Upper Keys Weekly 20-0402

In 20 years, our workforce will have been schooled by day drinkers.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

Find us on Facebook One Clean Island Key West (OCI) One Clean Island is a Key West based initiative whose purpose is to act as a conduit of factual best practices in regards to protecting our residents and others in responding to the challenges of COVID-19 (Coranavirus)

OCI is a group of Key West medical professionals, community leaders, media affiliates, business leaders and government agency partners.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

Thank You to all the doctors and caregivers at Baptist Health. We are grateful for the work you do each day to care for our patients and communities.

You are a source of strength in challenging times.

BaptistHealth.net

A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence. For giving opportunities, visit BaptistHealth.net/Foundation

For additional information, call 305.646.7220 or visit www.elcmdm.org

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CORONAVIRUS

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

24.2

NUMBER OF THE WEEK The percentage response rate (by phone, mail or online) to the 2020 Census in Monroe County as of March 30. Census Day was April 1. Other Keys municipalities’ response rates: Key Colony Beach, 2.7 percent; Layton, 3.2 percent; Islamorada, 21.6 percent; Marathon, 22.3 percent; Key West, 29.7 percent. Statewide response rate was 35.7 percent. The national rate was 36.2 percent.

CASES GRADUALLY RISE TO 30 Community-spread cases increase JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

P

atients testing positive for COVID-19 gradually rose over the span of a week — with 30 in Monroe County confirmed as of 6 p.m. on April 1.

A majority of cases reported in Monroe County, 17, are travel-related, but community-spread numbers increased from two on March 25 to nine a week later. Four cases are still under investigation by the Florida Health Department.

“We have some community-spread now, but not as much as the travel-related (cases), said Bob Eadie, administrator and health officer for the Florida Health Department in Monroe County.

From Key Largo to Key West, 26 residents of Monroe County have tested positive. The three new cases reported April 1 involve a 27-year-old male who recently traveled to Illinois, a 55-year-old female who recently traveled to Mexico and a 28-year-old male who didn’t travel.

Fifteen Key West residents have tested positive, while five were confirmed in Key Largo and three in Tavernier. A Summerland Key resident and an Islamorada resident have also tested positive for coronavirus.

Marathon got its first confirmed case on March 31.

Four confirmed cases involve nonlocals, though specifics to their location aren’t specified due to guidelines. The latest non-Florida resident testing positive is a 32-year-old female who didn’t travel, but had contact with someone who was confirmed.

Of the 308 tests performed in Monroe County, 212 have come back negative. Sixty-six tests await results.

Eadie said those who are feeling sick should contact their doctor to figure out if a test is necessary. He said those who’ve met the criteria for coronavirus symptoms have been tested.

“The message continues to be wash your hands and maintain social distance,” he said. “It’s that close gathering of people is what spreads this disease.”

The first case in Monroe County, reported by the health department on March 19, involved a 72-year-old female resident of Key Largo, who recently traveled to the United Kingdom.

The individual is isolated at her residence and is expected to remain there until cleared by the health department.

She’s expected to make a full recovery.

Positive cases surpassed 7,700 throughout the state of Florida, with a little more than 2,200 cases in MiamiDade County and a little over 1,200 in Broward County. A total of 7,495 positive cases are Florida residents and 278 positive cases are non-Florida residents.

A total of 101 people have died from coronavirus in Florida, and 990 are hospitalized. So far, 68,336 residents in Florida have been tested.

On April 1, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statewide “safe-at-home” order limiting Floridians’ movement and personal interactions outside the home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services. Essential services include going to the grocery store, gas station, health care facilities, pharmacies and child care centers, among others. The order takes effect at midnight on Thursday, April 2.

“We have some community-spread now, but not nearly as much as the travelrelated (cases).

—Bob Eadie, Florida Health Department in Monroe County.

FOR UPDATES, WATCH THE WEB Events related to the coronavirus are changing rapidly as national, state and local governments make decisions aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. For updated information, please see keysweekly.com.

BRIEFLY

No reentry stickers available in Islamorada, Key Largo Fire stations in Islamorada and Key Largo do not have reentry stickers. If you don't have a sticker, you may show local identification, a utility bill, deed, lease or tax bill at the checkpoint to enter the Keys. Please do not go to these fire stations for stickers.

Sewer officials: Don’t flush the wrong stuff Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District needs the public’s help protecting the wastewater system due to the current COVID-19 outbreak. People are cleaning and disinfecting more frequently with bleach wipes and potentially substituting other items for toilet paper, such as baby wipes and paper towels.

The sewer district is asking customers to throw these items in the trash, not flush them down the toilet.

These items do not break down in the sewer system and can cause significant clogs that could lead to equipment failures and treatment plant issues.

Toilet paper and human waste are the only things that should be flushed down the toilet. Otherwise, it can cause costly clogs or backups in your sewer system.

The following should never be flushed: disposable wipes (even if marked "flushable"), wet wipes, paper towels, face-cleaning wipes, grease / oils, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs or balls, diapers, dental floss, medicine, vitamins, cigarettes, cigar butts.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

By Jim McCarthy and Sara Matthis

1. Sheriff’s Col. Lou Caputo directs traffic at the MM 112.5 checkpoint on March 27. ANDY NEWMAN/ Florida Keys News Bureau 2. Vehicles and trucks drive south on U.S. 1 into Key Largo where a checkpoint is established to keep non-county residents out in a bid to prevent community-spread coronavirus. Those engaged in work in the Keys, like construction workers and health care professionals, are still allowed entry, so long as they provide necessary documentation or ID. DAVID GROSS/Contributed 3. An empty 18-Mile Stretch coming into Key Largo on March 29. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly

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WITH MUNICIPAL HELP, CHECKPOINTS WILL CONTINUE 2

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heckpoints at MM 112.5 and Card Sound Road in Key Largo will proceed long term and around the clock to keep non-county residents out of the island chain, county officials confirmed following a meeting on March 29.

The measure announced on March 24 to implement two checkpoints was only scheduled through the weekend. But that changed as public concern mounted over what might happen if the checkpoints were taken down and visitors allowed to access the Keys freely once again.

On March 28, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay questioned how much longer his agency could continue, just after the governor announced that all Florida Highway Patrol officers would be staffing checkpoints on big highways leading into the state.

“I have to have proper staffing to respond to calls, to do proactive policing, to have fast response to calls, to back up other officers and to prevent, deter and investigate crime that may occur,” he said.

An emergency meeting on March 29 yielded the answer. Monroe County will offer four employees every day and the cities of Marathon, Islamorada, Layton, Key Colony Beach and Key West will have two employees helping staff the checkpoints every day. State Attorney Dennis Ward said he will put his two state investigators on the checkpoints as well.

One of the biggest issues threatening the checkpoints’ continuation was manpower, Ramsay said. With 13 to 15 of his deputies staffing

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checkpoints around the clock, he was expecting assistance from Florida Highway Patrol troopers. They received that assistance March 27, but not for long.

It was the result of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order placing a 14-day quarantine on those coming from Louisiana into the state via Interstate 10. FHP was directed to enforce checkpoints into the state, which focus on the north end.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, 788 cars were turned around in the first 48 hours. They estimate that 2,000 people were sent back home. As of the morning of March 31, about 1,600 cars had been turned around.

Before the checkpoint started on the morning of March 27, the Florida Department of Transportation traffic counts were slightly less than half of average for this time of year. Since the checkpoint was enacted, the traffic counters are at about a fourth of the average for this time of year.

The decision to keep checkpoints going was welcome news to residents and officials in the Upper and Middle Keys.

“It’s a message to our constituency that we’re doing the best we can to help stay ahead of the curve so we don’t spread the virus that we already have in our town,” Islamorada Mayor Mike Forster said following the announcement on March 29. “What a great thing of showing unity, having all our municipalities share in the workload of the sheriff, sending our employees to the checkpoint to help since we’re not getting

any assistance from the state.

Marathon City Manager Chuck Lindsey said he’s satisfied with the collaboration between governments and the solution.

“I already have volunteers from my staff,” Lindsey said. “Plus, going into the future, if necessary, I think we can call on the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers.”

The decision to install checkpoints came in an effort to keep visitors and daytrippers, especially those in the hot spots such as Miami-Dade and Broward counties, out of the island chain to prevent community-spread coronavirus.

Only residents, property owners and those actively involved in work in the Florida Keys will be admitted, including fuel, delivery and grocery trucks.

All in all, Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi said, the checkpoints have been running smoothly. On the afternoon of March 30, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary James Wolfe issued an email to Gastesi acknowledging the checkpoint must end, as it was only approved for the weekend. After Gastesi requested that it continue, Wolfe approved the request.

“We’ll keep the checkpoint until we don’t need it any more,” Gastesi said. “There’s a lot of folks who want to step up and volunteer, which is great.”

Those actively engaged in work in the Keys, such as construction workers, must show a letter from their employer, employee identification, a paystub, or current construction contract in the Keys. First responders, healthcare workers and military actively engaged in work in the Keys will need proper IDs. Local residents can show drivers license with a local address, utility bills, deeds, etc.

As for re-entry stickers, Monroe County residents will be able to pick them up at the county and some city fire stations between 1 and 5 p.m. until further notice. Stickers are also available at the tax collector’s Plantation Key, Marathon, and Key West offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call ahead and an employee will walk them out to a parked car.

Those in the City of Marathon may pick one up at the Marathon fire station. The City of Key West Fire Department and Islamorada fire stations are not participating. Key Largo Fire Department, the Tavernier station, and the Key Largo Department of Motor Vehicles are participating but are currently out of Key Largo stickers. They are on order.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

By Sara Matthis and Mandy Miles

STATE IS SHUT DOWN

GOVERNOR ISSUES ‘SAFER AT HOME’ DIRECTIVE

According to the governor, the hospitalization rates in Miami-Dade County are encouraging: only 6% of COVID-19 patients require hospitalization at this point, and 41% of hospital beds are still available in Miami-Dade. He’s pictured here with the leaders of South Florida, including Mayor Heather Carruthers, at a press conference on March 30 at the Hard Rock stadium.

CONTRIBUTED

O

n April 1, at a press conference in Fort Walton Beach, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced an executive order shutting down the entire state of Florida.

The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 3. It will last 30 days and then be reevaluated.

“I am directing all Floridians to limit their movements and personal interactions outside the home,” he said, “unless they are providing essential services or seeking essential services.”

DeSantis said the order mimics measures taken in places like Miami-Dade County, the epicenter of Florida’s worst outbreak. The City of Key West also made a similar order this past week.

DeSantis said he would model the list of essential businesses based on the recommendations of the federal Department of Homeland Security … with modifications.

“If you see something that needs to be on there, we’ll look at it,” he said.

DeSantis specifically mentioned that caring for pets, whether that is veterinarian care or stores selling pet food, is essential.

Again, Floridians are asked to limit gatherings to no more than 10 people, and stay six feet apart. He said, “Use good judgement. The federal government can’t ham fist everybody into their bedroom. It’s not practical.

“I don’t know how these measures will work.

It’s never been tried on American society before,” DeSantis said. “On the back end, we will figure out” how to address the economic fallout.

One idea, he said, is to ramp up infrastructure projects.

“One thing we can do is take advantage of fewer cars on the road to complete needed infrastructure projects,” he said. “I told the Florida secretary of transportation to accelerate $2.1 billion in transportation projects.”

He named four projects in Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Palm Beach County.

Seniors and those with serious underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, are encouraged to stay home and avoid all contact.

The governor said he is in contact with the White House regarding the numerous cruise ships offshore of Florida. Many are awaiting permission to dock in South Florida. Ports are controlled at the county level.

“My concern is that we worked so hard to ensure adequate hospital space, we wouldn’t want those valuable beds to be taken because of sick cruise ship passengers,” he said. “We’re working on a solution. I’ve spoken to the president.”

Like President Trump, DeSantis has concerns about disappearing supplies. He said he learns of shipments of masks that have arrived that ... don’t.

“I can’t tell you exactly what is going on in the market right now,” he said, “but it’s shady as hell, that’s for sure.” He said the supply of masks is a trickle that is sent out to Florida facilities with the biggest immediate needs.

Earlier in the week, on March 30, the governor held a press conference with the mayors of the four southern counties — Monroe, MiamiDade, Broward and West Palm. At that meeting, he spoke about other state efforts underway.

“We’ve also procured the hydroxychloroquine,” he said. “The FDA yesterday approved its use under the right circumstances to treat the virus. We’ve also deployed 1,750 of the 45-minute rapid tests to Broward County and we’ve asked for a lot of the five-minute tests.”

DeSantis also said he believes the virus that brought the world to its knees was present in Florida before the state began testing for it.

“I’ve gotta believe this thing was swirling around Miami during the Super Bowl,” the governor said. “I think this was circulating in Florida, but we weren’t doing any testing for it.”

DeSantis also praised “private industry and American innovation” for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

By Mandy Miles and Jimmy McCarthy

GOVERNOR DEPLOYS RAPID-RESPONSE TESTS Gov. Ron DeSantis, center, with Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and Florida’s Surgeon General Scott Rivkees, speaks after a public health emergency is announced in March. CONTRIBUTED

The waiting game for COVID-19 test results soon could be shortened in the Keys and throughout Florida.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced at a March 30 press conference that he had “deployed 1,750 rapid-response tests to Broward County, and an additional 500 to northern Florida.

“And we’ve asked for a lot of the coming 5-minute tests,” DeSantis said.

“It’s important to flood Palm Beach County and the surrounding South Florida area with these rapid tests.”

Additional rapid-response tests could be coming through increasingly crucial public-private partnerships during this pandemic, DeSantis said.

“American innovation is ultimately what’s going to win this fight,” the governor said.

But he acknowledged the difficulty in getting tests and other medical protection supplies to the places they need to be.

“We were one of the first states to order the test kits and other items, but it’s a cutthroat situation out there,” DeSantis said. “There will be personal protective equipment delivered to a port, but it’ll end up someplace else. As I said, it’s cutthroat. That’s the nature of this. But the rapid tests will be a game-changer when we get those in place.”

A total of 275 residents in Monroe County experiencing symptoms of coronavirus were tested, according to the Florida Health Department’s report on the afternoon of April 1. That figure could soon grow as more test kits come online.

Those in Monroe County meeting criteria are being tested, said Bob Eadie, administrator and health officer in the county. Plans are in the works, however, to test more people who want to get it done. The Florida Department of Health says it expects more testing in the coming weeks.

“Are there enough for everybody who wants a test? Not yet,” Eadie told the Weekly during a March 31 interview. “But everybody who wants a test may not meet criteria. … That’s what we’re really working on, to figure out how to get more tests to more people.”

Once testing supplies become more available, Eadie told county officials on March 30, plans are in the works to initiate testing on both ends of the county. CHI currently conducts testing in Marathon on Saturdays.

More testing would give a more comprehensive idea where the virus is, Eadie said.

“I understand people who have concerns who may not have the symptoms … they may not have any signs or have traveled,” he told the Weekly.

“But there’s still a concern because that’s all you’re bombarded with in the media now. That would be helpful to

reassure the county population as to exactly what we’ve got and what their condition is.”

In mid-March, DeSantis said the state needed more test kits and swabs to keep up with the number of residents experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus. He said the state ordered an additional 2,500 test kits. The health department said additional test kits will enable them, in working with Florida health care providers, to test up to an additional 625,000 individuals.

Now, private labs are getting inundated with tests, which normally take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to process. DeSantis acknowledged that many people have to wait, three, four and up to five days to get test results back.

“I think this is really, really significant because the problem with the testing we have now is these private labs are overrun,” DeSantis said.

