Upper Keys Weekly 20-1224 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

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Cookies and hand sanitizer will be left for you, Santa.

SANTA STOPS

WISHLIST 2020

Kids offer what they want to Santa | P. 8

Fire Rescue guides the big man through town | P. 10

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

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ISLAMORADA

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

NUMBER OF THE WEEK

7 91760 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

The number of days left before we say goodbye to what was one hell of a year. We exit 2020 with encouraging news, however, as COVID-19 vaccines are now being distributed with frontline workers and the vulnerable the first in line. Here’s to better and brighter days as we raise our glasses and soon ring in the new year.

Publisher

ON THE COVER Santa Claus makes his way through Founder's Park on Dec. 13. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

A rendition of the Founders Park Pedestrian Bridge project by the Florida Department of Transportation. CONTRIBUTED

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THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

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PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE DISCUSSION PULLED AFTER MEETING GOES ON FOR 5-PLUS HOURS JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

iscussion regarding the Florida Department of Transportation’s pedestrian bridge project by Founders Park was set to begin as 11 p.m. approached on Dec. 17. Council agreed, however, to table the topic to the next meeting to allow for talks and the public to chime in at a better hour. Members on the dais convened for their second meeting together and final meeting of 2020 inside the Founders Park Community Center in what was a hybrid-style meeting. Twenty items filled the agenda, including discussion to start the village manager vacancy process and talks regarding grinder pump maintenance in the village. By time the dais reached the pedestrian bridge, councilman Henry Rosenthal elected to move the topic to council’s next meeting 2021. Acting village manager Maria Bassett was going to give an update, after the village council requested staff compile a timeline of council actions and other events with support documents related to the project. “I can’t expect people to stay awake until 11 o’clock,” Rosenthal said. “The major thing is transparency. I heard it over and over we’re not being fair to a lot of people.”

Council delved into discussion regarding the village manager search and four options available for the selection process. Following the resignation of then-manager Seth Lawless in late August, council voted to appoint Maria Bassett, who was finance director, to the position of acting village manager through March 1, 2021. Council can extend Bassett’s service as acting manager if more time is needed to seek a candidate for the full-time position as village manager. Ken Parker, volunteer senior advisor with the Florida City and County Managers Association, spoke via Zoom to the council as he outlined the options: the village could hire an executive search team to develop a profile of characteristics for its next manager; handle the recruitment process internally, including background checks and verifications; work with a senior advisor through the recruitment process; or select an internal candidate without going through a recruitment process. In the end, council agreed with the village staff’s recommendation to move forward with an executive search firm, develop a request for proposals and work with the FCCMA senior advisor. “We need to get this executive search agency going as soon as possible,” Mayor Buddy Pinder said. Councilman David Webb ex-

pressed some concern over the lack of longevity in the village’s previous managers. Webb said longevity and stability are vital to the village’s success. “We have a responsibility to set the table to whoever comes after us,” he said. “There’s a couple things the previous outgoing council had done, one in regards to the staggered terms, which they could have done without them being directly involved with the results of that because they were all leaving. “I really support an outside third party,” he continued. ”But do we need to figure out what’s going good and going bad in order to determine what kind of candidate we’re looking for?” Councilman Pete Bacheler said using a senior advisor will alleviate some of Webb’s concerns. “We need help and the direction,” Bacheler said. “The senior advisor is going to give us that direction.” In other matters, the council appointed Webb as a primary member and Pinder as an alternate member to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council. The dais also appointed Bacheler to serve as a primary member and councilman Mark Gregg as an alternate on the Florida Keys Transportation Coordination Committee

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

NEW COUNTY FLEET MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR ANNOUNCED Sanchez thanks for 30-plus years of service

KN-95 masks are a new reality for frontline workers, and the city of Key West’s code compliance officers have requested additional ones while they enforce the city’s 10 p.m. curfew on New Year’s Eve. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YEAR CURFEW CONCERNS KEY WEST CODE OFFICERS Unarmed officers ask city officials for added support MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

ome of Key West's Code Compliance officers have grave concerns about the city's expectations with regard to their enforcement of the city’s 10 p.m. curfew on New Year's Eve, according to some who contacted the Keys Weekly, but asked not to be identified. The officers said they met briefly on Dec. 16 with city officials to discuss their concerns and then sent a petition via email outlining their concerns and requests to their supervisor, Code Director Jim Young, Assistant City Manager Patti McLauchlin and director of human resources Samantha Farist. The petition seeks appropriate personal protective gear for COVID, including KN-95 masks and hand sanitizer, body armor or other protective uniforms, additional training such as pressure point control tactics that police use, reimbursement for COVID testing costs and hazard compensation for curfew duties they say will place them squarely in harm's way of both COVID and defiant drunks on Duval Street. The code officers, who have written numerous citations to enforce the city’s mask mandate in recent weeks, have endured profanity and verbal harassment, spitting and at least one physical confrontation, Young told the city commissioners at a meeting in November.

