh-sfeer), or the layer of air closest to us. It is the air we breathe and where most of our weather takes place. This layer goes up 5 to 10 miles. It varies in different parts of the world. Meteorologists are interested in:

• The temperature, or how cold or hot the air is.

• The humidity, or how much moisture is in the air.

• The wind, or how fast the air is moving.

• Air pressure, or the weight of the air around us.

These conditions are collected by doppler radar, radiosondes (packages of equipment attached to balloons), weather satellites, buoys and other instruments. This information is processed by computers and analyzed by meteorologists.

With around 57 million people engaging in bird feeding in the U.S. each year, new research is exploring how the activity not only benefits the birds, but improves human well-being too.

Ashley Dayer of the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech said people participating in the new study, FeederWatch, “are not only reporting what they see at their bird feeders, but also their emotional responses to it.” She adds that feeding birds is a great way to maintain a connection to wildlife.

WANT TO BE A METEOROLOGIST?

Are you intrigued by weather? Most meteorologists have a college education. They study:

• Math, so they can figure out what computer-generated figures mean.

• Science, so they can observe what is happening and use this information to make predictions.

• Computer science, so they can tell computers how to interpret the weather data they receive.

• Chemistry, so they will know how gases in the atmosphere (such as carbon dioxide) affect the weather.

• Physics, so they can understand the movements of the Earth’s air.

Meteorologists’ predictions are not always right, but technology and weather forecasting techniques continue to improve.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• noaa.gov/jetstream

At the library:

• “Weather Watch: Forecasting the Weather” by Ellen Labrecque

• “Weather Prediction” by Clara MacCarald

2 KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024
The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication Founded by Betty Debnam photo courtesy NOAA photo courtesy NOAA photos courtesy NWS A typical NWS regional office. An NWS meteorologist in Norman, Oklahoma. A radiosonde launch.
adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

TRY ’N’ FIND

Words

WEATHER, WIND.

3 KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024 We’ll watch the market... you go fishing Please call us today for a consultation Marathon (305) 743-6095 Key Largo (305) 451-0408 Miami (786) 601-2623 www.chapmanandcardwell.com Securities o ered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services o ered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Chapman & Cardwell Capital Management is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Managing all the details of your financial life. Financial Advice Personal Service Investment Management
used
you can find:
A P P S A Q E R U S S E R P R S E R V I C E O F F I C E I E M H U M I D I T Y K U H A D H A E R E H P S O P O R T C O T T W P R T S A C E R O F C P A H I V X J E C N E I C S J P E K N T E M P E R A T U R E L W N D T S I G O L O R O E T E M R A D I O S O N D E J Q S R X T R E P X E R E H P S O M T A
that remind us of meteorology are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are
twice. See if
AIR, APPS, ATMOSPHERE, DOPPLER, EXPERT, FORECAST, HUMIDITY, MATH, METEOROLOGIST, OFFICE, PRESSURE, RADIOSONDE, SCIENCE, SERVICE, TEMPERATURE, TROPOSPHERE,

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

QUARTERLY MEETING

NOTICE: LOCAL

COORDINATING BOARD FOR THE TRANSPORTATION

DISADVANTAGED

The Monroe County Local Coordinating Board (LCB) will be holding its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Marathon Government Center, 1st Floor Media Room, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The primary purpose of the Coordinating Board is to provide information and advice to the Community Transportation Coordinator on the coordination of services provided to the transportation disadvantaged population of Monroe County, pursuant to Chapter 427.0157, Florida Statutes.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting due to a disability or physical impairment, and any related questions or inquiries concerning this meeting should be directed to Anjana Morris at the Health Council of South Florida, Inc. at (305) 592-1452 ext. 101 at least 72 hours prior to the date of the meeting.

Publish: June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENT HEARING SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-490 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of

REQUEST FOR BIDDERS

Project: The Heron Build Phase 1

the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances.

DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 20th, 2024, 9:35 am OR at the conclusion of the Public Hearing

LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach. The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2024-490], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER FIFTEEN OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ENTITLED STORMWATER UTILITY SYSTEM; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; REPEALING ANY INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS; PROVIDING

Guidance/Care Center Inc. is soliciting competitive bids for the Phase One construction of a new Heron assisted living facility. This is the first part of a multi-phased master plan for new construction in Marathon, Florida.

Project Description

Guidance/Care Center Inc. will construct a new building adjacent to the existing building.