To speed up the process, Florida Division of Emergency Management secured an order of 2,000 COVID-19 rapid tests, which will process results in 45 minutes. DeSantis, in speaking with Abbott Laboratories, also secured new rapid COVID-19 tests, which process results in 5 to 15 minutes. Plans are to send those tests to Jacksonville and hot spots in south Florida.

“We’ve asked for a lot of those tests, and we will deploy them strategically,” he said. “We’ve seen a huge increase in testing over three weeks.

We’ll continue to do that.”

Eadie said the health department has put in a request for rapid testing, but it’s unclear when they’ll come to Florida and the Keys. “We are in the queue (for rapid tests). If we get them in sufficient numbers, it will make life a lot easier for everybody,” he said.

More information is at floridahealthcovid19.gov.

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

SARA MATTHIS

DR. STANLEY SACK www.keysweekly.com

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DOC TOR

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KIDS AND STRESSFUL EVENTS

BA

sider establishing hen life new ones. You’re all throws home, so eat as a us a family. And rememcurveber how you said you ball — and right would start reading now, our planet is to your preschooler one big curveball — at bedtime? Is it a we need to make little easier now to do adjustments. We’ve Dr. Stanley Sack that? all heightened our • We all know concerns about our misinformation travels faster health, our livelihood, our Keys in the Keys than any virus ever way of life — even the ways we could. Remember that kids, interact with each other both young ones especially, don’t now and in the future. have the same capacity to take In unprecedented times anything they hear with a grain such as these, with so many of salt. Stick to a few sources “adult” concerns, kids can you trust (personally, I like CDC, seemingly get caught in the WHO, and Monroe County/ middle. We want to keep chilFlorida DOH). Don’t stay glued dren safe, healthy, disciplined, to the news, and certainly learning and thriving — a tall don’t subject your children to order when you might have a constant barrage of it. Can to do it within a 1,000-squareyou record a news program foot space. On top of it all, no and preview it before your kids matter how vulnerable we’re feeling, we want our kids to feel watch it? And do we even need to have the discussion regardsafe. But how? ing filtering the Internet?

To answer that question, • If you truly have physical we need to look at what has and/or financial concerns, work seemed to help during other out how and when you’ll talk stressful events. Although no to your children. Talk with your one has lived through anything significant other, friends or colike COVID-19, we’ve all had workers first. various other stressors — from Your kids will have questhe loss of a family member to tions, and unexplained behavhurricane damage. And even ior changes are to be expected. if we’re not affected directly, Encourage kids to voice their a major event — the Sept. 11 understanding of the situation attacks, for example — gives and their concerns. us some practice in getting kids Reassure them that you through hard times. will be there for them, and use Here, then, are some the discussion as a teachable things that kid health experts moment to reduce the risks of recommend during events getting sick. A lot of the behavlike these (with thanks to the iors we’re trying to do more American Academy of Pediatof, such as handwashing, were rics for gathering a lot of this always good ideas. information): Above all, focus on the • First and foremost, take positives here. This crisis has care of yourselves. While that’s brought home the phrase “One easier said than done, there Human Family” like nothare things you can do to keep ing ever has. Over and over you on the path to sanity: again, I’ve seen great examples Exercise. Eat well. Skype your of how we’ve been sticking best friend to vent. Our usual together as a species. And if outlets are limited, but there is that’s not a teachable moment, always something.

I don’t know what is.

• Stick to family routines as much as possible, but con-

CHI TESTS ANOTHER 24 IN MARATHON T

he Community Health Inc. clinic created its own drive through spot behind its facility at 2805 Overseas Highway in Marathon on March 28. About 60 Monroe County residents phoned in or emailed to be screened by clinic workers. Of those, 20 were granted appointments to be tested.

The testing will continue every Saturday as needed, a CHI spokesperson said.

All patients are prescreened.

Only those who meet the test criteria visit the drive-through testing site and the interaction is brief, usually about 3 minutes.

“We are going to be doing this every Saturday,” said CHI nurse Tera Barnes. “I don’t know how long; we need to gauge community interest.”

Barnes said the pre-screening — Keys residents can call or email, see below — ensures no one gets missed.

“It keeps things a little more organized,” she said.

So far, the non-profit organization has screened more than 2,290 people all together including its Miami testing site, and tested 24 in the Keys. There is no data on how many of those patients tested positive. Patients with positive test results have received a call from the CHI care team informing them and educating them on next steps.

In addition, patients have access to the online patient portal to enable real time access to their results. CHI tells those positive patients that the Department of Health (DOH) will also be contacting them as CHI shares all positive results with the DOH. Those looking to get tested need to meet the following criteria: They have recently traveled to any of the high-risk countries or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. In addition, they might be experi-

encing the following symptoms: fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Drive through testing will be as follows: • No appointment necessary: Doris Ison Health Center 10300 SW 216 St. Miami, FL 33190, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon.

• Appointment necessary, only Monroe County residents, must meet testing criteria: CHI Marathon Health Center 2805 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 305-2162107 or email KeysCovid19@ chisouthfl.org for appointment time.

“This organization was founded to ensure that everyone has access to high quality healthcare regardless of income or insurance status,” said Brodes H. Hartley, Jr. “After hurricane Andrew we were the first to open our doors to the community, and once again we were the first in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties to offer drive through COVID-19 testing during this pandemic.”

CHI has also integrated behavioral health staff into its COVID-19 testing operations. This team of therapists and mental health technicians helps to ease anxiety and stress related to the Coronavirus pandemic.

CHI’s health centers remain open during this time as patients are being screened at the entrance for COVID-19 as a precaution for safeguarding the general patient population.

Those with symptoms are not allowed inside so that primary care, behavioral health, dental, OB/GYN, pharmacy, vision, radiology and urgent care visits can continue. Only emergency dental visits will occur at this time.

13

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

WE SHOP YOU STAY HOME FAUSTO’S IS WAIVING THE HOME DELIVERY FEES THROUGH APRIL

STAY SAFE EVERYONE!

Debbie Friis-Pettitt has been in the insurance industry for 21 years working in both personal and commercial lines. Debbie has been with the IOA family for 21 years.

Debbie likes to give back to her community through her local church by playing the piano for services and assisting with different programs for all ages of children. If you are looking for insurance quotes or advice you can contact Debbie Friis-Pettitt at 305-434-7947 or debbie.friis@ioausa.com Tammy Deakes has been in the insurance industry for 24 years working in personal lines. Tammy has been with the IOA family for 8 years. Tammy gives back to her community through her advocacy with Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys and participates in volunteerism throughout the community. If you are looking for insurance quotes or advice, you may contact Tammy at 305-537-2813 or tammy.deakes@ioausa.com

We at IOA are committed to the safety and well-being of our insureds, employees, and their families, and we understand the importance of maintaining the ability to continue to support (uninterrupted) those who have put their trust in our company. We would like to assure you that while our offices are closed to walk-in clients at this time we are operating at full capacity, servicing our insureds with the highest level of professionalism that you have come to expect from IOA. Insurance Office of America (IOA) is a full-service insurance agency founded in 1988 and one of the fastest-growing independent agencies in the United States. IOA is ranked 13th on Insurance Journal’s 2018 Top 100 Independent Property/Casualty Agencies report and 23rd on Business Insurance’s 2018 100 Largest Brokers of U.S. Business list. We are deeply involved in our communities and we are here because we care about our customers

VISIT OUR OFFICES: FLEMING ST. 305.296.5663 WWW.FAUSTOS.COM

Marathon

305-743-0494 13361 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050

Key West

305-294-4494 2816 N. Roosevelt Blvd Key West, FL 33040

Key Largo

305-453-1445 98840 Overseas Hwy Key Largo, FL 33037

15

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

DENTAL CARE YOU CAN

As your community credit union, we live and work here too. We understand COVID-19’s effect on our community.

To assist during this crisis, we’re: • Waiving many convenience fees • Helping members with loan payments* • Deferring payments on new Keys Loans for 90 days from issue* • Offering a Keys Personal Loan up to one month’s pay for 36 months*

Key Largo Dentists, Dr. Travis Bennett and Dr. Sandy Brito are dedicated to quality dental care. At our beautiful offices we offer a wide array of dental procedures including CT scans, implant /gum surgery, implant prosthetics, full mouth restoration, same day in office crowns and bridges, fillings, orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), teeth whitening, smile makeovers and many other services. “No sell dentistry, state of art office with a staff that cares!”

Dr. Travis W. Bennett, D.M.D. Implant and General Dentistry

KEY LARGO 102965 Overseas Hwy. | 305.451.2616 Monday thru Friday 9AM-5PM

TAVERNIER For assistance or to apply for a loan, go to KeysFCU.org or call 305-294-6622.

Everyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys is welcome to join.

90290 Overseas Hwy. | 305.852.5099 Tuesdays and Thursday 9AM-5PM

*Restrictions may apply. Subject to credit approval. Interest accrues during payment deferral. Limited time offer. Assistance with existing loans available upon request.

www.everyonelovesagentledentist.com

Dr. Sandy M. Brito, D.M.D. Family and General Dentistry

IMPLANT COSMETIC FAMILY DENTISTRY

16

STATE OF THE CITIES

Work will continue as scheduled on Cow Key Bridge at the entrance to Key West. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Key West gets to work MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

W

ith hotels, bars and many businesses closed, officials in Key West are taking advantage of a largely deserted Duval Street and last week launched a repaving project to make the Southernmost City's most iconic commercial corridor a smoother ride for all.

The months-long project will stretch from Wall Street to Truman Avenue, but crews started work March 25 in the 200 block between Greene and Caroline streets, which was closed to vehicles.

"The preliminary schedule indicates all work will be completed by early July," city spokeswoman Alyson Crean wrote in a press release. Additional paving projects will take place throughout the city and appropriate detours will be in place, Crean said.

Across town, the Florida Department of Transportation is continuing with the Cow Key Channel Bridge restoration project.

Nighttime lane closures on the bridge at the entrance to Key West will continue through Friday, April 3.

Work includes preparations for the larger detours that are still to come when crews close a lane of the bridges during the day.

In addition, the installation of the temporary traffic signal on North College Road will begin.

That will last a couple of weeks and there will be alternating, inbound and outbound nighttime lane closures at the intersection, states an FDOT press release.

Transportation officials also warned boaters that the overhead clearance underneath Cow Key Bridge will be “greatly reduced” under three of the bridge spans.

“Mariners should use caution when navigating through the Cow Key Channel, or consider an alternate route,” the release states.

The FDOT project webpage for Cow Key Bridge includes the project scope, schedule and other documents. More information is available from community outreach specialist Maria Alzate at 305-560-8218 or Maria@iscprgroup.com.

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

MARATHON PROJECTS CONTINUE, FEMA MONEY PROMISED SARA MATTHIS

C

sara@keysweekly.com

ity of Marathon parks and beaches are still closed. Boat ramps are open only to those with local identification. City hall has set up a table in the outer lobby where plans and permits can be dropped off or retrieved, and construction and inspections on various projects continue.

Currently, the intersection of U.S.1 and Aviation Boulevard is being reconfigured. For the next two weeks, the only access to Aviation Boulevard is from the east at 107th Street; the west exit near 72nd Street is completely blocked and will be for the next two weeks. When finished, there will be three lanes to enter and exit from Aviation. The median will also be shortened to allow easier access for those pulling onto the highway headed north.

This past week, FEMA announced an award of nearly $8.2 million to cover Hurricane Irma expenses. Governor Ron DeSantis said last week he instructed the Department of Emergency Services to push out the money as quickly as possible to communities that are struggling to respond to the virus outbreak with coffers that are depleted from the storm more than two years ago.

FEMA funds will reimburse the City of Marathon for the collection, reduction and disposal of debris between Oct. 18, 2017 and March 4, 2018 following the September 2017 storm.

So far, the city has actually received $3.3 million from FEMA and FDEM. It has obligated (approved) projects totaling $8.9 million with another $20 million in projects awaiting approval.

The widening project for the intersection of Aviation Boulevard and U.S.1 means the west exit and entrance (near 72nd Street) will be completely closed for two weeks. Motorists should use the access at 107th Street. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

Snake Creek Bridge in an upright position as a boat passes through. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

WITH LIGHT TRAFFIC, SNAKE CREEK BRIDGE UNDERGOES WORK JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

W

ith light to no traffic on the road and water, contractors began work on March 31 to install new steel components on the Snake Creek Bridge.

Starting at 9 p.m., the work is set to go through Thursday, April 2. It’s part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s Snake Creek Canal Bridge Rehabilitation Project.

Work may require that the bridge be opened periodically for about 15 minutes each time.

During installation, traffic will be stopped by the bridge gates in both directions. Motorists are urged to avoid the area after 9 p.m., if possible, or plan for a possible delay.

Work to clean and paint bridge steel structures and repair electrical, mechanical and structural steel components began in May 2019.

Completion is anticipated by June 2020. Projects costs are around $1.6 million Through a separate FDOT project, work will begin in the water at the Snake Creek Bridge for repairs to the existing fender system. The channel will be restricted at times. Boaters are urged to take caution through the channel. The hourly openings will remain as scheduled.

At village hall, officials extended an emergency order another seven days through April 6. Administrative offices closed to the public on March 24. Customers are encouraged to use the CItyView Portal for building permits, planning applications, code compliance, contractor registration and renewal and making payments.

Village inspectors will not be performing inspections. In an effort to keep construction projects moving forward, inspections can be performed by a licensed professional, engineer, architect or third-party provider. Those wishing to have building inspections performed by a licensed professional must follow the guidelines set forth by the building official.

Parks, courts, fields and walkways are still open for residents to enjoy … so long as individuals and small groups practice social distancing.

All beaches and other parks, including Anne’s Beach and Library Park Beach, are completely closed. Restroom facilities at parks and beaches are also closed. The Fills also remain closed.

17

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is available online at www.fkaa.com or by request at FKAA’s main office at 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West. For information regarding this report call Maghan Barber at (305)295-2231.

Irish Prayer

Deep peace of the running waves to you.

Deep peace of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the smiling stars to you.

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

Deep Peace of the SON OF PEACE to you.

Though we are not meeting face to face due to an abundance of caution and in the community spirit of civic mindedness we are streaming our Morning Prayer at 8am, Compline at 9pm and Sunday Prayers at 9am on our Facebook page. @stcolumbamarathonfl May the Peace of The Lord be always with you.

WE OFFER A COMMUNITY OF PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.

Covering All The Keys From Key Largo To Key West Upper Keys Weekly 91760 O/S Hwy, Ste 3 Tavernier, FL 33070 305.363.2957

Marathon Weekly 9709 O/S Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.743.0844

Key West Weekly 5450 MacDonald Ave, Ste 5 Key West, FL 33040 305.453.6928

St. Columba Episcopal Church 451 West 52nd St, Marathon Fl 305 743-6412 • www.stcolumbamarathon.org

DON’T GET CUT OFF THIS HURRICANE SEASON

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council has funding available to governmental entities and non-profit organizations for capital projects.

The facility must have the primary purpose of promoting tourism and must fall into one of the following categories:

BROADWAVE WAS RESTORING CUSTOMER CONNECTIONS WITHIN 24 HOURS OF HURRICANE IRMA

Convention Center, Sports Stadium, Sports Arena, Coliseum, Auditorium, Aquarium, Museum, Zoological Park, Nature Center, Fishing Pier, Beach or Beach Park Facility, Channel, Estuary or Lagoon, Public Facilities in Accordance with Conditions Set Forth in the Florida Statute The deadline for receipt of applications is April 29, 2020 and applications must be downloaded from Demandstar (www.monroecountybids.com)

INTERNET | WIFI | PHONES | CAMERAS CALL OR EMAIL TODAY: 305.767.1467 - INFO@BROADWAVE.COM WWW.BROADWAVE.COM

For more information please call the TDC Administrative Office at (305) 296-1552 and ask to speak with Ammie or Maxine.