But the code officers, who typically investigate illegal vacation rentals and unpermitted construction, don’t receive any of the same training as sworn police officers when it comes to de-escalating heated situations. Code officers don’t carry guns, and have not been allowed to carry pepper spray. Meanwhile, some of the people they’ve encountered downtown in recent weeks have been armed, the officers wrote in their letter to officials. Upon receiving the petition, Young told the Keys Weekly, “The city of Key West takes their concerns very seriously and will do everything to ensure that all employees have the necessary training and tools to perform the tasks they are assigned.” McLauchlin also followed up on the letter, and met immediately with Young, City Manager Greg Veliz and Mayor Teri Johnston to go through each concern individually. “I think we’re all a little anxious about New Year’s Eve,” McLauchlin said. “And we are all very concerned with our employees’ safety, particularly as they’re out there on the front lines. We’ve spent thousands of dollars on additional masks for our personnel and I’ve made it mandatory that our code officers walk with a sworn police officer when downtown for the holidays. On New Year’s Eve, they’ll also be with a firefighter as well.” McLauchlin could not discuss the officers’ requests related to their pay, as that involves collective bargaining agreements with the officers’ union.

he Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has appointed current fleet business manager Daryl Greenlee as the new director of fleet management, succeeding Roy Sanchez, who is retiring after serving in his current position for 34 years. Greenlee and Sanchez will overlap in the position through May 2, 2021. “Roy has an immense amount of institutional knowledge,” said Monroe County Assistant Administrator Kevin Wilson. “The transition Daryl Greenlee is period will the new director allow Roy to of fleet manage- focus on spement for Monroe cial projects County. CONTRIB- that need to UTED be done, as well as share any insight he may have with Daryl.” Greenlee joined Monroe County Roy Sanchez is in 2018 with retiring after 34 more than years of service 30 years of as the county experience fleet management in military director. CON- fleet manTRIBUTED agement. He has a degree in automotive technology and bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is an active participant of the certified automotive fleet manager and certified public fleet professional programs and is currently president of the Florida Association of Governmental Fleet Administrators. — Contributed

BRIEFLY Islamorada holiday office closures Village administrative offices will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day: Founders Park office and the Ron Levy Aquatic Center will close Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. and will be closed on Christmas Day. The park office and aquatic center will reopen on Saturday, Dec. 26 at 10 a.m. The park office and aquatic center are open on New Year’s Day. The following is the holiday schedule for the Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina at Founders Park, including the fuel dock: open Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Christmas Day; open New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed New Year’s Day. There will be no solid waste pickups in Islamorada on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. The regularly scheduled Friday pickups of trash, yard waste and recycling will occur on Saturday, Dec. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 2. Freebee vehicles will not be running on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Volunteer opportunity for tax preparation program United Way of Collier and the Keys is offering a remote volunteer opportunity with the VITA free tax preparation program for households with limited incomes in Collier and Monroe counties. Volunteers will work remotely from home, as IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, with oversight and assistance from the VITA Program Coordinator. Volunteers help fellow residents maximize their tax return so they are better able to provide for their families, thereby making our community more affordable. Bilingual volunteers are especially appreciated. No tax experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn, grow and serve. After attending a free, remote training and passing the online certification, volunteers remotely assist taxpayers prepare and file their taxes, from January to April, using cloudbased IRS software and videoconferencing with clients. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is designed to assist qualified taxpayers with completion of their annual tax returns and to ensure that limited income families receive every available benefit. UWCK offers the VITA program through a grant from Volunteer Florida. For more information about becoming a VITA volunteer, please contact VITA@KeysUnitedWay.org or 305-563-1470.

HEALTH

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

CLINICAL TRIALS FOR COVID-19 TREATMENTS LAUNCH AT MIAMI CANCER INSTITUTE

Orthopedic surgeon Derek Papp gets the COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 16 at the Hilton in Dadeland. Papp is affiliated with Homestead Hospital and Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. CONTRIBUTED

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON ONE OF FIRST IN KEYS TO GET VACCINE Some of the first Pfizer vaccines to protect against COVID-19 were distributed to parts of Florida earlier this week. Among the people to receive a dose during the initial rollout on Dec. 16 was a Keys orthopedic surgeon. Derek Papp has been with Baptist Health South Florida’s hospitals in Homestead and Tavernier for two years. Working in the emergency room and intensive care unit, and conducting surgery on COVID patients throughout, Papp fell into a high-risk category that allowed him to be one of the first health care workers to receive the vaccine. Papp first learned of the vaccine’s availability through communication he received the week before. On Dec. 16, Papp drove up to the Hilton Miami Dadeland, where a conference center was set up for vaccinations. “I picked the first day available because I wanted to get it done and I didn’t want to wait around,” Papp said. “They’re not distributing it to the hospitals. They’re doing it all at one place for doctors and nurses to get vaccinated.” Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization from the Federal Drug Administration on Dec. 11. The vaccine contains a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s mRNA that instructs cells in the body to make the virus’s distinctive “spike” protein. When a person receives this vaccine, their body produces copies of the spike protein, which does not cause disease, but triggers the immune system to learn to react defensively, producing an immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Development of the vaccine happened in less than a year, and clinical trials were able to safely and effectively speed up mobilizing resources and cutting-edge technologies. “The FDA’s authorization for emergency use of the first COVID-19 vaccine is a significant milestone in battling this devastating pandemic that has affected so many families in the United States and around the world,” said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn. Papp said he was excited to obtain the vaccine, as it was a chance to “get some freedom back.” Papp will have to go back in three weeks to get a booster shot.