Acquiring Bidding Documents

Interested parties can obtain the comprehensive construction documents, detailed project specifications, as well as instructions for bidders in the following ways: Online Download: For the convenience of our bidders, all relevant documents can also be downloaded from our website at https://westcare.bid/GCCHeron

Key Dates

• Pre-bid/walk-through Meeting (Strongly Recommended) is Tuesday June 18, 2024 10:00 A.M. at 67 Coco Plum Dr, Marathon, Florida 33050

• Last Day to Submit Questions: June 28, 2024, at 3 P.M. bids@westcare.com

• Bid Submission Deadline: Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. 3000 41st Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050

• Public Bid Opening: Tuesday July 9, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. 3000 41st St. Ocean Marathon, Florida 33050

Contact Information

For further inquiries or clarifications:

• Architect: K2M Design

• Contact Name: Devon Ayers, email: dayers@k2mdesign.com

• Owner: The Guidance/Care Center Inc.

• Contact Name: Jeramy Salyer, email: bids@westcare.com

WestCare Foundation, Inc. and The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. are committed to “Uplifting the Human Spirit” for the well-being of our community. All eligible contractors are encouraged to submit complete bid packages.

WestCare Foundation, Inc. and The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informalities or irregularities in the bidding process, and to accept the bid that is in the best interest of our mission and the community we serve.

This is a federally-funded (HUD) and State of Florida-funded project, which will require contractor compliance with applicable requirements of governmental funders.

Publish: June 6, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”

The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach. If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose 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.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, June 20th, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

To be published: On or before June 10th, 2024 City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Upper Keys Landscaping Services for Plantation Key Courthouse Complex and Murray E. Nelson Government Center 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 Wednesday, July 3, 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 Wednesday, July 3, 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) Publish: June 6, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA KEY WEST DIVISION CASE NO: 4:23-cv-10093-JEM NAUTILUS INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, v. CAPTAIN PIP’S HOLDINGS, LLC, DANIEL COUCH, TANNER HELMER, SRINIVASRAO ALAPARTHI, as P.R. of the Estate of SUPRAJA ALAPARTHI and as parent and natural guardian of Ak.A, a minor child, and RAVIKUMAR SADDA and ASRITHA RAVALA, as parents and natural guardians of V.S., a minor child, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION (NOTICE BY PUBLICATION)

TO: DANIEL COUCH

Last known address of: 213 ANGLERS DR. S., APT. 1 MARATHON, FL 33050

You are notified that Nautilus Insurance Company (“Nautilus”) has initiated an action for declaratory relief under 28 U.S.C. § 2201 against you in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, Key West Division, captioned Nautilus Insurance Company v. Captain Pip’s Holdings, LLC, Daniel Couch, Tanner Helmer, Srinivasrao Alaparthi, as P.R. Of The Estate of Supraja Alaparthi and as parent and natural guardian of Ak.A, a minor child, and Ravikumar Sadda and Asritha Ravala, as parents and natural guardians of V.S., a minor child, bearing Case Number 4:23-cv-10093-JEM. You are required to serve a copy of your written defense, if any, on Michele Vargas, Esq., an attorney at Clyde & Co US LLP, whose address is 1221 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1600, Miami, Florida 33131, on or before July 17, 2024 and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, at 301 Simonton St., Key West, Florida 33040, either before service on Ms. Vargas or immediately after. Otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded against you in the complaint.

Dated at Florida on this 20th day of May, 2024 Clerk of the Court

Angela E. Noble, Clerk

United States District Court Southern District of Florida

By: Ketly Pierre Deputy Clerk Publish: May 30, June 6, 13 & 20, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-DR-95-K

DIVISION: FAMILY MANOL DELVA Petitioner, and, MARIE ELCANA ANILUS Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MARIE ELCANA ANILUS RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 281 NORTH WARREN AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH 43204 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Manol Delva, whose address is 5B 8th Avenue, Stock Island, FL 33040 on or before June 24, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: May 10, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Destiny Johnson Deputy Clerk Publish: May 23 & 30 and June 6 & 13 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-223-K DIVISION: FAMILY FATIMA HERRERA Petitioner, and, MATEO DIAZ MUNOZ Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MATEO DIAZ MUNOZ LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 278 King Avenue, Key Largo, FL 33037 CURRENT ADDRESS: Unknown YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Sylvia E. Fernandez, P.A., Petitioners’s Attorney, at 1501 Venera Avenue, Suite 230, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, Phone Number (305) 461-6060, on or before June 17, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court at 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070 before service on Petitioner’s attorney or immediately thereafter. IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, A DEFAULT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED IN THE PETITION.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Notice of Current Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated on 10th of May, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Daniella Lafontant Deputy Clerk Publish: May 16, 23 & 30 and June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000268-K IN RE: ESTATE OF DOUGLAS JOHN KENNETT Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DOUGLAS JOHN KENNETT, deceased, whose date of death was October 25, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: June 6, 2024. Personal Representative: EILEEN BURTNER JAMESON 5903 Mount Eagle Drive Apt 1014 Alexandria, Virginia 22303 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN FERRARI, JR. Attorney Florida Bar No. 111132 Ferrari, Butler & Moneymaker,