18

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

By Mandy Miles and Jim McCarthy

UNEMPLOYMENT OVERLOAD STATE STRUGGLES TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS

F

irst, the bad news: Florida’s unemployment system wasn’t ready for 40,000 layoffs in a week.

The Sunshine State, long proud of its ultra-low unemployment rate, wasn’t prepared for the massive influx of online applications, phone calls and requests for unemployment assistance resulting from the business closures related to the COVID-19 virus.

Florida’s elected officials in Washington, D.C. are urging the governor to fix the problems with Florida’s inadequate unemployment benefits system, including the faulty, unaccommodating online application process.

“My office and I have been inundated with constituents calling, worried about making ends meet after losing their jobs because of the coronavirus crisis,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, whose district includes the Florida Keys. “But they are held up because of the state’s outdated and difficult application process. During this national disaster, we must not only increase Florida’s abysmal $275-a-week unemployment benefit, but also ensure all Floridians who have lost their jobs during the coronavirus pandemic can get the assistance they need.”

Some Keys workers shared their experiences with the state’s unemployment application process on a Facebook thread that originated with State Attorney Dennis Ward: “I got through on Friday and completed my application and the required resume was completed on Saturday morning, but when I tried to log on both yesterday and today I could not.”

— Tania K. Mattson “Filled mine out in the middle of the night Thursday.. no troubles. Too many people on there during the day overloading the system.” — Tiffany Moe

Monroe County workers are among those who have been struggling to file online applications, with some workers saying they awoke at 2 a.m. to continue their application, hoping to avoid the online traffic jam.

State Rep. Holly Raschein said the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity, which administers unemployment benefits, has hired 100 new employees to work at a call center.

“It went from 100 or a couple hundred claims to thousands upon thousands,” Raschein told Monroe County officials on April 1.

“Let your constituency know they are getting slowly caught up. Patience is a virtue these days.”

Upper Keys resident Whitney Wemett was laid off in March. The next day, she picked up the phone to apply for unemployment and was hung up on immediately.

From there, she went online, but service was slow.

She managed to get through the whole process, but the system was having issues with bank information she provided.

“I called them again to tell them the bank information was right,” she said. “But every time you call, it just beeps and hangs up. I’ve done it a couple times a week. When I look online, it says my claim is waiting for confirmation.”

But she says she can’t call to check on her claim as no one picks up. And she has no indication when she might get her check.

As of March 26, Florida businesses had laid off 40,438 workers, according to the March 27 letter the state’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The letter outlined the problems with Florida’s paltry unemployment payment formula, its currently unrealistic job search requirements and debilitating technical difficulties.

“We continue to hear from constituents that the website where all applications must be completed, continues to malfunction, making it extremely difficult for individuals to even file a claim for unemployment benefits,” states the letter to DeSantis that was signed by Mucarsel-Powell and several other lawmakers. “Finally – but critically – we are concerned that Florida provides only 12 weeks of unemployment insurance and has capped the benefit at $275/week, which is severely inadequate.”

NOW FOR SOME BETTER NEWS...

State officials have answered some of the concerns, sort of.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity issued a statement asking the public to “be patient as we take action to increase our ability to serve those whose employment has been negatively impacted by the mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The unemployment application website (floridajobs.org search “reemployment assistance”), as of April 1, did feature some updates, including a waiver of the job-search requirement until May 2, and the addition of 100 new workers to staff a call center.

FINALLY, THE GOOD NEWS..

Most workers and families in the United States, if they have a Social Security number, will receive some amount of tax-free, government assistance in the coming weeks or months.

“If you earn less than $75,000, or you and your spouse collectively make less than $150,000, you’ll get $1,200 for each of you plus $500 for each child under 17,” Bloomberg.com reports. “Those amounts are reduced for people with higher incomes, and individuals with $99,000 in earnings (or $198,000 for a couple) get nothing, even if they have children.”

Taxpayers who previously have received tax refunds and other payments via direct deposit into a bank account will see their stimulus check go directly into their account.

Federal officials have said this could happen in as little as three weeks or soon. Others will receive traditional checks or, possibly, preloaded debit cards that likely will take longer to receive, officials have said.

Applications for unemployment benefits have surged in Florida.

• Week ending March 28: 103, 298 applications • Week ending March 21: 74,313 applications • Week ending March 14: 6,463 applications • Week ending March 7: 5,325 applications Source: Florida Dept. of Economic Opportunity

19

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

7 Mile Bridge Run, Inc We’d like to express how sorry we are about having to cancel the event, but that it was the responsible thing to do.

We made the decision on 3/12 so our runners could adjust their travel plans, etc. We are trying to get runners’ shirts out to people and if people are interested in that, they should contact us at 7MileBridgeRun@GMail.com.

Let’s Look forward to the 40th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run scheduled for April 17, 2021!

PUB & GRILL

We wish to acknowledge contributions made by: Florida Department of Transportation Monroe County School Board Capt. Don Hiller Lt. Derek Paul Lt. Dennis Coleman The Sayer Family Bobbie & Chuck Bayles Denise and Chris Pankow

Mike Puto Sue Corbin Anthony & Diane Culver Zoltan Polgar & Agency 44 Jim Murphy Keys Fisheries Overseas Pub & Grill Florida Keys Steak & Lobster Pat Kersey

Don & Son Fence Co Split Second Timing Kirk of the Keys Church Goal Line Embroidery & Action Wear Terri Labrada Sandra Bradshaw & Harry Thomas Tom Wright CM & Dennis Bishop Number Night Crew

Donations from 38th Annual 7 Mile Bridge Run 2019 City of Marathon Fire Rescue .................................... $500 KAIR ................................................................................ $250 KCB Fishing Derby ........................................................ $500 Marathon Community Theater .................................. $1000 Mariners Hospital .......................................................... $250 Monroe County Educational Coalition ................... $2500 Marathon Yacht Club Educational Foundation ...... $1500 Southernmost Runners Club ....................................... $500 MHS Athletic Department........................................... $25,000 MHS Band ....................................................................... $2000 MHS Baseball .................................................................. $2500 MHS PBS Program ......................................................... $250 Middle Keys Booster Club........................................... $6000 MHS Boys Basketball..................................................... $2500 MHS Cheerleading......................................................... $2500 MHS Cross Country...................................................... $3500 MHS Drama Club .......................................................... $1000 MHS Football.................................................................. $7000 MHS Girls Soccer .......................................................... $2250

MHS Golf ........................................................................ $1000 MHS Grad Blast ............................................................. $600 MHS Kristi Ferrise ......................................................... $250 MHS Softball................................................................... $2250 MHS Tennis .................................................................... $2250 MHS Boys Soccer........................................................... $2500 MHS Volleyball.............................................................. $2250 MHS Weight-lifting ....................................................... $2000 MMS Academic Challenge........................................... $500 MMS/MHS Artography............................................... $500 Switlik Jog-a-thon .......................................................... $2000 Switlik Kindergarten ..................................................... $1000 Switlik First Grade......................................................... $1000 Switlik Second Grade.................................................... $1000 Switlik Third Grade ...................................................... $1000 Switlik Fourth Grade .................................................... $850 Switlik Fifth Grade ........................................................ $1000 Switlik Art Program...................................................... $250 Switlik AVID................................................................... $500

Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik Switlik

Counseling ......................................................... $500 Mrs. Wonderlin ................................................ $250 ELL Program...................................................... $500 ELL ..................................................................... $250 Mrs. Wert........................................................... $250 Mrs. Woodbury ................................................ $250 Mrs. Bryk ........................................................... $2000 Media .................................................................. $2500 Science Program ............................................... $500 Spring Musical .................................................. $1500 Title 1 .................................................................. $250

Total Donations ..........

$93,200

20

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SELFLESS, SILENT LABOR

Truckers and delivery companies of every size and shape are maintaining a nonstop distribution of essential resources necessary to sustain life on our islands during the viral pandemic facing our nation and the world. Selfless and silent labor by these warriors often goes underappreciated and unnoticed.

Supermarkets, drug stores and gas stations with a plethora of dedicated service workers have dutifully kept food, nutrition, medicines and fuel at the ready for the communities they serve.

Sanitation workers regularly remove toxic and contaminating debris from our trash, without much notoriety or fanfare. Our families and children are safer because of their bold and unquestioning actions.

Law enforcement, fire/ rescue, paramedics, EMTs, emergency room personnel, medical staff, postal employees, the Florida Keys Electric Co-op, Aqueduct Authority, food pantry volunteers and the Keys Weekly, are the “Guardians of the Gate” maintaining our security and well-being, whatever the cost and sacrifice they may have to make.

In addition, through fair weather and foul, members of our Armed Forces provide a protective umbrella under which all of our Constitutional freedoms and liberties are able to coalesce, bringing about the best possible outcome for the challenges we face.

The kinder, compassionate and gentler society we’ve been promised by schools, colleges and universities appears not to have taken hold.

Nasty hoarders, dangerously self-absorbed, would allow another person and their family to suffer needlessly, as they abscond with all valuable items, rather than share the limited supply available with their neighbors.

In some individuals, fear and opportunity can trigger animalistic thoughts, action and behavior. Societal breakdowns are common.

We’re not as advanced or as civilized as we purport to be.

The extraordinary command and control exhibited

by County Administrator Roman Gastesi and his courageous staff, along with the distinguished and inspirational leadership Sheriff Rick Ramsay and State Attorney Dennis Ward have delivered during these times of uncertainty, have sustained and comforted many families throughout the Keys.

As far as ordinary folk going about their daily lives dealing with layoffs, firings, infirmities and uncertainty for themselves and their families, it brings to mind a renowned quote I’m familiar with: “Uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Sincerely, John Donnelly

Ibis Bay on Key West’s North Roosevelt Boulevard is offering rooms for zero-profit to essential healthcare and construction workers for the next 90 days. IBIS BAY RESORT/ Contributed

DOING WHAT THEY CAN Ibis Bay resort forgoes profits to house essential workers MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

O

ne Key West resort owner has turned the city’s “One Human Family” motto into action by forgoing profits for the next 90 days, keeping employees working and providing hotel rooms for construction workers and other essential personnel for $73.52 per night.

Ibis Bay Beach Resort owner Chris Holland announced the move earlier this week in an effort “to help meet the need of local essential business owners, city government and service providers for low-cost essential worker housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The flat, nightly price applies to all rooms and suites in the resort, Holland said.

“We all need to really live by the motto ‘One Human Family,’” said Holland, who bought and completely overhauled the 1956 resort several years ago. “The essential worker, net-cost, zero-profit pricing is our way of turning a motto into action.

Key West needs to be able to provide essential workers and their employers with quality, affordable temporary housing and support services that don’t generate a dime of profit. We are removing price as a barrier to helping our community.”

Holland said the resort is able to take this unprecedented action because it is independently owned and operated.

“We can do it, so we are doing it,” he said, pointing out that the city of Key West, grocery stores, health care providers, transportation companies and con-

struction companies are now bringing in essential workers to perform necessary infrastructure improvements or keep their businesses and services operating normally.

“Our goal is to reduce the cost of safe housing for the essential medical professionals, transportation workers, approved contractors, airline staff and more who we need to help Key West stay fed, healthy and financially strong while keeping our staff engaged in doing the great work our guests love them for,” Holland said.

Since March 11, the Ibis Bay Resort has gone beyond following all CDC guidelines to maintain resort staff and guest health. Every day, arriving staff members and guests have their temperatures taken using a no-touch, instant-read, digital thermometer. That will continue with this pricing program.

The resort staff will also continue thoroughly sanitizing every room between each essential worker guest stay. Even take-out patrons of the Stoned Crab restaurant at the hotel have their temperatures checked before entering the restaurant.

“We are all in this together,” Holland concluded. “And we will come through this together if we band together. We have an opportunity to show our compassion for our community. Generosity and love for mankind should be our guide. Each of us is the solution we are waiting for.”

Interested parties can call the resort at 305-296-1043. Holland can be reached directly at 646-642-3764.

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO EAT? Remember when you asked that small business to support your fundraiser? It’s time to support our small businesses. They’re the heart of the Florida Keys.

For a full listing of restaurants and establishments offering food and booze to go, please visit keysweekly.com.

21

22

CORONAVIRUS

FINANCIAL UPDATE What aid is out there and what’s coming JASON KOLER

jason@keysweekly.com

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world economy to a grinding halt and governments are taking unprecedented measures to stave off a global recession with massive aid packages and financial plans.

In the Florida Keys, residents and business owners will have programs from all levels of government to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

LOCAL Keys banks and financial institutions have their drive-through windows open for business and are offering scheduled appointments for unique circumstances. All, if not most, will serve as the lenders for the federal CARE Act signed into law last Friday. According to a more than a couple local bankers, the information (as of press time) has been slow coming, but all the institutions listed below are developing plans to efficiently process the loans. * Centennial Bank has all branches and drive-through windows open for regular business hours with the exception of the temporary closure of the Whitehead branch. Appointments are available for inperson meetings. The bank is also offering a 90-day deferral program on consumer and commercial loans and portfolio mortgages. * Keys Federal Credit Union is offering a special “Keys Personal Loan” equal to a month’s salary for 36 months with no payment for the first 90 days. The credit union is also offering deferred payments for 90 days on any new auto, boat or personal loans. Drive-through banking is available along with personal appointments. * First State Bank of the Florida Keys is keeping most of its drivethrough windows and ATMs open for regular business. Three smaller branches have been temporarily closed while the hours for the Boulevard branch have been extended until 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Appointments are available. The bank is also offering two loan deferral programs.

STATE *The State Bridge Loan is an emergency funding source designed for small businesses to “bridge the gap” between a downturn in revenue and injection of new capital – whether that is normal business proceeds, another funding source like a private loan or a grant.

The process includes a seven-page application and the submission of documents like personal and corporate taxes, and payroll reports. Loan amounts of up to $100,000 are available. The application process is open and ongoing. More information is at floridasbdc.org/ disaster/ebl.

FEDERAL *On March 27, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law as a $2 trillion economic relief and stimulus package.

The bill is broken down into seven major components including individuals ($560 billion), big corporations ($500 billion), small businesses ($377 billion), state and local governments ($339 billion), health and public health ($153.5 billion), education ($47.8 billion) and a $26 billion safety net.

According to local bankers familiar with the program, more details will be coming by the end of the week with the hopes of the application process beginning sometime next week.

For more information on aid for individuals, turn to page 18. *Paycheck Protection Plan: $350 billion is pledged “to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency.

Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.

The program is eligible for businesses with fewer than 50 employees and provides loans equal to 250% of the company’s average monthly payroll or up to $10 million.

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

IT’S A SCAM! Virus-related frauds prey on fears

T

he global pandemic is bringing out the best — and the worst — in people.

Criminals are preying on people’s fears, using fake testing kits, miracle cures and other scams.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and several national agencies are warning of the increasing number of scams related to COVID-19.

The sheriff’s office last week learned that fake COVID-19 test kits containing toxic substances were being shipped globally. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted hundreds of such kits. One suspect was arrested in London.

Sheriff Rick Ramsay is urging all residents not to buy test kits online or from anyone other than their known health care provider.

In addition, the Federal Communications Commission has launched a page of coronavirus-related warnings and safety tips, at fcc.gov/covid-scams.

GIFT CARDS? HANG UP! The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about any transaction involving gift cards as payment online or via phone. If someone asks you to pay in gift cards, the sheriff’s office says, you are being scammed.