romising treatments coming from initial emergency and experimental COVID-19 therapies have developed into clinical trials that are launching this month at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida. The institute is leading a trial using mesenchymal stem cells ― cells derived from umbilical cord lining tissue ― for critically ill patients with respiratory failure induced by SARS-CoV-2. It is also the location of the phase 2, BLAZE-4 trial, which continues work on bamlanivimab, a monoclonal antibody recently awarded Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status by the Food and Drug Administration for those with mild COVID-19 symptoms. “It’s exciting to lead these nextgeneration clinical trials,” said Dr. Guenther Koehne, principal investigator, director and chief of stem cell transplantation, hematologic oncology and benign hematology at the Institute. “We have learned much about COVID-19 since the pandemic began last winter and our hope is that these trials will lead to tremendous treatment options for a wide range of patients.” Early in the pandemic, Miami Cancer Institute received single-use emergency approval from the FDA to give mesenchymal stem cells to several COVID-19 patients who were critically ill. The patients recovered. The stem cells aid in healing by regenerating damaged lung tissue. The formal, phase I/IIa trial opening now is for hospitalized patients who are receiving oxygen therapy or who are on ventilation support and are not showing improvement with other therapies. “In our early experience with these umbilical cord lining stem cells, we had very promising results,” Koehne said. “We are very hopeful that the clinical trial will give us evidence that this treatment can save the lives of patients who experience respiratory failure due to COVID-19.” The Florida Department of Health is allocating bamlanivimab for EUA use and Baptist Health has a limited supply. Miami Cancer Institute participated in the monoclonal antibody’s phase 1 study, BLAZE-1, which led to the EUA. Now the institute is enrolling patients in the phase 2 study, BLAZE-4. Bamlanivimab can be given as an IV infusion to COVID-19-positive patients who are not hospitalized and have mild symptoms. It must be administered within 72 hours of a positive test result. It works by prohib-

Dr. Guenther Koehne, chief of Blood & Marrow Transplantation and Hematologic Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute. CONTRIBUTED

iting the virus from anchoring to ACE2 receptors, which are proteins on the surface of many cells that allow the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter and infect cells. In the initial study, it showed a subsequent hospitalization rate of 1.7 percent among those who received the drug versus a 6 percent hospitalization rate among those who received a placebo. The BLAZE-4 trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bamlanivimab (also known as LY3819253) both on its own and in combination with another monoclonal antibody specific to target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to prevent the virus from entering into the epithelial cells (LY3832479). There are five arms to the trial. Arm 1 is a placebo. Arms 2, 3 and 4 consist of bamlanivimab plus a second monoclonal antibody (both given in different dosages). Arm 5 is bamlanivimab alone. “As a physician-scientist, I won’t settle for the standard of care. I am always looking for better. This is a promising step forward,” Koehne said. “We have reached a new level of sophistication ― trying to treat the virus before it makes you really sick.” The first trial showed that bamlanivimab may reduce viral load, symptoms and risk of hospitalizations and emergency room visits associated with COVID-19 and this trial may further improve the outcomes. “Despite the prospect of having COVID-19 vaccines in the future, which are intended to prevent from getting sick, we need to stay focused on the treatment of those individuals that are symptomatic from the virus,” Dr. Koehne added. More information is at baptisthealth.net/cancer-care/clinical. — Contributed

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

HOLIDAYS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

CHRISTMAS WISHES Children outline their wants from Santa

The elves are busy these days up at the North Pole putting final touches on the toys and trinkets for all those good boys and girls. As for Santa, he’s made the list and he’s checking it twice. With Christmas near, students from Ocean Studies Charter School and Treasure Village Montessori School answered some questions from the Upper Keys Weekly for us to relay to Santa. Many, if not all say they’ve been good, Santa. Here’s what they were asked. • What’s on your Christmas wish list this year? • Have you been naughty or nice? If you say nice, tell me something good you did. • If you could talk to Santa, what would you say to him. AVA MARTINEZ Kindergarten An American doll. Nice. I always clean my house. We have clean days on Sundays. I’ve been good this year and I want an American doll.

LIAM WEBB Fourth grade One thing I mostly want is a dirt bike for Christmas or even a regular bike. My bike broke so I really want one. Another thing I want is a beyblade launcher and beyblade. I have been trying really hard to be nice and I’ve been trying to use kind words like sorry. I am trying not to use mean words because me and my brothers get in fights a lot and sometimes I say mean things to them. What one is coldest: North pole or South pole? I would also ask him if Rudolph is a thing or not a thing. Also, how is he able to name off all the reindeer?

WILLIAM FRENCH Kindergarten A stapler. Nice. I love my sister and play with her. I want a stapler for Christmas.

JOSEPH KOLER Second grade Nerf gun, Nintendo, electric scooter and skateboard. Nice. We are going to give someone our Christmas tree that doesn’t have one. I would tell him what I want for Christmas.

MATEO DORTA Third grade I want two planes. I don’t want a toy plane. I want a real plane. I was nice to mom. I was nice to my brother and sister. I want a plane.

NICOLAI MIHALLCIUC Kindergarten A big castle with knights in it. Nice. I helped my sister to clean up her toys. I would want to thank him for the presents.

HOLIDAYS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

“WHEN THE STARS ALIGN...”

STELLA BOALS Kindergarten A bird that wraps his claws around your finger and tweets when you say something. Nice. I helped my daddy. I would say can you please get me a bird that wraps his claws around your finger and tweets when you say something?

VAN CURNETTE First grade Jurassic World Legos. Nice. I listen sometimes. I was naughty and ran out the door and hid by the water. I would thank him for the electric dog gifts. They still work.

TATUM ATTALES Kindergarten A baby bunny and a baby kitty. I want them real. Nice. I’ve been doing all my homework Christmas is a wonderful thing.

CAEDYN PERDOMO Fourth grade I’m into cooking. I’m thinking about cooking stuff that’s easy to create, like a cookie mix. I never had my very own mixer. I think my mom has one but I don’t have one. I think I’m in the middle right now, but mostly nice. I always do chores and I try to do my best. If anything, I would like to see snow. I have never seen snow before. Every year, I’ve seen fake snow. But that’s the only time I’ve seen fake snow. I’ve never made a snowman or snowball at all.