4 KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024
305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES
PLLC 2520 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 11 Nokomis, Florida 34275 Telephone: (941) 960-1676 Fax: (941) 296-8656 E-mail: johnf@elderlegalfl.com Secondary E-mail: pollyb@ elderlegalfl.com LEGAL NOTICES “Upli ting the human spi it since 1973” The Guidance/Care Center nc a division of

Publish: June 6 & 13, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000277-K

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF EUGENIA YVONNE BUTLER Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of EUGENIA YVONNE BUTLER, deceased, whose date of death was July 3, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division: File Number 24-CP-000277-K the address of which is 500 Whitehead St., Key West, FL 33040. The

names and addresses of the personal representative(s) and the personal representative(s)’ attorney is set forth below. The Fiduciary lawyer-client privilege in s. 90.5021 FLA. STAT. applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative. All creditors of the decedent and other persons, who have claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmature, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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 JUNE 6, 2024. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: CARLTON THURSTON 14905 Simmons Grove Drive Haymarket, VA 20169

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL

INVITATION TO BID

The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed bids by June 26th, 2024, no later than 9:30 am, for the following project.

CLEAN AND CAMERA APPROXIMATELY 38,000 FEET OF 8-INCH SEWER GRAVITY MAIN LINE ITB 2024-01

SCOPE: Clean and camera sewer the gravity main line within the City of Key Colony Beach, consisting of one hundred twenty (120) manholes and approximately 38,000 feet of eight (8”) inch width pipe of the City’s main wastewater gravity conveyance line. Debris must be removed, and area cleaned to pre-construction conditions.

All bids must be received no later than June 26th, at 9:30 am, City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB 2024-01’ along with the name of your rm.

The bid manual, requirements, and specifications are available on DemandStar at www.Demandstar.com.

All questions regarding the bid process should be directed to City Clerk Silvia Gransee at cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ITB 2024-01

05-22-2024 10:00 am Release Solicitation

05-29-2024 10:00 am Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit (600 8th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

06-12-2024 4:00 pm Last Day for submission of written questions to the City

06-18-2024 4:00 pm Last day for the City to post answers to questions

06-26-2024 9:30 am Bid Due & Opening

(Open to Public – 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

07-11-2024 9:30 am Utility Board Meeting

Recommendation to Award

600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

07-18-2024 9:30 am City Commission meeting Award of Bid

(Open to the Public – 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

City of Key Colony Beach PO Box 510141, 600 W Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Contact Mailing Address

Silvia Gransee, City Clerk PO Box 510141

Phone: 305-289-1212 Ext. 2 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Publish: May 30 & June 6, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers.

REPRESENTATIVE: Nakeitha Sweeting Hodrick, Esq. FBN: 0079847

Sweeting Law & Mediation, P.A. 20451 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 108 Miami, Florida 33169

786.279.4841

Publish:

June 6 & 13, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000263-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF CYNTHIA L. YELKIN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CYNTHIA L. YELKIN, deceased, whose date of death was July 31, 2023; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 24-CP-000263-PK, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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 the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED 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: JUNE 6, 2024.

Personal Representative: SEDAT L. YELKIN 9268 Youngstown-Salem Rd. Canfield, OH 44406

Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273

Turner & Lynn, P.A. 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com

Publish: June 6 & 13, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-254-P DIVISION: UPPER KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE BORDEN MAKEPEACE, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of George Borden Makepeace, Jr., deceased, whose date of death was March 27, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s

LEGAL NOTICES

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 30, 2024.

Personal Representative: George Borden Makepeace III 731 N.W. 18th Street Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

RICHARD E. WARNER, P.A. 12221 Overseas Highway MARATHON, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

May 30 & June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000210-P IN RE: ESTATE OF SHAKIR HUSSAIN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Shakir Hussain, deceased, whose date of death was March 20, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: May 30, 2024.