Deputies received a report in late March from a Cudjoe Key couple who saw a Jeep advertised on eBay for $1,400. The seller, contacted online, told them they needed to buy 12 $200 eBay gift cards for a total of $2,400. The seller told them the extra $1,000 was for shipping the Jeep from Maine to the Florida Keys. The cards were purchased and all the card information was given to the “seller.” The buyers tried to contact the “seller,” but the phone number provided was bogus.

If you receive a phone call/text/email from anyone asking for payment over the phone or online via gift cards, hang up immediately.

Odds are you are being scammed.

PHONE APP TARGETS PRICE GOUGERS We all know the shelves of paper products are bare and the hottest news on the block is when Publix restocks chicken breasts and toilet paper.

And while it may seem as if coveted, in-demand items are worth more than they once were, a Florida law bans price gouging.

When Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 9 declared a COVID-19 state of emergency in Florida, he defined “essential commodities” whose prices could not be jacked up in this time of crisis: Protective masks used to protect you from others if you are sick.

Sanitizing and disinfecting supplies, such as hand sanitizer, gel, wipes, cleaning supplies for surface cleaning, and all commercial cleaning supplies.

All personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, booties, gloves and other protective gear.

There is a phone app designed to help Floridians report price gouging.

The app, called NO SCAM, is a tool for people to upload pictures, receipts and more information when price gouging is suspected. It is free for both Apple iOS and Android devices.

The app helps investigators evaluate any alleged illegal activity, stop further price gouging, and successfully pursue bad actors.

RUMOR CONTROL The Coast Guard is not “turning boats around” and “sending them back to Miami.” The Coast Guard is helping the FWC spread Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order about behavior on the ocean. No more than 10 people can be on a boat at any given time. Also, rafting up — where boats tie up or anchor next to one another — is prohibited. In fact, boats must stay 50 feet apart.

— Weekly staff report

23

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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International speaker and New York Times bestseller Sophy Burnham (author of A Book of Angels) and entrepreneur, CEO advisor and columnist Dr. Gayle Carson (aka “Spunky Old Broad”) inspire you to get curious about the second half of your life. Facilitated by local coach, consultant, and columnist Elisa Levy.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

RACERS RUN A ‘VIRTUAL’ 7 MILE BRIDGE RUN

1

SARA MATTHIS

sara@keysweekly.com

T

he coronavirus canceled the 7 Mile Bridge Run this past weekend. For some. Going by the Facebook numbers, about 50 people from the Keys and many more from around the country ran it anyway. They connected via local and international social media to do a “virtual” race.

The local runners did it in their own neighborhood, and in one case, across the actual 7 Mile Bridge.

The “triplets” — Jonathan and Owen Pitchford and Aydan Child — ran the actual bridge. As usual, Denise Pankow, one of the founders of the race, and aunt to Aydan, was there to welcome them. They did it early, just as the sun was coming up. The former and current Marathon High School track and cross country stars are close friends and include two previous overall winners of the race.

But there were plenty of others, too.

From the looks of the Facebook page, they come from all over: South Florida, Connecticut, South Carolina, etc.

The Weekly asked Trish Cox, a local gym rat and fast racer, about her time.

“Well, I beat the bus,” she said, laughing, referring to the vehicle that plucks the slowpokes from the bridge to reopen it to traffic.

“In fact, I didn’t see it all!”

Lara Ruskin Martin provided the impetus for the local runners, who started the local Facebook page.

“I’m not going to take credit, because I am sure they would have done it anyway,” she said. The idea struck when she was doing her “best thinking” — on a training run.

“I thought, I am going to post a virtual run. Why not?” she said. (By the way, she’s extending the calendar forward with virtual Mothers Day and Cinco de Mayo runs.)

Cox said she was conscientious about maintaining her social distance. Her route started at her home behind the airport, took her to Sombrero Beach, where she recognized some friends also running, and then home again. Many of the participants wore old and new bibs, or T-shirts from past races.

Organizers of the actual 7 Mile Bridge Run canceled the run on March 14, two weeks before the event, over concerns of the COVID-19 community spread. Just like the year that seriously scary thunderstorms canceled the contest, there are no refunds.

BUT everyone did get a T-shirt, bib and medal mailed to those who provided selfaddressed, stamped envelopes.

“We have three people working in separate locations — you know, social distancing,” said Ginger Sayer, a race organizer.

Racers who paid this year will have a guaranteed early sign-up for 2021, but will have to pay again, Sayer said, adding that all of the proceeds of the race — no matter what year — go to support youth athletics in the Middle Keys, as usual.

“Spring ball was canceled, but we have other seasons that we can fund,” she said.

2 3

1. Social distancing at its best — Marathon runners space out on the street for a photo opp.

CONTRIBUTED 2. Don’t have a bib? That’s fine. Make your own.

3. Amanda Mayti, left, and Lara Rutskin Martin celebrate after a good run.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

PLAN FOR YOUR PETS DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

• Have food, crates and extra resources on hand • Keep all animal vaccines up to date and medicines in supply • Pets should have ID such as a collar, ID Tag and Microchip • Wash your hands after touching your pet just like everything else

REPORTING SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS

O

If you would like to support our lifesaving mission and the animals during this time of uncertainty for the FKSPCA, donate to our Emergency Fund at: fkspca.org/donate

KEY WEST 5711 COLLEGE RD. 305.294.4857

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n March 20, Monroe County issued an order calling for shortterm vacation rentals to cease. The ban, which took effect on March 22, doesn’t apply to rentals to transitory military personnel, first responders, health care workers, construction workers and others engaged in formal business in the Keys.

To report short-term vacation rentals who have not complied with the emergency directive, call the tax collector’s transient rental hotline at 855-4224540. The office will follow up with non-compliance throughout Monroe County.

The Monroe County Tax Collector has warned account holders against renting during this state of emergency and will warn those without accounts of consequences of renting without an account.

The tax collector will refer complaints, as they come in, to the code compliance department within the jurisdiction for the property’s location.

Local code compliance will reach out to complainants to investigate. Code will advise owners, managers and/or renters of the ban and consequences of non-compliance. If noncompliance continues, the case will be referred to the primary law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction.

The State Attorney’s Office investigative division will also help with law enforcement responses.

Law enforcement will take the investigative information and initiate contact with violator(s) (owner, manager, and/or renter).

If probable cause exists to believe there is a violation of the order, law enforcement officers will issue a notice to appear (NTA) for violating an emergency directive issued during a state of emergency in violation of F.S. 252.50, a misdemeanor, for which the State Attorney’s Office will prosecute.

— Contributed

27

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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SEEN AROUND TOWN

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

EMPTY STREETS, LONELY BETSY, SOME SANDBAR ACTIVITY 1. The tarpon feeding is on hold for now at Robbie’s in Islamorada with the Keys closed to visitors. Robbie’s is a destination for many travelers as they travel south. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly 2. The sandbar by Whale Harbor sees some activity as a helicopter hovers above on Saturday, March 28. Several law enforcement boats were in the water patrolling the channel. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly

1

2

3

3. Betsy the lobster is begging for company, or at least posers.

Located along U.S. 1 at the Rain Barrel in Islamorada, it’s the second-most photographed attraction in the Florida Keys, behind the Southernmost Point.

AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly 4. On any given Saturday, cars usually nudge their way into a line as the highway goes from two lanes to one. But that wasn’t the case last Saturday. Cars in lines of five to six were seen every few minutes. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

M

arch to April is usually a chaotic time in the Upper Keys, between spring breaks, Easter vacations and daytrippers. But that’s not the case this year with the coronavirus pandemic, which has closed the Keys to visitors for the time being. The scene’s completely changed, and busy spots are barren. Here’s what Keys Weekly captured while out this past weekend.

— Weekly staff report

4

6

5

5. Traffic on Jewfish Creek heading north and south is quiet on March 28. A checkpoint established at MM 112.5 and Card Sound Road in Key Largo has been established to keep noncounty residents out to prevent community coronavirus spread.

Assisting sheriff’s deputies will be personnel from incorporated municipalities and the State Attorney’s Office. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly 6. The Murray E. Nelson Government & Cultural Center electronic board reads, ‘We Got This! Keys Strong!’ Messages of washing hands for 20 seconds and covering coughs are also conveyed as motorists drive past the sign board. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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30

HISTORY

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

THE BUM FARTO FILES:

CALL OF THE SIRENS

Key West firemen in 1952 at the funeral of Chief Leroy Torres. KEY WEST LIBRARY ARCHIVES, Jeff Brodhead Collection.

DAVID SLOAN is a Key West storyteller, publisher and producer.

Key West Fire Chief Joseph “Bum” Farto disappeared on Feb. 16, 1976 while awaiting sentencing for a drug trafficking conviction stemming from Operation Conch – a sting operation that found Farto allegedly selling cocaine from the city’s fire station. Bum became the Jimmy Hoffa of Key West, and the island has swirled with rumors of his fate since he disappeared.

David Sloan and Quincy Perkins have launched an unparalleled investigation into Chief Farto’s life, legends, and disappearance in an attempt to find the truth. Each week they will share elements of their research here in the Key West Weekly while working to solve one of the greatest mysteries in the history of Key West. Share your Bum Farto tips and stories at www. findbumfarto.com.

T

he sirens of Greek mythology sing a song so sweet and seductive, it lures sailors from their intended course and delivers an early doom upon jagged rocks. The stories of the sirens inspired the name for a tonal device Baron Charles Cagniard de la Tour created in 1819. His device found a home atop fire engines and ambulances around the world and sang a song so seductive that Joseph “Bum” Farto could not resist.

Joe’s life changed when his father died in 1937. He quit school and did some work with the WPA’s National Youth Administration while his older sister Maria stole the social spotlight doing dance performances with Isabel DePoo. Farto became a volunteer fireman in 1942, and spent his first few years polishing brass and riding on the back of the truck. Around the same time he started working with the Lopez Funeral Home as an ambulance driver under the direction of Benjamin “Big-Hearted Benny” Sawyer. Bum married Sawyer’s sister-in-law, Macie, in 1946.

Through the 1940s, newspaper accounts paint a picture of Bum Farto as a hero — a man who apprehended a parking meter vandal, extinguished a fire set beneath the sleeping roost at Fire Station No. 1, and witnessed countless tragedies while serving as an ambulance driver.

Farto collected the remains of Lelanette Roberts after she was found murdered on one of the Saddlebunch Keys. He transported R.F. Walker from the scene of a motorcycle accident as the submarine mechanic slowly died from injuries that included a crushed chest and a leg “virtually hanging by shreds.”

1946 Advertisement for Lopez Funeral Home ambulance services. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ARCHIVES.

Bum was on the scene of the 1951 mid-air crash of a commercial craft and a Navy plane in the waters off the Southernmost Point. The bodies he transported had been sliced in two by the plane’s seatbelts.

There is no telling how this carnage affected Bum as a young man. But people who worked with him will all tell you that if someone needed help, Bum was there. He couldn’t say no. Perhaps this is the siren that led his ship to the jagged rocks...

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

STAY INFORMED AND SAFE JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

H

ere are some apps to download onto your phone to stay apprised of the coronavirus and how to know whether to see a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms. Also, enjoy some games and fitness through these apps.

HEALTH BAPTIST HEALTH CARE ON DEMAND 4.9 out of 5 stars 2.8K ratings With immediate, virtual access and board-certified doctors 24/7, get the answers to your questions and concerns while evaluating your risk with the Baptist Health Care on Demand app. Following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Baptist Health is encouraging people who may be experiencing symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 to stay home and see a doctor from their smartphone, tablet or computer. “Care on Demand is really the first ‘front door’ potentially for many patients regarding this illness,” said Dr. David Mishkin, medical director of Baptist Health Care On Demand. “We advise patients who may be low-risk, and we can be a resource for patients who may be of higher risk.

We can start that pathway to get you care.” He adds that Baptist Health’s Care On Demand has “specific protocols when a patient does meet (COVID-19) criteria for an in-person evaluation based on their assessment on our tele-platform (Care On Demand).”

APPLE COVID-19 4.5 out 5 stars 1.2K ratings Developed with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House, the app contains a screening tool with a series of questions in the event a person believes they might have the coronavirus. Simply answer the eight questions about symptoms, travel and contact you’ve had and receive feedback on what you should be doing, whether it be talk to a doctor or maintain social distance to stay healthy. The app also contains frequently asked questions about COVID-19 to help you navigate through concerns you might have. Data provided in the app will not be shared with Apple, the CDC or anyone without your permission.

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HEALTHYLYNKED COVID-19 TRACKER 4.6 out of 5 stars 25K ratings HealthyLynked, a Naplesbased company that transfers accurate medical information between patients and their healthcare providers, developed its own coronavirus tracker with the most recent data from the World Health Organization. Data is color-coded on a map to reflect WHO confirmed cases. It also tracks app users who have not tested positive for the virus and are asymptomatic.

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32

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

VIRTUAL VINYASA

LIVE, ONLINE YOGA CLASSES RECREATE LOST COMMUNITY FEELING

Founders Park sign. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Key Largo Yoga - students - Kat Wheatley, manager at Key Largo Yoga, makes a heart sign with her hands to thank her students for tuning in live for a virtual class. The classes are a unique way for students to connect with each other and their yoga instructors while still remaining safely at home. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

By Tiffany Duong

A

perennially-cheerful Kat Wheatly makes a heart sign into a camera broadcasting her virtual yoga class to dozens of students from around the world. Wheatley manages Key Largo Yoga, which recently added virtual vinyasa classes when in-person classes were suspended to promote safe social distancing.

Owner Kathy Shirley told the Weekly, “The biggest reason is to reconnect. We really felt like the community needed the connections and the support of each other.”

The studio created a virtual forum to substitute for lost in-person social time. Classes are taught live, and students register through MindBody, the studio’s scheduling software. Then, they get an email with a unique link for a Zoom meeting.

“We recently spent an hour trying to help an older client trouble-shoot how to connect and see her yoga friends. She lives alone and lost her husband last year, so she was so happy to have this time with others.”

— Kathy Shirley, owner Key Largo Yoga

“20 minutes before class, we open the online space so students coming in can communicate online when they see each other, just like in person,” says Shirley. “Then, when we get there, we check in on everyone.”

Students have the option to leave their own camera off and just hear and see Shirley and Wheatley during classes. If they turn their camera on, Wheatley can virtually “adjust” and help fine-tune poses, just as she does during in-person classes.

Shirley explains, “Kat and I are both there during all classes, so one of us teaches and one talks to students. Kat can watch your practice and say, ‘Tiffany, lengthen your back leg or lean into the posture more,’ so it feels more like a real yoga class in the studio.”

The response has been “phenomenal,” with up to 24 students signing in every class from as far away as Australia. Many are snowbirds who enjoy this new way to engage with their home studio in the Keys even while they’re far away.

Key Largo Yoga’s classes are donation-based, with a suggested donation of $5 - $10 per class. Shirley adds, “Kat and I and our husbands are all out of work. And we know lots of our students are too, so we don’t expect anything.” She urges, “If you’re out of work, you need to come and join us.

Don’t worry about making a donation.

Please don’t even think about it. We’ll see you on the mat!”

FINDING FUN AT FOUNDERS

By Jim McCarthy

W

ith its gates, trails and open spaces still available, Founders Park is one of the few places where local residents can still get out to enjoy a day of walking, biking or working out. Fields and courts remain open, as well, for people who want to play a little pickleball, tennis, softball or basketball.

A small group of us, usually four but no more than five, have taken to the baseball field at Founders Park for a little softball batting practice over the past couple weeks. Most of us usually spend a portion of our evenings lifting weights, but that changed when the governor ordered the closure of fitness centers and gyms.

Our routines changed from that moment.