1. Picture of Saturn was taken Aug. 29, 2020. JAY ELLIOTT/Contributed 2. Picture of Jupiter was taken on Apr. 8, 2017. JAY ELLIOTT/Contributed 3. Picture, taken on Dec. 12, 2020, shows Jupiter and Saturn about 1 degree apart. On Dec. 21, they will appear 1/10 of a degree apart. JAY ELLIOTT/Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

e’ve all heard this saying, and the popular adage actually refers to the astrological idea of planetary alignment, the indication that good or bad things might happen. It is often associated with celestial positioning at someone’s birth. The most well-known example is the “Star of Bethlehem,” which, biblical legend has it, graced the night sky and guided the wise men across the desert in the days when Christianity began 20 centuries ago. So, have you been feeling a little more hope lately? Maybe it’s the news of the vaccine or maybe it’s something more? Perhaps, some good planetary juju? In the past few weeks, Jupiter and Saturn moved closer and closer to each other. On Dec. 21, just after sunset, the two planets aligned and appeared as one bright, beautiful star — the Christmas star. Physically, it actually was a planetary “great conjunction,” where Earth moved into a place where Jupiter and Saturn appeared to be aligned, said Keys astronomer Jay Elliott. Jupiter’s 12-year orbit and Saturn’s 29-year one overlapped and actually brought the planets closer together, from our vantage point on Earth. Despite visually coming together in the night sky, the two giant planets remain separated by a vast distance: five astronomical units (AU) — 92 million miles, or the distance of Earth to the sun, Elliott explained. The last time a great conjunction like this happened was in 1283, about 800 years ago, said NASA

solar system ambassador Elizabeth Moore. There was also one in 2000, but it was so close to the sun that we couldn’t see it, she said. “There’s another coming 80 years from now,” Moore told the Keys Weekly. “It’s not like it doesn’t happen, but it is a unique experience because it happened at the winter solstice, which gives us the longest night of the year, and because it (was) close to Christmas.” Many speculated this same conjunction was indeed the “Star of Bethlehem” of biblical fame, due to its brightness. Forbes even called it a “once-in-10-lifetimes” event. “That whole theory, being the possible cause of the ‘Christmas Star’ in the Bible, that’s unique,” Moore expanded. “It’s been a while since a conjunction happened near Christmas and it’s really cool.” Several conjunctions of various planets occurred “within 10 years of the chronological point now taken as the beginning of the Christian era,” the Encyclopaedia Britannica says, adding historical fuel to the speculative fire that Monday’s event might indeed have been special. On the solstice, the two planets appeared just one tenth of a degree apart – about the thickness of a dime held at arm’s length, according to NASA. Their visual proximity made them shine extra bright, just in time for Christmas. Following the conjunction, you’ll still be able to see the planets very close, moving farther from each other each day, Elliott said. So, whether or not you believe this was actually the “star” that graced the Bethlehem sky or just two giant balls of gas that happen to be swinging by to say hi to each other and us, one thing remains true: sometimes it’s nice to believe.

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

SANTA COMES TO TOWN Islamorada Fire Rescue escorts parade

lighted caravan of first responder vehicles escorted Santa and Mrs. Claus' sleigh through neighborhoods from Caloosa Cove Marina to Plantation Shores on Dec. 13. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event sponsored by the Islamorada Firefighters Benevolent Association and Islamorada Fire Rescue kept Santa's sleigh moving and made no stops — the donation truck stopped only briefly to collect toys — and encouraged everyone to refrain from gatherings outside of immediate family. They hope to return to the usual route and stops next year. — Weekly staff report DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly 1. The Santa parade makes its way through Founder's Park. 2. Jake and Meeghan Robinson, with twin boys Hayes and Briggs, 2, in stroller, wave to first responders.

1 3. Donna Ervin waits for Santa. 4. Jan and Joan Sestak donate to Toys for Tots during the event.

SEEN AROUND TOWN

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

Some of the studio owners at Cirque Salon Studios gathered for a holiday photo. CONTRIBUTED

Charlotte MacEachern, left, draws the winning ticket for the Susan Towner Totes raffle prize.

MacEachern, left , owner of Cirque Salon Studios, presents the $800 proceeds to Kate Banick, director of The Good Health Clinic.

CIRQUE SALON’S ‘JINGLE AND MINGLE’ SUPPORTS GOOD HEALTH CLINIC On Dec. 13, Cirque Salon Studios hosted its third annual “Jingle and Mingle” event, a pop-up shop featuring local businesses. This year it was a little different, with vendors setting up outside Cirque Salon Studios on the second floor breezeway. Masks were required and the vendors were spaced out to allow for social distancing. In addition to shopping for holiday gifts, attendees had the chance to bring home one of 26 raffle prizes. This year’s raffle proceeds were $800, all of which was donated to The Good Health Clinic. – Weekly staff report

WE FOUND BUDDY!

BPW NAMES WOMAN, BUSINESS OF THE YEAR On Dec. 13, the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women presented its 2020 Woman of the Year award to Jill Kuehnert and the 2020 Business of the Year award to Cirque Salon Studios of Key Largo. Pictured from left are Suzi Youngberg, BPW president; Kuehnert, of Lucky Fish Scuba; and Whitney MacEachern of Cirque Salon Studios. CONTRIBUTED

or the past few weeks, the Keys Weekly sought nominations for our inaugural Keys Christmas Characters. Thanks to the public, we found our Buddy, Clark Griswold and other holiday notables living throughout the island chain. While we couldn’t stick them all in this week (check the full cast out at www.keysweekly.com) we did want to include this year’s nomination for Buddy the Elf. His name? Devon Pharo, of Islamorada. The nomination was by his significant other, Lynea Wilson. Devon emphatically celebrates every new white hair in his beard because it’s one step closer to his childhood goal: being Santa. His jolly demeanor, keen navigational skills and vast collection of Christmas pajamas are also part of this festive package. The tree was up and decorated Dec. 1, the Christmas village is under construction as I write this, and more than a few cookies will be dipped in milk as he trains this year. — Weekly staff report