Personal Representatives:

Sonia Johanna Zairun Hussain

822 Flatbush Avenue

Apt 4C

Brooklyn, New York 11226

Rohan Dilwar Hussain 1569 NW 17th Ave

Apt 613

Miami, FL 33125

Attorney for Personal Representatives: Monique Lavender Greenberg

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 83834

Lavender Greenberg PLLC 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd

Suite 300

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Telephone: (786) 832-4694

Fax: (786) 249-7096

E-Mail: monique@lglawmiami. com

Secondary E-Mail: office@ lglawmiami.com

Publish: May 30 & June 6, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000238-P IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBIN L. DANEKER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Robin L. Daneker, deceased, whose date of death was October 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 1, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice 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: May 30, 2024. Personal Representative: Karrissa Hamilton 1022 Snapper Ln Key Largo, Florida 33037 Attorney for Personal Representative: Ashley T. Steffen, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0111238 SNYDER & SNYDER, P.A. 7931 S.W. 45th Street DAVIE, FL 33328 Telephone: (954) 475-1139 Fax: (954) 475-2634

E-Mail: Ashley@snyderlawpa. com

Secondary E-Mail: eservice@ snyderlawpa.com Publish: May 30 & June 6, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

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

BOATS FOR SALE

Rampage 25X10 Diesel Center Console. Charter fish rigged. 20 Rods & Reels + equip. Located in Marathon. 305-691-5282

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

BOAT LIFT FOR SALE

Boat Lift For Sale in Marathon - 20,000lb Neptune Atlantic elevator boat lift$7500 407-620-3406

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002

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

EMPLOYMENT

Looking for Alarm Technicians with current working knowledge of fire alarm systems in Marathon & Key West. Competitive pay. Hours: M-F 8:30a-4:30p. Email deborahg@ barnesalarmsystems. com or call 305-743-7334 for more information.

ATTENTION- Marathon Auto & Marine Services looking for Auto Techs and for Trailer Service Tech.Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL. Ask for Steve or Jay.

City of Marathon Current Job Openings: 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 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.

5 KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024
• 305.743.0844
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES AUTOS WANTED LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. 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 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Now Hiring Skilled Plumbers. New construction & full service. Upper Keys Plumbing Contractor looking for immediate hires to fill fulltime or part-time positions. Must have great mechanical & problem solving skills and clean driving record. Experience plus ownership of working toos and/or equipment based rate of pay. Email resume or request application to PlumbersinParadise@ outlook.com

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Med Tech, FT Receptionist, PT Housing Assistant, Housing Choice Voucher Asst., PT Receptionist, Housing Manager-Middle Keys, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker, and HVAC Maintenance Mechanic $64.480-$72,800/yr. plus benefits. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

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

Conch House - Studio for Rent in Marathon. $960/month furnished + utilities. Dockage available. No Pets. 305-610-8002

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/month furnished all included. Weekly payments possible. Dockage available. No Pets. 305-610-8002

2/1-Marathon, furn.,duplex, w/d, near Hospital, 30’ on canal. $2,500/month, 6 mon. minimum , (or) $4,500/ monthly. Pets nego. Call/Text 409-370-0025 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

Long-term rental on Lower Matecumbe. 2BR/1BA Tile floors, W/D, 2nd floor w/wrap around balcony on canal. Private beach access. $2,900/ mo incl. internet & cable. Call Phil 305-898-2077 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!!!

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

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002

30' X 120' LOT FOR RENT in Marathon. Keys By The Sea, MM50. Cement pad, avail. May-Nov $1000/mo plus utilities. 262-716-8987 RENTED IN THREE WEEKS!!!

Place your RV SITE 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

Coast Guard Exchange Miami is looking to fill a MWR Lodge Host position for our beautiful Marathon, Florida location.

The job has diverse duties caring for 4 cottages and our boat program. These include business management, grounds maintenance, customer service, and supervising the boating program.

Please visit INDEED or the CGX Careers page and search “Lodge Host 5661”.

The MWR position is for Marathon, FL. $18-$23 an hour, full time. 305-363-9361

LPS Contracting is looking for an EXPERIENCED WELDER proficient in both steel and aluminum.

The job is located in Marathon, FL. Pay will be based on years of experience. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible. Inquire with Mike at 920-241-1933.

FULL-TIME POSITION BUILDING OFFICIAL

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for the position of Building Official. Applicants must possess a Florida State Certification as a Building Code Administrator through the Florida Department of Professional Regulation, the Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board or ability to receive certification within one (1) year. Knowledge of fire-rated construction and the Florida Fire Code is required. Thorough knowledge of the Florida Building Code is required.