We like to stay active, and it’s our way to keep our minds and bodies energized and fresh, all while getting a little socializing in while maintaining our distance. After all, we were eagerly awaiting the commencement of a new softball season, but that came to an abrupt end due to the pandemic.

“I definitely miss the competition,” says Brian Tiedemann, who’s organized softball leagues with his dad for a number of years now. He’s also coach of the Coral Shores baseball team, which saw their season come to screeching halt.

As we’re busy hitting and shagging balls, you can’t help but notice residents walking their dogs, cruising leisurely on their bikes through the park or utilizing fitness equipment situated around the park. It was no different when I rode my bike through the park on the evening of March 30. It’s a getaway from all the news surrounding coronavirus and the constant alerts on Facebook.

Remember, utilize those open spaces responsibly and practice that social distancing, remaining at least 6 feet from other groups or individuals.

NOTE: The Founders Park Aquatic Center and dog park are closed. Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina Boat Ramp and fuel docks are closed to all but marina residents.

33

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

For

MONROE COUNTY Paid by Craig Cates, Republican, for Monroe County Commission District 1

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

1. Vehicle traffic isn’t an issue as Chris Shultz takes Duval Street in stride.

BRIAN MILLER/Contributed 2. Chris Shultz tackles Front Street and passes Two Friends Patio Restaurant on his March 29 adapted marathon route. BRIAN MILLER/Contributed 3. After running a 26.2-mile marathon in Key West, Chris Shultz kicks off his sneakers, steals a kiss from wife Livi and opens a cold beer. LIVI SHULTZ/ Contributed

1

2

1-WAY GROCERY AISLES COULD SPREAD OUT SHOPPERS

By Mandy Miles

K

GOING THE DISTANCE

3

KEY WEST BUSINESS OWNER ADAPTS TO CANCELED PLANS

By Mandy Miles

K

ey West bar and restaurant owner Chris Shultz was supposed to be running a marathon on March 29 — in

Italy.

Obviously, the virus whose name we dare not speak canceled Chris and Livi Shultz’s travel plans, but Chris Shultz still managed to complete his 26.2-mile marathon on March 29. Instead of passing the sites of Rome, he spent the morning of March 29 striding past familiar landmarks like the Southernmost Point, North Roosevelt Boulevard and other hometown locales.

“It’s not in Rome and there aren’t any big crowds, medals and cheers, but it doesn’t matter,” posted a worker at Mary Ellen’s Bar & Restaurant, which Shultz owns.

“We saved, we dreamed, we planned and I trained,” Shultz wrote in a social media post. “I trained my ass off and Livi put up with me (I can be a lot sometimes and I know it).

Twenty weeks of training, running, rowing, massage, lifting, planking, sweating, yoga, annoying my friends by talking about working out all the time, skipping parties and beers, agony … and lots and lots of running.

“Alas, the world changed in a few weeks and now there is no race. Every race canceled, even the rat race.

But as they say: life goes on and so

will we. I can still run, I can still train and I can still keep trying to kick the shit out of myself to be a better me.

“Running has taught me pain and consistency. Ignore the pain and stay consistent. The pain just wants you to think it’s going to be there forever until you quit. That’s the job pain has.

“The beauty in life is in pushing through, getting over the hump, and knowing that the feeling of victory and finishing as best as you can, is worth way more than giving up ever can.”

Shultz completed his own marathon run on March 29 — and continued to take this virus in stride.

ey West resident, business owner and social media maven Amber DeBevec posted an idea for one-way grocery store aisles on Facebook that has gained traction in the past week — and is making its way to the corporate offices of Publix supermarkets.

“Yesterday I shopped at my favorite Publix supermarket at Searstown Shopping Center,” DeBevec posted on March 30. “I kept finding myself jammed side-by-side with people in the aisles. I’m starting a campaign asking [the stores] to make each aisle one-way. This will enable people to keep the safe 6-foot distance, thus lowering the risk associated with going to the grocery store. They could easily do it using colored masking tape the shape of arrows. Agree? Yes? Share!”

DeBevec said she checked with the local Publix manager before posting the idea, and manager Kim Seitz said she would bring the idea to her corporate bosses.

Kevin Piper, general manager of Key West’s “new Publix,” as the locals call it, in the KMart shopping center, told Keys Weekly on March 31 that he also would present the idea to his corporate superiors.

HUMOR

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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4. You’re monitoring the comings and goings of the garbage truck with a pen and paper.

8. Just yesterday, you actually considered reading a novel instead of surfing social media.

7. You keep watching reruns of the 2017 Super Bowl, hoping each time it will end differently.

6. You finally put together your kids’ Christmas gifts.

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36

CORONAVIRUS

DIGITAL LEARNING BEGINS While the state Department of Education has said that all Florida schools will be closed through May 1, that doesn’t mean kids are off the hook. Some charter school students have already started online schooling in the Keys, and all other students, kindergarten through 12th grade, were to start their digital adventure on April 1.

To prepare, Monroe County School District has passed out Chromebooks.

In Key West, officials handed out at least 300 devices, prioritizing them for households without computers or tablets.

How each school in the Keys handles the digital learning differs. The primary platforms seem to be Canvas and Google Classroom.

Both are available through Classlink. Students will receive additional information from their individual teacher or teachers. Students should click on lauchpad.classlink.com/mcsd.

Comcast is making free internet service available to Keys families without a connection. Those without internet service may call the school’s technology support hotline at 305-289-2480 Ext. 55314 for assistance.

Visit the school district’s Emergency Instructional Continuity Plan (https:// www.keysschools.com/ Page/6565) for more information.

— Weekly staff report

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

PARENTS, STUDENTS: IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY SUE WOLTANSKI www.keysweekly.com

F

or all but a handful of counties, public schools across Florida are going digital this week in order to combat COVID-19 and flatten the curve by staying at home. To even attempt public education during a pandemic is a herculean effort, with tremendous hurdles to provide students with an equitable, engaging learning experience. It is not going to be perfect. It will require tons of patience from all sides. Remember, educators are suddenly being asked to build this road while we are walking down it with them.

There will be a tremendous learning curve for all participants. But it is going to be okay.

While writing this, I am getting messages from educator friends from across the state: online platforms are crashing, students are unable to login or they can login and then the system crashes and their work is lost. It appears to be a disaster.

So, like I said, it is not going to be perfect. It will require tons of patience from all sides. Expectations will need to be lowered.

But it is going to be okay.

If we can all take a deep breath and relax, there is no reason to add any more stress to this global pandemic. Be patient with each other (and with technology platforms). Let teachers connect with students.

Show gratitude. Treat each other with compassion. There will be hiccups; learn from them and move on. Such life lessons are more important than any book learning.

Thank you to the educators who are rising to the challenge.

I don't believe anyone will ever take public education for granted after this. You are my heroes.

No matter what, if we can focus on being compassionate, it is going to be okay.

— Sue Woltanski is a Monroe County school board member.

HOW DIGITAL LEARNING WILL WORK District answers some frequently asked questions 1. What if my child doesn't have access to a computer or internet access?

A computer can be provided via the Chromebook distribution process at each individual school to students who need them. If a greater need exists, please contact your school site.

Internet access can be obtained for free from apply.internetessentials. com. See individual school website for information. VPK and Head Start will not be distributing devices at this time. Hands-on activities are being provided.

2. What if my student forgot their username or password/lost their quick card? Please call your school’s help desk for password and quick card support. Help desk phone numbers will be included in your student access flyer as well as on individual school and district websites.

3. What days/times are students expected to be online?

Students are expected to attend online classes Monday to Thursday.

Students will spend approximately 3 hours per day in live virtual instruction and the remainder of the school day on both interactive and independent work as assigned by their teachers. Specific scheduling information is posted on each individual school’s website, as well as on the district website.

4. Will my student have a “live” virtual teacher; or am I expected to be my child’s teacher? All curriculum and support necessary for students will be available online in the virtual environment provided by MCSD. Classes will be conducted through a variety of platforms, including live instruction, recorded videos, interactive discussions, program work, small groups, independent work, and individual assistance via phone/email. Schedules for the day will be posted by the student’s teacher/s. Parents are expected to monitor student attendance and engagement.

5. How is my student going to be graded? Phase 1 (April 1-7): This time period will be used to ensure that all students have access to their courses. Students will be held harmless for work not completed due to lack of access or technical issues.

Phase 2 (April 7-15): Students will be graded on participation and completion of activities using the standard grading scale as percentages for completion. For instance, 80% completion*/participation* yields grade B. *Participation: The student is actively engaged and participating in online activities, such as lectures and discussions (either live or via recorded sessions or discussion boards). *Completion: The student completes the assigned task as instructed and receives feedback from the teacher which will lead to a numerical grade.

Students who log into the online environment but do not participate/complete assignments (long idle times) will not receive credit. Additionally, information regarding individual course grading practices will be forthcoming from your child’s teacher.

6. How can I communicate with my child’s teacher? The best way to communicate with your child’s teacher is via email.

Individual teacher schedules and contact information will be posted on the virtual learning platform.

7. What accommodations are being made for families/ students who do not speak English? EL accommodations will be provided and scaffolded instruction will occur based on student needs. All critical communications will be translated into Spanish and Haitian Creole for support as feasible.

8. When will school resume?

Will the school year be extended into the summer months?

As of now schools are closed until April 15th. Updates will be posted as information becomes available. The commissioner of education has provided guidance that classes may continue until the end of the fiscal year (June 30); however, at this time no decisions have been made.

— Contributed

37

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

TAKEOUT AVAILABLE DAILY: 12-9

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We want to hear from you! We may open for takeout breakfast at 9am on Saturday and Sunday. If you are reading this please call us at (305) 743-6247 to place your order or simply offer suggestions. We are trying to give as many hours to as many of our staff as possible and welcome any feedback as to how we can better serve you.

Best wishes to all!

John Mirabella and the Castaway family

BREAKFAST: 12-2

LUNCH AND DINNER: 12-9

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38

KEYS SCHOOLS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

CLASSES MOVE ONLINE

What do Keys students think about the new normal for their education? We asked a few, and here’s what they had to say:

MAX CHILDRESS 6th Grade Marathon Middle High School Have you tried your new platform yet? Yes, it was Google classroom. I already know how to do that and sign in. I did all my work in about 1.5 hours this morning, but I think more stuff will be posted this afternoon. I have a video conference that I can join if I want to, but I don’t have any questions so I won’t.

Are you feeling confident about virtual school? Yes, because I do well in school and I think it will be just as easy at home.

What do you think will be the strangest part?

I guess not having a teacher there to teach me. I just have to go on there and read stuff, I guess. For P.E., I have to watch a video about doing yoga every morning.

ISAIAH COSME Junior Coral Shores High School Have you tried your new platform yet? I tried it for the first time today (April 1).

Are you feeling confident about virtual school? So far from what I have done online, I am feeling confident in online school. It seems like all my teachers want me to excel and are making it as easy as possible for everyone to learn while under these unnatural conditions.

What do you think will be the strangest part?

The strangest thing for me is not physically being at school, being isolated without everyday contact, with not only friends, but teachers as well.

EVELYN “EVA” NORWOOD 4th grade Poinciana Elementary School Have you tried your new online platform yet?

Yes, today (April 1) was the first day.

Are you feeling confident about virtual school? I think so, but getting started was sort of hard. We had to download a lot of stuff, and then it took forever to get logged in. But my mom and other people said not to worry too much in the beginning because everybody’s having the same problems.

What do you think will be the strangest part? It’s not really strange, but I do like being able to see kids in my class, even if it’s on the computer, because we haven’t seen each other in so long.

Sometimes my teacher is on the screen talking, and sometimes she shows us what she wants us to see

on her screen.

Ali Woltanski Junior Coral Shores High School Have you tried out your new platform? Yes, I’ve been on all the platforms. All my classes are on Google classrooms except for one which uses Canvas.

What’s the best part with this new setup?

I’m glad there are still ways to contact our teachers, like office hours or google meets, but I miss getting to interact face to face and taking care of my fish in Marine science.

EDUCATION

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

39

A small “Sorry, we’re closed” sign blocks the entry of Robbie’s empty parking lot after a state order to close all dine-in eating to curb the spread of coronavirus. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly

FREE ONLINE CERTIFICATE IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT FROM FAU TIFFANY DUONG

A

s hotels, restaurants and bars closed in the Keys, many hospitality workers are now unemployed or working significantly fewer hours.

To help those affected, Florida Atlantic University’s nationally ranked hospitality and tourism management program is offering its PROGRAM DETAILS certificate in hospitality and tourism manRegistration Deadline: agement online and for free.

Tuesday, April 7 Beginning April 9, the program will offer Fee: FREE five online sessions to teach participants Location: online about hospitality law, career competencies, Sessions: 5 marketing and revenue management, fiCourse dates: Thursnance fundamentals and service excellence. day, April 9; Monday, In addition to keeping people positively April 13; Thursday, engaged while they are not at work, the April 16; Monday, April certificate program will help hourly associ20; Thursday, April 23 ates, as well as supervisors and executives Time: 2-5 p.m. who work in hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, Hours: 15 hours, or any other service-oriented business, be 1.5 CEUs better prepared when they do get back to work.

The hospitality and tourism management program has offered the certificate for more than 10 years at a cost of $900 per participant, but FAU is waiving all fees to help workers weather this unprecedented period.

FAU’s hospitality and tourism management program was ranked by The Best Schools as one of the Top 30 hospitality programs in the country, and FAU’s executive education programs was ranked No. A new sign on the famous 1 in Florida by Financial Times. mermaid at Lorelei’s RestauVisit https://business.fau.edu for more rant in Islamorada reads “Take information or to register for the Certificate out only” after a state order in Hospitality and Tourism Management. to close all dine-in eating to tiffany@keysweekly.com

curb the spread of coronavirus. AUSTIN ARONSSON/Keys Weekly

COMMERCE CORNER Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys Established in 1991, Habitat Middle Keys’ mission is to create affordable home ownership opportunities for hard working neighbors, such as teachers, daycare workers, city and county employees, mosquito control, police, first responders, healthcare and other important roles. In addition, since January 2017, it is doing home repairs in the Middle Keys, helping families recover from hurricane Irma.

The community should reach out to Habitat if they dream of homeownership and cannot purchase via a conventional loan AND consumers in need of home repairs (small and large). Generally, Habitat can help those who were underinsured, not insured, or who are still trying to get insurance money. Habitat has a scaled fee structure that has allowed it to do $20,000 worth of work for a cost of $9,000 — just one example of how it helps “give a hand up, not a hand out.”

Habitat is currently rebuilding one Irma destroyed home and building two new duplexes for four families. It has assisted over 80 families since Irma with repairs and critical appliance replacement. Habitat needs a building to open a Habitat ReStore. It needs monetary support from the community to continue the mission and volunteers to work with side by side with Habitat staffers — now numbering seven! — on these builds and repairs.

Location: 8055 Overseas Hwy Phone: 305-743-9828 Website: www.habitatmiddlekeys.org Email: execdirector@habitatmiddlekeys.org

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

41

SEW IT GOES..

LOCAL MASK-MAKING EFFORTS KEEP IDLE HANDS BUSY AND PROTECT KEYS PEOPLE

By Mandy Miles and Sara Matthis

S

ewing machines are humming throughout the Florida Keys these days, as volunteers cut fabric into careful rectangles and feed them through their machines to finish seams and attach elastic to go around the ears.

Members of various Facebook sewing groups, including the Lower Keys and Key West Face Mask Sewing Group, which had grown to 172 members as of April 1, are accepting and organizing requests for face masks from doctors, nurses, home health workers, delivery personnel, store cashiers and others who want to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

As of April 1, the Lower Keys and Key West group had completed more than 300 masks and fulfilled requests from 21 different entities, including assistedcare facilities, postal workers who signed up to receive them, UPS workers, child care centers, doctor’s offices, chiropractic centers, airport workers and others.