KEYS SCENES

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

This year’s Christmas card. TERESA HOLMES/Contributed

It’s not Christmas until Cameron puts up the ol’ Lobster Trap Christmas Tree at Cudjoe Sales Fisherman Warehouse. It’s been a rough year for everyone in the Keys, but the commercial fishermen we support have supported us through it all. This time of year makes me appreciate the people of the Florida Keys, and just how special it is to live here. DENISE ROWLAND/Contributed Enjoying the sun and the season. TAMARA ALVAREZ/Contributed

Dete Israel, left, owner of Salon Dete, and Whitney MacEachern, owner of Cirque Salon Studios of Key Largo, pose for a pre-event photo at the third annual “Jingle and Mingle.” WHITNEY MacEACHERN/Contributed

Maynard the manatee mailbox wishes y’all a safe and merry Christmas. JUDI GORMAN/Contributed Ella likes to make cards for people every year and this year her card to Frank’s Grill pretty much sums up 2020. CATHERINE RENAULD/Contributed

Katie and Chase at the fishing buoy Christmas tree in Historic Seaport Square in Key West. SANDY SCHNEIDER/Contributed

At the Oechsle household in Marathon, tradition is important. For 15 years, Jeni Oechsle has faithfully attended to her advent calendar. Mom Janet says she doesn’t miss a day. JANET OECHSLE/Contributed

A lighthouse at Wahoo’s in Islamorada decked out for the holidays. JO-ANNA MARY/Contributed

Enjoyed our Hanukkah menorah candle lighting tradition, made warmer and brighter by using my childhood menorah from my parents’ home growing up. LYNN DILS/ Contributed

TIFFANY DUONG

tiffany@keysweekly.com

ur theme for JANUARY is FRESH STARTS. January always brings new year’s resolutions, fresh hopes, lots of workout gear purchased with the best intentions, and clearing of bad juju and holiday ham. Send us your favorite interpretation of a fresh start, whether that’s a new haircut, a snapshot of you at the gym, or a picture of you from the first day of work. We’re kicking 2020 way outta here and celebrating all the good things that 2021 has to offer us.

HOLIDAYS AT HOME Photos, captions and photo credit can be emailed to tiffany@keysweekly.com. Rules, schmules • All photos must be original work and feature something in the Keys. • Photos can be images that have been published before. • No third party may own or control any materials the photo contains, and the photo must not infringe upon the trademark, copyright, moral

rights, intellectual rights, or rights of privacy of any entity or person. • Any person agrees, by submitting photos, that photos submitted can be used by the Keys Weekly for any and all purposes, including but not limited to advertising, charity work, sales, future editorial, print in the newspapers or online or on social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and any other social media platforms as may come about.

COMMUNITY NEWS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

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Moms participate in the Upper Keys Big Latch On, August 2019. From Left, Samantha Cockerham, Sara Stanczyk, Stacey Bedford, Jessica Dockery, and Melanie Valle. CONTRIBUTED

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT AVAILABLE AT NO COST

he Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, wants to reassure new and soon-to-be moms and their families in the Florida Keys that there is free breastfeeding support, including in this time of crisis. Exclusive breastfeeding offers nutritional benefits for the baby and benefits for moms. In addition to providing ideal nutrition, six months of exclusive breastfeeding protects against common childhood illnesses and boosts the immune systems of both mother and baby. This is especially important this year in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic. Breastfeeding also improves bonding between mother and baby, decreasing instances of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression. The WHO and CDC recommend that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development, and health. Common barriers to breastfeeding success include lack of education and lack of support. Free resources are offered locally. For example, breastfeeding positions brochures are offered at no cost to new moms and can serve as a simple and useful guide to help moms of newborns with their early breastfeeding experiences. Brochures are provided in English and Spanish. These and other outreach initiatives will be supplemented by existing Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition services and resources, including breastfeeding education and support provided by an internationally board certified lactation consultant, provision of baby beds and pack ’n’ plays through the Keys to Kids Safety program, and close working partnerships with WIC, local hospitals, and medical providers. More information is available from the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition at 305-293-8424 or WIC at the Florida Department of Health at 305-293-7500. — Contributed

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• MM 1 -The Learning Center of Key West, INC 201 TRUMAN AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-292-0440

• MM 48.6 - Stanley Switlik Elementary 3400 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-289-2490

• MM 1.1 -Boys and Girls Clubs of the Keys Area, Inc. 1316 REYNOLDS ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-2258

• MM 49.2 - Grace Jones Community Center, Inc. 230 41st ST. GULF, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-743-6064

• MM 1.2 - Inez Martin Child Care Center 1100 VARELA, KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-809-5055

• MM 49.4 - Kreative Kids Christian Academy 4711 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-743-7165

• MM 1.3 - Montessori Children’s School Of Key West 1221 VARELA, KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-294-5302

• MM 51 - Marathon Lutheran 325 122ND ST, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-735-4762

• MM 1.6 - Horace O’Bryant Elementary 1105 LEON, KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-5628

• MM 51 - Community Cooperative Preschool Inc. 550 122ND ST. OCEAN, MARATHON, FL 33050 • 305-735-4762

• MM 2 - Barbara Alvarez Family Day Care Home x 2689 N. ROOSEVELY BLVD. #4 KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-731-9476

• MM 82.4 - Islamorada Child Care 82681 OVERSEAS HWY, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 • 305-910-7228

• MM 2 - Sunbeam Christian School 1311 5th ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-294-6018 x325 • MM 2.5 - Maria Lamadrid Family Day Care Home 1524 5TH ST. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-294-6311

• MM 86.6 - Treasure Village Montessori Charter 86731 OVERSEAS HWY, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 • 305-852-3482