Work experience must include word processing skills, organizational skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. A high level of community interest and familiarity of municipal government is desired. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, managing and directing all building inspection functions of the Building Department. Performs a variety of routine and technical work in connection with enforcement of City Ordinances and Florida Statutes and Building Codes regulating construction.

A full job description is available at www.keycolonybeach.net/apply-for-a-job

Salary: $110,000 +/- Dependent on Qualifications/Experience

Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation

Email resume to:

City Clerk Silvia Gransee at: cityclerk@keycolonybeach.net

Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 117

The City of Key Colony Beach is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace

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

YARD SALES

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

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

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.

6 KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024
• 305.743.0844
• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE
COLLECTOR
EMPLOYMENT HOUSING
RENT
FOR
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
MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

NOW HIRING

LEAD MARINE MECHANIC

Experienced to inspect, service & repair marine engines, boat steering & hydraulic systems. Ability to work at sea.

ADMIN/OFFICE HELP

Part-time. Must be able to multi-task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come in the of ce to ll out application. 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM!

IS HIRING

FULL TIME PROJECT MANAGER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE IN THE UPPER KEYS

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

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

Experience is required. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

$18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

WE ARE HIRING!

DIRECT CARE STAFF /DRIVER AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM FT

KEY WEST OFFICE

This position is available at our Adult Day program. Providing direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Florida driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT COACH

KEY WEST

Responsible for development, implementation and documentation of supported employment strategies, interaction with co-workers, vocational rehab and supervision and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed for clients to acquire and maintain employment. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. Florida driver’s license with clean driving record required. Pre-employment training online and in person required. Background screening and references required.

IN HOME SUPPORT FT

KEY WEST

We are seeking a full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/ Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 am then 3-9 pm. We can be flexible. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Florida driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. This is a rewarding position for the right person.

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT

Full-time to assist our clients with dental, medical and transportation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Fluent in English required. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license.

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

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.

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

NOW HIRING

Career-minded individual that can run a crew and take direction in a fast-paced varied environment. Must have current VALID FL Driver’s License. We are willing to train a person with long term goals and will help with education.

Full time position, on-call at times. Partially paid health insurance after 90 days. Benefits also offered. Pay will depend on the interview process. Send resume to: AM Electric, PO Box 510889, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 E-mail: am.companies@gmail.com Call 305-743-0399

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

Hosts

Waitstaff

Bartenders

Bar Backs

Bussers

Line Cooks

Dishwashers

Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:

Part-time Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar,

salary and great benefits. Weekends are a must.

7 KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844
Please email your resume to Lindsey@MooringsVillage.com or call the reception office at 305.664.4708
MULTI-TASKED OFFICE POSITION Competitive
Job Types:
The
Full-time,
7
e Turtle Hospital in Marathon Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful.
FT 

LIVE IN PARADISE AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.

We have openings in multiple departments. Please scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.

DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package.

DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program.

DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

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.

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN

- Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Marathon, FT

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Per Diem

- Director of Nursing Services, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, FL

- Exercise Physiologist, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

- Lead First Cook, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Manager Wellness Center, FT

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

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Performance Improvement Nurse, FT

- Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab, Per Diem

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

- Registered Nurse, ICU, $25,000 Bonus, FT

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

- Yoga Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Acute Care Tech, Emergency Department, FT

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience, FL

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

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

- Radiology Technologist, Radiology, $15,000 Bonus, FT

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Per Diem

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, Per Diem

- Security Of cer, Per Diem

LEARN

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.

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions: Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

8 KEYS WEEKLY COMICS & GAMES / JUNE 6, 2024 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844
PRACTICE OPENINGS
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.
careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507
APPLY AND
MORE
“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973” The Guidance/Care Cente nc a division of Background and drug screen req. COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Check out all available
www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP
IS HIRING!
positions at:
KEY WEST
EOE-M/F/V/D Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC Key West Full Time Teller Customer Service Representative Customer Service Representative/Online Banking Marathon Full Time Teller Islamorada Full Time Teller Key Largo Upper Keys Floating Teller Customer Service Representive Apply Online at KeysBank.com/Careers •Quarterly Cash Profit Sharing •Fun, Fast-Paced Environment •Great Hours •Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance •Tuition Reimbursement •Paid Holidays, Vacation & Sick Time •401K Employer Match Voted Best Bank 2014 - 2023 Work with the BEST! The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.
Salary: $60,000. Full Health & Dental Insurance,
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. FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER Email resume to: Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212
1
457 (b) Participation.
ext.

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