“We have 5 additional doctors added to the list today requesting masks. The list is getting longer. We are becoming known. Bless all of you. Because of your dedication to making these masks, our communities will be stronger and safer for it,” group member Crystal Kowalski posted, referring to the group members as “Mask Angels.”

Elastic is in short supply, so recent posts include instructions on how to add strings that can be tied around the head.

The group has grown to include members in the Middle and Upper Keys, and has organized into groups that include sewers, those with fabric to donate and pick-up and delivery drivers.

In true Keys style, island workers have some of the most colorful protective masks in the

Debbie Brittin Babich creates masks using colorful flamingo fabric and stretchy bandages for the elastic, which is in short supply. CONTRIBUTED

country, with many people using brightly colored, 100% cotton fabric with fun and floral designs.

A team of Key West drag queens led by Sushi and Inga joined the effort early on, and were churning out masks made of black-and-white fabric with peace signs on them.

Riett Steinmetz of Marathon is starting to make fabric masks in the Middle Keys. She has material that has been donated from the Marathon Community Theatre, where she works as a costume designer. Marija Schissler of Uniques by Kennedy is doing the same in the Middle Keys.

“Finding the supplies right now is the hard part,” she said.

“Right now I am looking for decent sheets — printed or plain,” Schissler said.

For folks who can help, or who need masks, call Riett at 305-849-5793 or email rietttt@ aol.com.

Despite the ongoing efforts, requests continue to pour in.

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42

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

THERE IS SUCH A THING AS A FREE LUNCH

By Sara Matthis

R

oyal Furniture, once again, is stepping up for the community. The familyowned business performed small miracles after Hurricane Irma, and now it is doing it again with the COVID-19 crisis.

On Thursday, April 2, Royal Furniture will be handing out free lunches to anyone in need between noon and 2 p.m. at the business located at 6001 Overseas Hwy., Marathon. It’s first come, first serve until the food runs out.

“We’re going to do it in an orderly and safe manner,” said Chris Elwell. “People will pull into the parking lot, they will tell us how many lunches they need. Then they pop the trunk, we put them in there, and they drive away.”

Royal Furniture is working in conjunction with Leigh Ann Card of Clouds in My Coffee Catering. Card said every day will feature a differ-

ent lunch — picadillo, lasagna, mac ’n’ cheese with kielbasa, or stuffed peppers.

“It depends on the supplies we can get our hands on,” Card said, laughing. “This is just about giving back. I’ve been doing a lot of work with the Elwell family, working on their fundraiser events. It’s a very loving and giving family.”

Card said similar hot lunch operations have opened in other parts of the Keys, but this would be the first one in Marathon.

Elwell said organizers will gauge the community’s need. If warranted, the free hot lunches could be on offer three times a week.

Call 305-481-1790 for more details.

STRENGTH SHOTS

KEY WEST DOCTOR DONATES B12 FOR WORKERS

By Mandy Miles

K

ey West’s Hangover Hospital, which typically offers vitamin infusions to help cure the evils of the night before — or prevent them — is now offering free B12 shots to local health care and restaurant workers who are still working during the global health crisis.

Dr. Michael McGrath, known on the island as “Dr. Mike,” is the owner and medical director of Hangover Hospital. His team is setting up at local restaurants, where McGrath is donating $10,000 worth of B12 shots.

The B12 injection is much more effective than an oral vitamin supplement, McGrath said, because the injection does not pass through the liver, “which filters out 60 to 70% of anything taken orally,” he said.

But injected, Vitamin B12 “does about 160 different things,” he added. “We basically flood you with B12, which helps open up the body’s

pathways to produce all the good hormones.

It can really boost everything — and yes, it can help with hangovers.”

McGrath said the B12 shot can help people feel more energized without an over-caffeinated feeling. The effects can last from three days to three weeks.

“It’s been amazing to see how this community is coming together,” McGrath told Keys Weekly on March 27 when his crew was set up in front of Ocean Grill restaurant in the Duval Square plaza. “I was so impressed by the places and the employers working so hard to keep their staff working, I wanted to do something to help.

And with people working crazy hours, and being stressed about whether their job will continue or whether they’ll get sick, I thought this would be a good way to give back to the community that’s supported us for the past five years.”

Hangover Hospital, in addition to hangover remedies, also offers wellness infusions and conducts house calls at local hotels.

Left: The team from Hangover Hospital practices social distancing to keep themselves and others safe while providing free B12 shots donated by owner Dr. Michael McGrath. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly Right: A nurse from Hangover Hospital administers a free — and pain-free — B12 shot to a local restaurant worker Friday in front of Ocean Grill and New York Pizza Cafe.

The team takes everyone’s temperature and offers a basic health screening before a registered nurse administers the pain-free shot.

“That’s it? I didn’t feel a thing,” one recipient said. (This reporter also can attest to the painfree claim.)

“We buffer the B12 injection and manipulate the Ph level so there’s no sting at all when it’s injected,” McGrath told Keys Weekly.

McGrath urged business owners who would like his team to set up in front of their establishment to email him at info@hangoverkw.com.

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

43

ADULT CAPRI SUNS TO GO ISOLATION HYDRATION: BOOZY BAGS ARE THE QUARANTINE-FIX

By Tiffany Duong

R

ather than welcoming customers into Islamorada Beer Company’s yellow brewery, which is closed for on-site dining, bartender Caitlin Perdomo offers a sanitized, laminated menu of IBC’s drinks to-go from a tiki hut bar in the front parking lot.

Featured are IBC’s new cocktail pouches to go, which are fresh-made, personal cocktail servings you can take with you. That’s right — they’ve invented the adult Capri Sun. Manager Larisa Baste tells the Weekly, “It’s a single-serving to go, or we can fill a growler size. It’s all labeled and sold at certain sizes.�

Perdomo shows off a Pirate’s Rum Punch, one of the recent favorites. “It’s heat-sealed shut, so it’s considered a ‘closed container’ that you can take with you in the car,â€? she explains. “And, it’s a little boozier than if you came into the bar,â€? she adds with a wink. “Key lime pie martinis, bloody marys ‌ we’ve got a lot more than just our cocktails on tap, all bagged to go with you,â€? adds Baste of their “isolation hydrationâ€? menu.

The response has been great so far, with people sharing pictures of rum punch bags on their boats and at home. Perdomo estimates she sold out of almost 100 pouches in the last three to four days.

Of the new offerings, Baste says, “People are in a weird headspace. It’s very stressful.

These are a good way to keep ourselves employed and offer something to the people.�

Baste concludes, “The company and all our staff really care about this community, and want to see it survive and thrive. We’re here and hanging in and hope everyone else is too.�

1 2

1. IBC bartender Caitlin Perdomo shows off the bar’s new cocktail pouches — boozy single-serving and growler-sized cocktails available to take with you. TIFFANY DUONG/ Keys Weekly 2. Bartender Caitlin Perdomo staffs the tiki bar in Islamorada Beer Co.’s front parking lot on Overseas Highway. IBC is offering many of its favorite beers and cocktails “to go.�

 Â? Â? Â

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KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

We regret the shut down, but as we all know this is a challenging time.

Everyone stay safe. We'll be fishing again soon.

Thank you!

MARATHON LADY DOCKS U.S.1 at Vaca Cut Bridge Mile Marker 53 Marathon, FL

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The Turtle Hospital is temporarily CLOSED to visitors. We are still here taking care of sea turtles. For sea turtles in distress please call our 24 hour stranding hot line at 305-481-7669.

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www.hear4uaudiology.com www.heardrmichelle.com

513 Fleming Street, Suite 11 (2nd floor accessible via elevator)

(305) 809-6041

MARATHON

11399 Overseas Highway - Suite 7 The Exchange Building

(305) 747-7750 HOMESTEAD

Towers Professional Plaza 151 NW 11th St., Ste. W-301

(305) 809-7663

CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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THE BARBECUE CURE Mangrove Mike’s Cafe staff dish out an afternoon meal to the public on April 1.

JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

Mick Reed, owner of Smoked BBQ in Key West, finds a way to share his smoked goodness with the Key West community during a free lunch giveaway on March 30.

LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

UPPER KEYS BUSINESSES PROVIDING MEALS

By Mandy Miles

M

ick Reed, owner of Smoked BBQ, the floating restaurant at Garrison Bight in Key West, wanted to do something to help his community during the coronavirus crisis.

And in Reed’s world, barbecue cures what ails ya.

The restaurant on Monday set up an outside tent and distributed more than 100 free, brown bag lunches containing pulled pork sandwiches, a side order and a canned drink, all while maintaining social distancing and sanitation protocols.

The restaurant is open for takeout and delivery Tuesday through Saturday and will provide curbside takeout to vehicles in the Garrison Bight parking lot, with methods for mobile payment available at customers’ vehicles. Call 305-741-7409 or visit smokedbbqkw.com.

Staff at Mangrove Mike’s serve spaghetti to those in the community. JIM McCARTHY/ Keys Weekly

By Jim McCarthy

S

everal local businesses are stepping up to support the cause by offering meals to those who’ve been affected by closures from the coronavirus.

Smoked BBQ in Key West distributes free barbecue sandwiches and drinks from an outside tent on March 30. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

AT MANGROVE MIKE’S CAFE IN ISLAMORADA, daily midday meals continue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., thanks to the many donations from the community. And just recently, Cargill’s Miami facility pitched in to help feed the residents of the Keys through a donation of just over 10,000 pounds of food to support the continuing meal drive.

Mike Forster, owner of Mangrove Mike’s and organizer of the daily meal drive, said he picked up chicken leg quarters, pork tenderloins, turkey breast sausage, beef patties and other meat items at the Port of Miami on Wednesday. All food donated by Cargill will assist in the daily, afternoon meals provided to residents not just in the Upper Keys, but also the whole island chain.

IN TAVERNIER, TWISTED SHRIMP, located at MM 87.7 oceanside, is helping those through the current hardship for a meal every Thursday and Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. In KEY LARGO, HARRIETTE’S is providing breakfast to the unemployed daily from 9 to 11 a.m.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

ERIN STOVER SICKMEN

1. Bedtime stories read by icon Dolly Parton, Thursdays, 7 p.m.

2. Daily activities and vendor offerings.

3. A Keys Weekly virtual happy hour.

www.keysweekly.com

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2

LIFE 40 MINUTES AT A TIME

S

everal years ago, on a vacation in Mexico, my wife and lifelong BFF were contentedly indulging in poolside margaritas, massages and bad celebrity magazines. My BFF’s husband and I, however, had started fidgeting by day three (see also: not built for self-isolation).

To combat our restless energy, we devised the “Activity Marathon,” wherein we would participate in every activity offered by our resort from sunrise to sleepy time. We took yoga and Spanish lessons, played beach volleyball a la “Top Gun,” learned to sail, painted pottery … and on … and on. For my always-on-the-move personality, it was a historically satisfying day.

As we face a looming pandemic that indefinitely limits our mobility and interactions, many are feeling that restless twitch.

If ever there was a perfect moment for the Activity Marathon to go mainstream, this is it. In the past week, my family and I have had “Breakfast with the Otters” at the St. Louis Aquarium. I’ve watched Susan Werner’s new live concert series and “Inspiration During Isolation,” a live NASA feed featuring advice on how to stay active during times of social separation, directly from astronauts who’ve lived on the International Space Station. I’ve even signed up to run a virtual 10k. Yeah, check back with me on that one.

Unlike the original resort version of the Activity Marathon, which only required sneakers and a bottle of water, an Isolation Marathon requires a technical boost. The past few weeks have provided most households and businesses with a steep, albeit manageable, learning curve.

Most options for connecting digitally can be acquired for free and downloaded within a minute. Facetime, Google Duo and Houseparty are popular options, but the emerging behemoth of our isolation era is Zoom. The platform, which has long been used for online learning and professional meetings, is surging. It is currently the most downloaded application on Apple and its usage has jumped a whopping 1,270% in the last month — a percentage that translates to 17.2 million new downloads.

For those uninitiated to the world of daily happy hours with Brady Bunch screens, Zoom is an easy and user-friendly point of entry. The basic free version allows gatherings of up to 100 people, but imposes a time constraint of 40 minutes. Those who have been participating in digital gatherings know that 40 minutes of hiccupping freeze frames and awkward talk-overs is just about right.

Fortunately, it’s also enough time to absorb the cute antics of otters or the sage advice of space travelers.

3

There are quite a few 40-minute segments in a day. Key Westers wanting to engage locally can check out the Local Artisan Market on Facebook, where enterprising vendors sell everything from original artwork to freshly caught seafood.

The page also provides a motivating daily “Let’s Do This” activity that can be added to your marathon. For the creatively inclined, The Studios of Key West offers free online classes and will host a virtual version of its monthly First Thursday exhibition opening featuring new artwork, door prizes and witty banter with exhibiting artists. Of course, all this activity builds up an appetite. Thankfully a number of local businesses are offering delivery deals through Key West To Go Menus, a Facebook group with nearly 3,000 members.

While it’s (very) important to support local businesses, activity options aren’t limited to this one lovely little island. The travel restrictions brought about in response to COVID-19 initially appeared to curb globalization as individuals became insulated and isolated in their own homes.

Interestingly enough, though, the inverse has been true. Last week, I took a Pilates class from my favorite instructor in Illinois and on Thursday, I think I’ll let Dolly Parton read me a bedtime story from her home base in Tennessee.

This is a challenging and unexpected phase. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of content and activities available. Just take it 40 minutes at a time.

SHARE THE GOOD VIBES

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

GRATITUDE LEADS TO POSITIVE THINKING MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

A

s we know, this virus has affected everyone in some way, shape, or form.

I want to kick off this week with some gratitude, which is essential not only for the obvious reasons, but also to shift your mindset toward something positive. In speaking with neighbors and friends around the globe, most folks are looking for ways to stay positive these days.

Here are some ideas: 1. Figure out what makes you happy. Most people don’t do this. For me, it’s working. I like to dive in and focus on work to help get through tough times. I have a lot of ideas and have made a huge to-do list. I am also staying consistent with my sleep, daily walk and eating habits. My daily practice keeps me balanced and on track. On the flip side, my husband, Ryan, likes to do some work, and he has a big to-do list also, but we had to have a serious discussion about what else he is doing, which is watching wrestling. Yep, AEW and WWE.

To me it’s a waste of time. To him, it’s a mental distraction. What else clears your mind? And be sure to discuss any frustrations about how one is spending this time with a partner or spouse.

2. Go through old photos while blasting your favorite music. One of the newest members of my FB Group – Good Vibes — is my former college roommate. We roomed together for two years and then lost touch.

That was 26 years ago. We reunited on Facebook last year, and during a recent walk, I had the idea to post an old photo of her in my welcome-tothe-group post. This led me down an enjoyable rabbit hole of looking at old pictures and wanting to connect with friends.

3. Connect with friends and family via Zoom or other methods. I have reached out to many friends via text, email or social media. I have also set up many Zoom calls connecting friends.

My friends from Minneapolis and I had lost touch and we have a Zoom call set for Saturday.

Another new social media friend has a Zoom call for prayer every night with her family across the miles.

4. Spend time making new connections. Increasing my pipeline of relationships was a goal for 2020. Since people are home, they are open to networking, collaboration conversations, podcast interviews and mastermind groups. It’s a perfect way to work on your business ideas, goals and dreams.

Who can you connect with so you are moving forward?