• MM 2.5 - Moreno Family Day Care Home 1659 REORDAN CT. APT. 4 KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-3247

• MM 87.6 - St. James Children’s Center 87500 OVERSEAS HWY, ISLAMORADA, FL 33036 • 305-852-2161

• MM 2.5 - Key West Preschool Cooperative, Inc. 2610 FLAGLER AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-4749

• MM 89 - Plantation School 100 LAKE ROAD, TAVENIER, FL 33070 • 305-853-3281

• MM 2.7 - Grace Lutheran School 2713 FLAGLER AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-296-8262

• MM 92.9 - Burton Memorial Child Development Center 93001 OVERSEAS HWY, TAVERNIER, FL 33070 • 305-852-0250

• MM 3.2 - Poinciana Elementary School 1407 KENNEDY DR. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-1630

• MM 93.2 - Dolphin Montessori Children’s Inc., South 735 GROUPER LANE, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-453-3787

• MM 3.8 - NAS Child Development Center V-187 ARTHUR SAWYER RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-4498

• MM 98.8 - First Baptist Church, Jack Hill Child Care 99001 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-451-2125

• MM 3.8 - NAS Key West Youth Center V-187 ARTHUR SAWYER RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-2098

• MM 99.8 - Upper Keys YMCA 550 ST CROIX PLACE, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-453-3422

• MM 5 - Gerald Adams Elementary 5855 COLLEGE RD. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-293-1609

• MM 103 - Montessori Academy of the Upper Keys 5 TRANSYLVANIA AVE., KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-451-7077

• MM 5.1 - Lighthouse Christian Academy, Inc. 5580 MACDONALD AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-292-5582

• MM 104.8 - Key Largo School 104801 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-453-1255

• MM 5.2 - Temple Christan Preschool 5727 2ND AVE. KEY WEST, FL 33040 • 305-216-5556 • MM 19.3 - Sugarloaf Elementary 255 CRANE BLVD., SUGARLOAF KEY, FL 33042 • 305-745-3282 • MM 22.9 - Banana Cabanna 22673 PIECES OF EIGHT RD., CUDJOE KEY, FL 33042 • 305-745-1400

• MM 105 - Dolphin Montessori 104960 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-852-2225 • MM 105.5 - St. Justin’s Martyr Preschool 105500 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 • 305-451-6415

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KEYS EATS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

JIM McCARTHY

jim@keysweekly.com

BRINGING THE FIRE Neapolitan wood burning stove brings fun culinary experience at Key Largo’s C&C

Key Largo restaurant and bar at MM 99.2, oceanside, is bringing the fire and fun with its one-of-a-kind Neapolitan wood-burning stove, some fine wines and a rustic, industrial feel inside. C&C Wood Fire Eats owners Mike and Jill Atwell recall their soft opening on July 4, 2016. At the time, they served a large variety of wines, meats and cheeses. The experience was a wine tasting one, with wine racks all around. The concept morphed, however, from inspirations gathered from a trip Mike and Jill took to Italy during Hurricane Irma. Today, true Neapolitan pizza with just four fresh ingredients comes out of the nearly 1,000-degree wood-burning stove. With around 100 selections of wines also come some unique, local favorites many come to enjoy. And no, Mike and Jill say they aren’t an Italian restaurant. “This is our fourth restaurant, our third one in the Keys and second one

Did we mention that C&C has the only Neapolitan wood-burning oven in Key Largo? It’s a real treat. CONTRIBUTED

in Key Largo,” Mike said. “We know our clientele to a point, but we also learned over the years that you’re building something nobody’s seen or had. “It’s not a come have dinner and talk amongst yourselves,” he continued. “It’s loud, it’s dark and it’s a fun, different vibe than people are used to.” Mike and Jill say Hurricane Irma changed a lot of things, including damage to the building’s roof. A former Verizon store and spa, the ripping away of material yielded an interesting discovery: Dade County pine was hiding. “It wasn’t painted or done. It had

Located at MM 99.2, oceanside, C&C is bringing the fire and fun with its one-of-a-kind Neapolitan wood-burning stove, some fine wines and a rustic, industrial feel inside. CONTRIBUTED

a natural look to it,” he said. “It was there the whole time and we never knew. This was built as a restaurant in the early ’50s, and we have some really cool pictures of it.” During their trip to Italy, Mike and Jill were instantly inspired as they enjoyed the cuisine and experience. “We started seeing it firsthand and came up with the wood-fire oven concept,” he said. “It’s something no one else does.” “I think that if we hadn’t put in the wood fire oven last summer, I don’t think we’d still be here,” Jill said. “We wouldn’t have survived through COVID.” Pizza dough and sauce is made

daily with classic fresh toppings and some unique ones to choose from. Patrons who step inside C & C instantly see the only wood-fire pizza oven in town. There’s no gas and no electricity involved; just oak wood and a blazing fire. A variety of pizzas are available, or people can create their own. And yes, they have options for vegans like the vegan mozzarella cheese. “We make about 100 to 110 a day on average,” Mike said. “It’s just really simple. It’s done really clean and traditional. If you go to Italy and any Tuscan village, they treat you like family. It’s the basics. It’s just really great comfort food and it’s done with our little flare.” C & C also does what they call pepperoni chips. Mike says they slice their own pepperoni and cook them on a pizza pan to dehydrate. “It’s like a potato chip, but it’s keto friendly,” he said. Other house eats include wood fire wings, brie fondue that’s bubbly warm with bread and fig, and artichoke casserole. As for pizza, patrons can get the meatball and ricotta, barbecue chicken, prosciutto and blue or a regular pepperoni, to name a few. Cheese boards and salads are also available. For dessert, patrons won’t go wrong with a Key lime custard parfait made with brown butter crumble and custard or the warm and decadent double dark chocolate pistachio brownie. C&C is open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Happy hour goes daily from 4 to 6 p.m. with $4 wine glasses and a pitcher of beer and pizza for $10. More information at candcwoodfiredeats.com.