I would love to hear and share what you and your family and friends have been doing to pass the time. You may see it in an article, so please be OK with that. Feel free to email me at info@melindavanfleet.com Melinda Van Fleet is a consultant, coach and speaker who helps sales executives and their teams navigate change and strengthen their communication skills to maximize their potential. She regularly speaks to groups of corporate professionals and is the host of the podcast, “The Good Karma Success Coach and Crush it in Sales.” More information is at www.goodkarmasuccesscoach.com.

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CORONAVIRUS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

GOT HAND SANITIZER AND TOILET PAPER FOR DAYS? WESLEY HOUSE AND GOOD HEALTH CLINIC SEEK DONATIONS

A

s the community adjusts to what’s become a “new normal” at home and at work, many groups helping those in need have found themselves in a shortage of key items to help them keep serving the community.

The Keys Weekly wants to get the word out to help.

Wesley House Family Services provides foster, adoption and family services to those in need. Its services include case management, subsidized housing and positive parenting programs to promote child welfare and health. Sushi, Key West’s famous drag queen, handmade masks for case managers, but Wesley House still is in need of diapers and baby wipes. Sizes most needed are diapers for ages 2-4 and pull-ups.

“This will assist the children and families served by Wesley House Family Services throughout the Florida Keys,” a March 27 Facebook call for donations said.

In Key Largo, diapers and wipes can be dropped off or mailed to Wesley House Family Services (99451 Overseas Highway Suite 200, Key Largo, FL 33037).

In Key West, donations can be dropped off or mailed to Wesley House Family Services (1304 Truman Avenue, Key West,

Wesley House Family Services is calling for diapers for families throughout the Keys. CONTRIBUTED

FL 33040). Both offices have an outside door that is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Good Health Clinic in Tavernier and Marathon, which serves low-income, uninsured Keys residents, is also in need of supplies. Executive director Kate Banick said, “Good Health Clinic is continuing to operate and serve the needs of our medically underserved Keys residents. In order to do so responsibly, we must protect our staff and our patients while staying operational during this pandemic.”

Banick added that “Supplies are low throughout the country and many charitable clinics, including Good Health Clinic, are unable to acquire the quantity of supplies we need at this time.”

Good Health Clinic staff in Tavernier pose with their masks made by Dawn Kozash and Kate Bajrack. Demoss Financial also donated masks. CONTRIBUTED

The clinic is asking for donations of the following: face masks (single use), hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and toilet paper.

Banick urged uninsured Keys residents to reach out to the clinic if they have health care needs, particularly those who have lost employment due to business closures. She noted that the Good Health Clinic provides access to medical providers, and support for prescription medications and chronic disease management care. The clinic also can address issues with illness and injuries.

COVID-19 testing is not currently provided at the clinic, but its medical providers can screen patients to determine if they are demonstrating CDC-outlined symptoms that would be cause for concern and provide information on appropriate steps.

The Good Health Clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 in Tavernier, and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Marathon. Both offices may be reached by calling 305-853-1788, and information is online at www.thegoodhealthclinic.org.

Advanced Urgent Care, which is offering COVID-19 testing at its centers in Key West and Key Largo, has requested personal protection equipment (PPE) to protect its staff. Owner Dr. Bruce Boros also emailed his request to the state health department official charged with distributing such equipment.

COMMUNITY NEWS

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

BRIEFLY

Monroe WIC offering assistance to families The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County’s WIC (Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children) offers food, nutrition and breastfeeding assistance to low-income pregnant women or families with infants or children under 5 who live in Monroe County. Those individuals or families who meet this criteria and are experiencing a loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis are encouraged to sign up for WIC to help with food costs. Families that meet this criteria and are currently receiving unemployment or Medicaid benefits automatically qualify for WIC benefits. Others will need to provide proof of income and/or explain income loss to qualify.

For more information or to apply: Key West area: call 305-6763852; Upper Keys call 305-676-3933. (During the COVID-19 Pandemic, all applications will be done by phone and necessary documents can be faxed or emailed; please do not come to the WIC office).

Clerk offers marriage licenses in Marathon The Monroe County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, Kevin Madok, announced the resumption of limited marriage license services, effective March 30.

The services will be limited to Monroe County residents and will only be offered at the Marathon Clerk’s Office, 3117 Overseas Hwy., by appointment only. No licenses will be issued at the Key West or Plantation Key offices. The agency remains unable to conduct marriage ceremonies due to the social distancing requirements.

For an appointment, call 305-289-6347. For other questions, contact us online at www.clerk-of-the-court.com or via phone at 305-292-3458 Key West; 305-289-6027 Marathon; and 305-852-7145 Plantation Key. Boater education offered online Through a free, online course, boaters can learn how to protect themselves, their vessels and the Florida Keys marine environment.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary created the voluntary course to inform the boating public about the natural and historical resources, provide strategies for responsible boating and highlight sanctuary rules and regulations. The 30- to 45-minute course is available in English and Spanish at floridakeys.noaa.gov with a completion certificate provided. The course complements existing safe boating courses.

The boater education course is a component of the sanctuary’s current management plan review process.

More information is available from Gena Parsons at Gena.Parsons@noaa.gov or 305-809-4694.

In addition, Florida Everglades National Park now requires completion of an online Boater Education Course and a Boater Permit, but both are free and available online.

Go to: http://provalenslearning.com/everglades-boater-education-course and set up an account (same account as for FKNMS course) 'Purchase’ the class - it is free.

Read through it.

Take the quiz.

Get your permit/certificate.

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STAYING SANE WHILE SAFER AT HOME...

...and still being part of our community

E

very day brings new developments in our altered way of life.

The things we always took for granted — things like going to work, going out to dinner, or just meeting friends for happy hour — are far more important than we ever realized.

The social connections we have with others sure aren’t the same, but with some technology and resourcefulness, we can make them stronger and still be part of our community.

During my first Facebook Live “Social Distancing Concert” last Friday, I was amazed at all the people who tuned in and discovered that they were all watching together. Friends who hadn’t seen each other or talked to each other for years all reconnected as a result of tuning in to the same show.

They sent messages back and forth through the comments, and likely will remain in touch as a result.

For those of us who do have extra time on our hands, computers, pads and the phone in your hand are the ways we can connect (and reconnect) with the people in our lives. Through FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, or any of the livestream services, we can see and talk to friends and family just about anywhere. It really helps to talk to people who are on your side and going through the exact same thing as you. Find out what’s been happening with that long-lost friend from college.

See what your sister’s kids are doing with the extra time off. Make plans to reconnect in person once this virus goes away. It’s really good to stay in touch. If you have neglected the near or distant people in your life, take the time and connect.

Let’s take some time and appreciate the people who are doing the essential jobs and keeping our community going strong. First of all, let’s salute our health care workers — doctors, nurses and all the people who work in our clinics and hospitals. They are on the front lines of this, and their jobs are going to get a lot harder in the weeks to come.

The same goes for our first responders — law enforcement and fire/rescue/EMTs. They are keeping the peace, dealing with the public and transporting patients while we all are maintaining our distances. Their job is never an easy one, but in these strange times, the jobs they do are so much more appreciated.

I also really appreciate the folks

who work in our grocery stores and pharmacies.

These essential businesses are staffed by people who must be out in JOHN the public and BARTUS are exposed to more people is a City of Marathan most of thon councilus. They stock man. He also is the shelves and a musician who performs around ensure we have the essentials, town. For more and are taking see johnbartus. com on the extra duty of keeping those shelves and shopping carts properly wiped down and clean.

The same appreciation also goes to our local restaurants that remain open and provide takeout and delivery. All of us have favorite dishes from different eateries, and it’s really comforting to be able to get some Sparky’s fish tacos … some Castaway sushi … some roast pork from La Niña … or just a good old Driftwood pizza.

While we might not be able to hang out at the bar at the Sunset Grille, at least we can watch a sunset with some food from the Sunset!

But what is good food without good music? There are more than a few local musicians who are doing what I’m doing with Facebook Live events. Some really good friends of mine — and fine players and singers — are sharing their talents from their homes.

People like Adrienne Z, Brian Roberts, Ty Thurman, Gary Hempsey, Cory Young … the list is long, and I’m sorry I can’t name everyone.

(Maybe a future column?) Support them by tuning in to their live events, and leave a tip if you can.

And if you have any stories about locals going above and beyond, send them my way at: jebartus@ bellsouth.net.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t inform you about my Social Distancing Concert 2, a Facebook Live event this Friday, 7:30 p.m., at my Facebook page. Stay safe and healthy, try to stay sane, and I’ll “see” you on Friday!

-When not updating social media with accurate information from the city, county, state and other authorities, John will play his Social

50

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/12/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

1FMZU32PXWZA13832 1998 FORD Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Wheatons Towing gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell thes¬e vehicles on 04/20/2020, 10:00 am at 101500 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. Wheatons Towing reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

1J4NT1GA7BD253095 2011 JEEP Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Has an opening for an “At Large” representative Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists) Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application from the Administrative Office by calling (305) 296-1552 and submit an application to the address shown below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Fax #: (305) 296-0788 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is Friday, May 1, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: April 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS DL Porter Constructors Inc is currently seeking qualified DBE subcontractor quotes for the KWIA Airport Maintenance Storage Facility. Plans and specifications are available via email (kim@dlporter.com).

All pricing to be submitted to Kevin@dlporter.com no later than Wednesday, April 22, 2020 @ 1:00pm.

Publish: April 2, 9 & 16, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of THE QUARRY III, located at 3030 HARTLEY ROAD,

LEGAL NOTICES SUITE 310, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32257, intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: QUARRY BIG COPPITT III, LTD. Publish: April 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000007-K IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHARLES A. O’BRIEN a.k.a. Charles O’Brien, Charles D. O’Brien Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of CHARLES O’BRIEN, deceased, whose date of death was August 13, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 530 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, 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 DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims 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: March 26, 2020.

Personal Representative: PETER HOFFMANN 68-1783 Lua Kula Place Waikoloa, HI 96738 Attorney for Personal Representative: SHANNON HARVEY, ESQ. FL BAR # 76846 Law Offices of Shannon Harvey, PA 1680 Michigan Ave., Suite 700 Miami Beach, FL 33139 Phone (305) 777-2277 E-mail: sharvey@sharveylaw. com Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2020-CP-51-K JUDGE TIMOTHY J. KOENIG IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS G. SAMTER Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of THOMAS G. SAMTER, deceased, whose date of death was January 18, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street,

LEGAL NOTICES Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney is 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 THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME 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 decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (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: March 26, 2020.

Personal Representative: ALISON SAMTER BERNSTEIN Petitioner Attorney for Personal Representative: CARA HIGGINS, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 0734241 CARA HIGGINS LAW 604 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Telephone (305) 294-6030 Facsimile (305) 292-9911 E-Mail: cara@carahigginslaw. com Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2019-CP-082-M IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHLEEN D. QUINN, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of KATHLEEN D. QUINN, deceased, whose date of death was August 21, 2019, and whose social security number is xxx-xx-5180, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The estate is testate and the date of the decedent’s Will and any codicils is August 12, 2019. 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 WITHIN 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

LEGAL NOTICES NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: April 2, 2020.

Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12 Marathon, FL 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: James J. Dorl, Esq. Florida Bar No. 618403 JAMES J. DORL, P.A. Suite 12 First Professional Centre 5701 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-6565 Facsimile: (305) 743-4143 e-mail: jjdorl@yahoo.com Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 19-DR-612-P Division: Family JOSE EMMANUEL BRAVO, Petitioner and SOULJI KIM Respondent.

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE TO: Soulji Kim Respondent’s last known address: Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: Jose Emmanuel Bravo, 106003 Overseas Highway, Unit 1602, Key Largo, FL 33037, on or before April 25, 2020 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at Monroe County Clerk of Court, Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, 88800 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.

The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: None Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.

You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address.

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

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

Dated: March 17, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Amanda Armstrong Deputy Clerk Publish: April, 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

FILE NO.: 18-031780 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

DOUGLAS E SCHMIDT Obligor _________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TO: Douglas E Schmidt, 13911 Ridgedale Drive #110, Minnetonka, MN 55305 Notice is hereby given that on April 20, 2020, at 9:00 AM, in the offices of La Concha Hotel, Island Meeting Room, 2nd Floor, 430 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040, the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium will be offered for sale: Unit A23, Week 24, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to the sale is the failure to pay assessments as set forth in the Claim(s) of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded August 2, 2019 in Document Number 2231129, and recorded in Book 2978, Page 365 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida. The amount secured by the assessment lien is for unpaid assessments, accrued interest, plus interest accruing at a per diem rate of $0.00 together with the costs of this proceeding and sale and all other amounts secured by the Claim of Lien, for a total amount due as of the date of the sale of $2,435.02 (“Amount Secured by the Lien”).

The Obligor has the right to cure this default and any junior interestholder may redeem its interest up to the date the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,435.02. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Any person, other than the Obligor as of the date of recording this Notice of Sale, claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale of the above property, if any, must file a claim. The successful bidder may be responsible for any and all unpaid condominium assessments that come due up to the time of transfer of title, including those owed by the Obligor or prior owner.

If the successful bidder fails to pay the amounts due to the Trustee to certify the sale by 5:00 p.m. the day after the sale, the second highest bidder at the sale may elect to purchase the timeshare ownership interest.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028, Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: March 26 & April 2, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

MELANIE SIMON, AKA MELANIE R. SIMON Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Melanie Simon, AKA Melanie R. Simon 10402 Gilmoure Drive Silver Spring, MD 20901 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Windward Pointe Condominium described as: Unit 5313, Week 19, Even Year Biennial Windward Pointe, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,357.25, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 20, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Unit C12, Week 34, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,108.77, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 25, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 18-031561 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017601 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

ANDREA PAMELA BOMPHRAY Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Andrea Pamela Bomphray 211 Sharpe Street Essexville, MI 48732 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as:

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017607 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

JULIET MILDRED CANNON, AKA JULIE MILDRED MOORE Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Juliet Mildred Cannon, AKA Julie Mildred Moore 1900 White Hall Road White Hall, MD 21161 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit C14, Week 22, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior

51

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,109.17, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 25, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017631 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

WILLIAM FRANCIS DONOVAN Obligor ________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: William Francis Donovan 461 Lombardy Road Drexel Hill, PA 19026 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit E11, Week 34, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,112.09, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 25, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028

LEGAL NOTICES Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017908 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

SHELLI MARIE KELLNER; ROBERT MANFRED KELLNER Obligor _______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Shelli Marie Kellner 14208 Brightstone Mews Midlothian, VA 23112 Robert Manfred Kellner 14208 Brightstone Mews Midlothian, VA 23112 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit C15, Week 28, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,136.57, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 25, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017932 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

ROBERT DARRELL JENKINS, JR Obligor _________________/

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Robert Darrell Jenkins, Jr 3101 Cartwright Drive Raleigh, NC 27612 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit D12, Week 25, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,280.06, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 25, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,120.92, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 24, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017988 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

ALAN CHARLES RITSEMA; KATHY THOMAS RITSEMA Obligor _________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Alan Charles Ritsema 512 Bayshore Drive Osprey, FL 34229 Kathy Thomas Ritsema 512 Bayshore Drive Osprey, FL 34229 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit D23, Week 11, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments

NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-017995 BEACH HOUSE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A NONPROFIT CORPORATION UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

EDWARD CHARLES SKIBA Obligor _______________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Edward Charles Skiba 13 Blenheim Court Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Beach House Condominium described as: Unit B24, Week 49, Beach House Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1510, Page 225, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits attached thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,108.77, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that

LEGAL NOTICES have elapsed since March 23, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NONJUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO FORECLOSE CLAIM OF LIEN BY TRUSTEE FILE NO.: 19-023022 WINDWARD POINTE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION OF KEY WEST, INC., A CORPORATION NOT-FORPROFIT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, Lienholder, vs.