Along with pizza, C&C also serves up lasagna. CONTRIBUTED

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

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IN THEIR OWN WORDS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

“FIRST STOP, KEY LARGO; NEXT STOP, HOLLYWOOD!” DAN SAFETY MOVIE SHOOT COMES TO THE KEYS

lived in Los Angeles for 15 years and I never stepped foot on a movie set, let alone starred in anything. Recently, though, I found myself in Key Largo, personally scouted for and filming a new safety TIFFANY video for Divers Alert Network (DAN). DUONG Actually, I take that is a self-made back. There was that one mermaid who time years ago when I loves all things accidentally wandered cheesy (romantic into a CSI (Crime Scene and dairy) and thrives in the 3 am Investigation) TV set in hour. She believes downtown L.A. A notin leaving it all on empty body bag lay in the field and has the alleyway that I always never met a (mis) shortcutted through to adventure she didn’t love. get to my building. I saw it and screamed. Heart racing, I backed away, straight into a set hand who tried to assure me everything was okay while holding a half-eaten donut. When the bludgeoned body in the bag sat up due to the commotion, I just about died. Turns out, CSI was filming near to my house, and I had wandered onto the set on break. That was the start and end of my very obscure run in with Hollywood … until now.

About a month ago, several friends reached out to me about a DAN video shoot in the Keys. They were looking specifically for diverse divers to reflect their many offices, including some newly-acquired in the far East. Turns out, it’s all about who you know in this industry — scuba and movies. There aren’t that many Asians in the Keys’ dive community, so I had three different scuba buddies tap me for the role. One gracious friend said they were looking for beautiful Asians to help while another mentioned just being Asian and breathing as the minimum requirements. Either way, I decided this could be my “big (little) break” and a really fun way to contribute to an organization I believe in. DAN is the diving industry’s largest association dedicated to scuba diving safety and a mainstay for watermen and women in the Keys. I’ve been a member since my early dive days, so to be cast in the latest safety video had me “fan-girling,” to say the least. This was the fifth time they tried shooting the video. Wendy Berry, the video’s producer, told me how she and her husband, Ken, the producer and director, tried the shoot twice in California, where they live. Both were canceled due to pandemic shutdowns. Jim Gunderson, DAN’s assistant director of training, suggested the Florida

Keys as an alternate location. The first time they tried to fly out to the Sunshine State, a California wildfire dangerously near the Berrys’ home prevented them from getting their gear or clothes. Our notoriously fickle winter weather (a.k.a. Tropical Storm Eta) put the kibosh on try two. Finally, just before Thanksgiving, the (Hollywood) stars aligned, and we began filming at John D. Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. “I would come back to Key Largo in a heartbeat,” Ken said. “We are very familiar. That’s part of the reason we chose the Keys: we knew what to expect. And, we could use a local videographer and local talent.” The local videographer was none other than Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Frazier Nivens, who knows these waters and the islands’ people as well as he knows the sharks he’s most famous for documenting. The amateur talent was mostly local, including dive instructors from Key Largo and Marathon and regular weekend dive customers from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Oh, and me — little, Asian, breathing, diving me. Shalini Nemani, who works in biotech technology, and Christian Hernandez, who works for an insurance company, drove in from Tampa after hearing the call for more diverse talent. “I’m a big champion for diversity and inclusion, for fostering that sense of be-

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

longing,” Nemani said. “I was happy to join because I want to see more people like me in this field, because it’s truly wonderful.” Nemani detailed how she couldn’t swim last year but is now scuba diving. She’s set her sights on a triathlon in the future. “It’s been a journey in self-discovery. I never realized how much I love the water until I embraced this sport,” she said, donning gloves and her pocket mask to get ready for her next scene. Adam Parks, the aquatic manager at Jacobs Aquatic Center in Key Largo, is also a dive instructor at Nova Southeastern and one of the hired guns. For him, being a part of the videos that he regularly uses to teach made it all worth it. “I can’t wait to teach DFA (Diving First Aid for Professional Rescuers) pro courses at my pool and say, ‘You should watch this guy, see what he says and watch what he does.’ It’ll build my credibility within the class for sure.” Because the video updates DAN’s first aid training, shooting it served as a great safety refresher for essential skills to have around the water. The finished product will be part of the online training curriculum at dan.diverelearning.com as well as part of the DAN courses available in most countries, Gunderson said. Aside from being on-site to properly demonstrate skills like CPR, oxygen administration and first aid for hazardous marine life injuries (read: bites), Gunderson also used “all the tricks” from his years in community theatre to make our falls realistic, our injuries believable and our rescues accurate. He embodied the perfect balance of safety and theatrical danger.

“For me, this isn’t work any more. This is so fun,” he said. “I love this stuff. I’ve won five costume contests. You should see my Halloween decorations.” We learned the recipe for realistic fake blood (half a teaspoon of flour, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, a quarter teaspoon of red food coloring, and one drop of blue food coloring) and that movie-set barf is recreated using oatmeal cookies and orange Gatorade. Hot dogs make for great choking props, and they really do say “Action!” on set. I texted my family pictures of myself with a head injury after purportedly tripping on a rock while walking back to the beach after snorkeling. “Look how real the fake blood is!” I said. “Mom, don’t worry, it is FAKE!,” I was sure to emphasize. Gunderson and the Berrys said I fell very naturally, which didn’t surprise me at all. “I’m really clumsy,” I replied. “I’m just pulling from real life.” My best friend found this hilarious, noting that my “special talents” have finally come in handy and that I was now getting paid for my clumsiness. The entire experience was a blast from start to finish. Many scenes started with jibes like, “Okay, are you gonna choke yet?” when a victim was taking too long to get to the point or questions like “Do you mind going into cardiac arrest for this one? We’re probably going to cut your shirt open.” Local Sarah Abbott, a nurse at Mariners and a longtime Keys diver and kiteboarder, was eager to “get bloody” for a barracuda bite reenactment. Nate Fosness, a local dive instructor, demonstrated how to deploy a tourniquet on Abbott.