KATHY LEIGH GILBERT Obligor _________________/ TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING TO: Kathy Leigh Gilbert 11329 Crowe Road Milan, MI 48160 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a TRUSTEE’S NON-JUDICIAL PROCEEDING to enforce a Lien has been instituted on the following Timeshare Ownership Interest at Windward Pointe Condominium described as: Unit 5711, Week 32, Odd Year Biennial Windward Pointe Condominium, a Leasehold Condominium (“Condominium”), according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1803, Page 844, Public Records of Monroe County, Florida, and all exhibits thereto, and any amendments thereof (the “Declaration”).

The default giving rise to these proceedings is the failure to pay condominium assessments and dues resulting in a Claim of Lien encumbering the Timeshare Ownership Interest as recorded in the Official Records of Monroe County, Florida. The Obligor has the right to object to this Trustee proceeding by serving written objection on the Trustee named below. The Obligor has the right to cure the default and any junior interest holder may redeem its interest, for a minimum period of forty-five (45) days until the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale. The Lien may be cured by sending certified funds to the Trustee payable to the Lienholder in the amount of $2,351.61, plus interest (calculated by multiplying $0.00 times the number of days that have elapsed since March 19, 2020), plus the costs of this proceeding. Said funds for cure or redemption must be received by the Trustee before the Certificate of Sale is issued.

Nicholas A. Woo, Esq. Valerie N. Edgecombe Brown, Esq. Cynthia David, Esq. Michael E. Carleton, Esq. as Trustee pursuant to Fla. Stat. §721.82 P. O. Box 165028 Columbus, OH 43216-5028 Telephone: 407-404-5266 Telecopier: 614-220-5613 Publish: April 2 & 9, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

1BR/1BA Apt. in Marathon. Furnished. 1 Year Lease. $1,590/month F/L/S 813-263-9668

BOATS FOR SALE

2BR/2BA Canalfront in Marathon. Fully furn.

W/D. April 1-Dec 1 lease. $1,500 mo. + utilities F/L/S 443-520-9485

S2 Yacht - 26’ Sail with 2 Sails, on trailer - ready to go.

Great for live aboard.

Located in Tavernier. $6,250 3 0 5 - 6 6 4 - 7 6 4 8 1965 Bruiel Express Sportfish - Built for Charter Fishing in the Keys. $14,000 or Best Offer. Excellent hull condition. 2 Detroit 6V53 engines one fresh rebuilt.

Twin Disk 506 transmissions one fresh. We’ve just installed: 1 New trany, 2 new 1 1/2 in shafts,2 new shaft logs, 2 new rebuilt struts, 2 new props ni-bril, New bottom paint, 1 engine new rebuild 5hrs.

Located in Marathon. Call 305-481-3259 for details.

BOAT SLIPS FOR RENT

Boat Slips For Rent in Marathon. Starting at $750. For best rates call 305-304-3610.

EMPLOYMENT Project Manager Upper Keys. Must have ability to schedule & organize multiple people & trades. and pass background check.

Send resume to admin@ cbtconstruct.com 3 0 5 - 8 5 2 - 3 0 0 2 Receptionist - Full time position with established Marathon law office.

Negotiable salary and benefits. Opportunity for growth. Email resume and references to stevens@ marathonlaw.com.

No walk-ins will be considered.

City of Marathon - Job Openings: Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee , Fleet Mechanic, Recreational Specialist and Street Maintenance. EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN MARATHON. Shared rooms available for short or long term rentals. Single: $720/ month; Double: $1,150/ month; Plus tax; F/L/S. Units provide an Ideal option for temporary or long term housing. Furnished with bunk beds, full kitchen with all utensils, tables, desks, coin operated washer & dryer. Residents share the kitchen, bathroom and dining areas. Linens, towels, consumables are not provided. For information: Bob Brayman 305-743-5929 bbrayman@ hallsdiving.com 2BR/2BA Large Apt for Rent. 10828 5th Avenue Gulf, Marathon. $1,850/ month plus utilities. F/L/S. Taking applications. Call (305) 394-4545

HOMES FOR SALE 3BR /2 1/2BA Townhouse for Sale or Rent. Gated community w/pool. $319,000 $5,000 renovation package included. Private message 336-408-8140

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT in Marathon: Office/Retail Space, 1500sf w/additional 2 covered porches incl. Open water views, US-1 frontage, $2700/month. Also small Office Space $500/month.

Wifi & Utilities included.

Onsite storage & or yard space available - prices by size. Call 305-743-7277 Small office space available for rent. Great location on U.S. 1 in Tavernier.

Conveniently located to everything.

3 0 5 - 3 9 4 - 0 5 3 0

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches.

Old Model Military Clocks & Watches.

Call 305-743-4578

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

52

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.453.6928 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

NEW & REPAIR

Authorized Dealer

305-664-0099

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

www.TikiHuts.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

Sportfishing Adventures

To order call 908.797.9430

Dolphin-Tuna-Wahoo-Billfish-Snapper-Grouper-Shark Deep Sea –Off Shore-Reef-Wrecks-Gulf

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

Corporate accounts welcome, call (908) 797-9430 Ravi.Vaithinathan@tendbar.us - www.tendbar.us

Keys Fisheries Market & Marina Mile Marker 48.5, Marathon End of 35th Street Bayside

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com And Sliding Glass Door Repair We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

Please remember, you must be 21 to purchase alcohol.

Operating Since 2004 Appliance and Air Conditioning

Sales - Service - Installation 1700 N. Roosevelt Blvd #2, Key West 305-294-0090 • www.kolhages.com

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

PROP DOC

KEY WEST,

inc.

Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Delivering groceries, beer, wine & spirits and other provisions to you in the Florida Keys from Marathon to Key West.

New & Used / Sales & Service Propellers, Shafts, Struts, Rudders

Only Laser Scanner in the Keys No Need to Send Your Prop to the Mainland & Waste Valuable Fishing Time Outboard Shafts 305-292-0012 Inboard and Outboard Straightened on Boat 6003 Peninsular Ave. Stock Island-FL Free Propeller Analysis

propdrkw@gmail.com

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

Sewer Connections 305

872-1876

• New Construction • Remodeling • Irrigation

305

We also service and sell: Marine A/C, Refrigeration, Watermakers, Batteries, Solar Systems, Anything Electrical!

NOW HIRING!

• SINCE 1989 •

296-BLUE

305-289-1150

• Heavy Equipment • Solar Lic## RF11067168

PC 606

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

1075 Duval St Located in Duval Square 305.433.1290

3229 Flager Ave Suite 102 305.517.6582

305-743-7454

www.saltenergy.net www.saltservice.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Marathon, FL 33050

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

53

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations $15 per hour to start FT Employees are eligible to participate in our health, dental, vision, Life Insurance. PTO and Profit Sharing is available to every member of our team (conditions apply).

HOW TO APPLY: Go to mytomthumb.com or call Cleveland (786) 295-5307.

IS STILL HIRING! KEY WEST

Behavioral Health Therapist (Children & Adult) Case Manager (FT) Substance Abuse Counselor

MARATHON

RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT& FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT) Peer Support Specialist Crisis Counselor *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (2 shifts) (PT/FT) Drop In Technician (PT) Research Assistant *No experience necessary. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Ability to work some evening or weekend shifts a plus. If you’ve wanted to get into the medical field but don’t have the education, this is the job for you!

KEYAdvocate LARGO Background and drug screen req.

GREAT BENEFITS! Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com EEOC/DFWP

THEME: DRIVER’S ED

Immediate opening for a HVAC Service Technician Upper & Middle Keys.

Great Pay • Paid Holidays • Sick Pay • Medical Insurance • Paid Vacation

Apply in person 171 Hood Ave • MM 91.5 • Tavernier p 305-852-2960 • f 305-852-0656

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District Salary $15.80- $23.20/hour Key West, Sugarloaf and Upper Keys (3 work locations)

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

• No Experience Required • Benefits • CDL Training Provided work as a Bus Aide while training • Full Time or Flexible Part Time Hours 6 to 9 am or 1 or 2 to 5 pm Apply online: www.keysschools.com

ACROSS 1. Happen again 6. Promotions 9. Field mouse 13. UV absorber 14. Seek a seat 15. Eagle’s nest 16. Jury ____ 17. Mad King George’s number 18. Bad-tempered one 19. *Two or more people on the road 21. *Fines can do that?

23. Scot’s woolen cap 24. Give an impression 25. Last month 28. Willy Wonka mastermind 30. Lay down to rest again 35. Container weight 37. Damaging precipitation 39. One born to Japanese immigrants 40. Windows alternative 41. Clown act 43. London subway 44. What Motion Picture Association of America does 46. Lentil soup 47. Pulitzer winner Bellow 48. Little Women to Aunt March 50. Victorian and Elizabethan ones, e.g.

52. Dropped drug 53. Type of dam 55. Post Malone’s genre 57. *Traffic separator 60. *Kind of lane 64. Tiger’s and lioness’ offspring 65. J. Edgar Hoover’s org.

67. Capital of Vietnam 68. Between wash and dry 69. 1985 Kurosawa movie 70. Village V.I.P. 71. Brewer’s kiln 72. Play part 73. Young salmon

Down 1. Campus drilling grp.

2. Poet Pound 3. Coconut fiber 4. Not fitting 5. Add a new magazine 6. Seed cover 7. *Punishable driver offense, acr.

8. Like a hurtful remark 9. Action word 10. Like face-to-face exam 11. Don’t cross it?

12. Comic cry 15. Keenness in a certain field 20. D-Day beach 22. Old-fashioned over 24. Move like a serpent 25. *Go back the way you came 26. Hawaiian veranda 27. Banal or commonplace 29. *”Raised ____, “ or “Don’t Walk” 31. Small fragments 32. Bar order, with the 33. Puzzle with pictures and letters 34. *Up-side-down triangle sign 36. Biz bigwig 38. Yarn spinner 42. “The Nutcracker” protagonist 45. Crafting with stitches 49. One of Sinbad’s seven 51. Miss America’s accessory, pl.

54. Prefix for below 56. Church song 57. Actress Sorvino 58. Shining armor 59. Negative contraction 60. Pub order 61. ____-China 62. Christmas season 63. Horizontal wall beam 64. *Keep your hands at ten and ____ 66. *Measurement of alcohol in body, acr.

54

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 Licensed & Insured #SP33799

Open M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

2001 O/S Hwy, Marathon

305-743-3530

sales@alkeysyamaha.com

METAL ROOFING

SPECIALIST 305-664-1010 www.roofer.pro

ALL KEYS GLASS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

305-743-7800

Authorized Dealer

FULL SERVICE YAMAHA DEALER • Yamaha Outboard Motor Repair, Sales & Service

Sales & Installation • Tub & Shower Enclosures Safety & Tempered Glass • Mirror & Mirror Walls Plexi-Glass & Lexan

• Certified Yamaha Technicians • Do it Yourself? Fully-stocked all Yamaha Parts & Accessories

Sportfishing Adventures

Dolphin-Tuna-Wahoo-Billfish-Snapper-Grouper-Shark Deep Sea –Off Shore-Reef-Wrecks-Gulf

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

305-481-3259

SOLAR DONE RIGHT! CALL US FOR A FREE HOME ESTIMATE

We also service and sell: Marine A/C, Refrigeration, Watermakers, Batteries, Solar Systems, Anything Electrical!

• SINCE 1989 •

305-289-1150

Keys Fisheries Market & Marina Mile Marker 48.5, Marathon End of 35th Street Bayside

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

www.saltenergy.net www.saltservice.net 2992 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Tewes Mortgage

Your local, residential lending expert!

Call 305.495.6000

Kitchen Cabinets Sales REAL Wood Cabinets at Particle Board Prices KitchenKorner/Fred's Beds 1333 O/S Hwy, MM 53.5 • 305-743-7277

Liz Samess Interiors

Design, Decorating, Drafting, & More…

Liz Samess Interior Designer

CELL: Email:

(954) 801-7883 interiordesignbyliz@gmail.com

Cell: 305-363-8330 Office: 305-735-4626 will@cecflk.com www.CECFLK.com

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

SCREEN & ALUMINUM REPAIR CALL BOB AT 630-276-6504 Locals Helping Locals

Marathon, FL 33050

Serving Key Largo to Key West

for a FREE Consultation

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Residential, Commercial & Marine Ice Machine - Sales - Service Phone: (305) 743-5288

Fax: (305) 743-6887

Will Campbell President

Floor & Wall Tiles Porcelain/Planks Marble Carpets Quartz & Granite Countertops

P.E. Lic. No: 79269 5800 Overseas Hwy. Unit 32 Marathon, FL. 33050

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

Lic#SP-3562

SAT math tutoring e

at all math subjects: priv oup gr & • calculus ons less • precalculus audrey • geometry ajmatthis3@gmail.com • trigonometry 305.395.9461.

• algebra group & private lessons • pre-algebra • etc.

We Do Installations!

Licensed & Insured

FREE ESTIMATES U.S.1 & 109th St, Marathon (Across from Beall’s Outlet)

289-3019

55

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.743.0844 • WE CAN INCREASE YOUR REVENUES • SUPERIOR MAINTENANCE • TOP GOOGLE RANKED SITE

NEW & REPAIR

VACATION RENTALS

305-664-0099 www.TikiHuts.com

CALL ANGEL LEWIS AT 305-390-2315 WWW.KEYSRENTALSONLINE.COM

Karen Raspe

Realtor 305-393-9010 karenraspe@bellsouth.net

9141 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 www.karenraspe.com

STATE CERTIFIED THATCHING CONTRACTOR CYC 000002

Petersen Repair & Maintenance Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports.

SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

• Flooring • Inside Trim Work • Door Replacement • Landscaping • Fencing

• Plastering & Stucco • Masonry & Spalling Repair • Waterproof & Roof Painting • Interior & Exterior Painting • Parking Lot Striping

SP# 4434, 4435, 4436, 4437, 4438. 4439. 4448, 4449, 4450, 4451

Charlie Petersen 920-371-3107 | PetersenRepair@yahoo.com

y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Barbara Sanchez Home & Offices Expertly Cleaned Fast Dependable Service “We Clean Your Place, Like it Was Our Place”

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

Excellent References Upon Request

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

305-766-0819 305-924-0179

Nails by Ivis

Manicures • Pedicures Acrylics • Gelish • Facials • Waxing

5177 Overseas Highway

When It Rains It Pours!

Need 7” Gutters? We have 6” & 7” Seamless • Copper Specialists MARATHON

305-743-0506 KEY LARGO 305-852-5356 rainsavergutters@gmail.com

(Between Office Depot & Main Post Office)

Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-1631

LICENSED CFC1427241

10700 5TH AVENUE GULF P. O. BOX 500995 MARATHON, FLORIDA KEYS 33050

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com

WE HAVE MOVED!

Rachel Sanderson

Specializing in Color and Highlights Rachellynnes94@gmail.com 305.393.3076 Haircuts We are low located at 10075 Overseas Highway Keratin Treatments in Marathon at the 100th Street Center.

5177 Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 (nextOverseas to Ocean Sotheby’s)

SALES

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

(Between Office Depot and Main Post Office)

305-289-1631

www.marathonhairandnailsalon.com • Real Estate Closings • Title Company • Estate PlanningQUICK & RELIABLE • Probate OPEN WATER MARINE • General Practice SERVICES • A.V. Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell • Member Firm Holland JARED & Knight FRANK OWNER

(305) 289-1551 towboatusmarathon.com

10075 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY P.O. BOX 500938, MARATHON, FL 33050

(305) 743-9428

WWW.FLORIDAKEYSLAW.COM • ESTABLISHED 1953

56

KEYS WEEKLY / APRIL 2, 2020

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