“Yes! I get to get bloody this time,” Abbott said. “I’m a nurse. Of course I’m down.” For the Berrys and Gunderson, they “couldn’t be happier” with how the shoot turned out, noting that everyone and everything “exceeded expectations.” The trio and Nivens have all worked together on various dive-related projects before and the Berrys actually met on the set of this same video shoot 15 years ago. Ken smirked, “Typical story: director hires model, falls in love with model.” As the shoot came to a close, I had a feeling that the good-natured atmosphere of the set was not something I would’ve experienced on an L.A. set. It felt like friends hanging out, laughing while painting on fake blood and fake-reviving each other from the brink of heat stroke and near-drowning. Ken affirmed this feeling. He said, “In coming to the Keys to work, the laid back feel translated to how we worked. Everyone came to work and everyone was helpful; nobody was a prima donna. For me as director, the laidback Keys vibe took away some pressure.” As I asked him about the last few days as talent, Hernandez told me, “I thought this could be a fun experience, and it has been. And look, you got my first interview. This will be huge when I’m big in Hollywood.” “Yeah, yeah. Hollywood — Florida!” his friend Nemani didn’t miss a beat. While I won’t be turning in my laptop for an actor’s trailer anytime soon, I’ll leave you with a quote from Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul: “Thank you, Hollywood, for allowing me to be part of your group.” And that’s a wrap.

1. After wrapping each day, the cast and crew got together for a quick picture. CONTRIBUTED 2. Key Largo’s Adam Parks assesses Marathon’s Luke Hutkin for Frazier Nivens’ camera. WENDY BERRY/Contributed 3. Horizon Divers’ regular Tony Wong performs CPR on Christian Hernandez for the camera while Shalini Nemani stands by. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 4. I posed with the model baby that I saved several times using my DAN pocket mask. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly 5. Frazier Nivens films Tavernier’s Nate Fosness applying a tourniquet 6. Director Ken Berry and I made sure to smile for my head-injury-concussion picture to send to my mom. FRAZIER NIVENS/Contributed 7. Director and producer Ken Berry has been shooting DAN videos since 1996. WENDY BERRY/Contributed 8. Turns out, modeling is hard work! Even the dummies were pooped at the end of the day. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly

HINDSIGHT 2020

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

CHARLOTTE TWINE www.keysweekly.com

A TRYING YEAR THROUGH THE WORDS OF LOCALS ‘After the shutdown, it’s been the best summer we ever had’

Editor’s note: A coronavirus pandemic that saw some of the first cases in the Keys in March changed life in ways no one could have imagined. A checkpoint kept visitors away from the island chain for a time, affecting many jobs, from servers to hoteliers. Policies were changed to address coronavirus spread in the community. Ultimately, the Keys reopened to visitors as workers in the tourist industry returned to work. Each week, the Weekly will highlight a local who spent some time to share their 2020 year. This week, Charlotte Twine met up with Cap. Richard Stanczyk, 75, who is a semi-retired captain and owner-operator of Bud n’ Mary’s Marina.

escribe the year 2020 in one word. Different. Can you give an example of the moment you realized that it was “different”? The first introduction I had to this, I was actually working. Our business, a sport fishing marina, has a main office. We have accommodations, offshore charter boats, backcountry guides, tackle stores, a dive shop, fuel, dockage, all that kind of thing. We take deposits on trips. We had a guy call who said he wanted a refund because of the coronavirus. I thought there was something wrong with this guy. I thought he was just trying to get out of a fishing trip. We have a policy about refunds. He was quite upset over that fact. I ended up refunding his deposit. That was the first time I became aware that this had potential. That was my first introduction to COVID or coronavirus or pandemic, whatever you want to call it. Probably in March. What was your worst moment of 2020? It’s not going to be what you want to hear (chuckles). This was absolutely no stress to me. People around me were stressed. Interestingly enough, as COVID shut the Keys, what happened was that I no longer had to deal with the public, and I was able to fish when I wanted to. I had quality time with my family, not having the stress of running the business. This is after 42 years. I had a bit of a cushion. I had less stress about having to worry about 42 boat captains and feeding 15 employees. That would have been my biggest concern. As it turned out, most everybody took advantage of government programs available. Everybody was able to make it to the other side. But maybe we haven’t made it to the other side yet. Everybody’s hoping this vaccine eventually works. … What’s interesting is we had some of the best business we ever had. People wanted to get out of big cities. After the shutdown, it’s been the best summer we ever had. Even now — we’re still going. Traditionally, it’s a slow time. This year it was not the case. The day after Thanksgiving was one of the biggest days we ever had. You couldn’t park on our property.

Do you know anyone who got sick from COVID-19? You’ve seen the movie “Close Encounters”? I’ve heard about a lot of people, but I knew only one in my inner circle. And he got very sick. My brother’s girlfriend’s parents had it. And they got through it with no problem. Fifteen employees and 42 boat captains, 60 families without incident. It doesn’t make sense to me. Do you know anyone who died from COVID-19? No. Did you experience financial stress in 2020 due to the pandemic? I did not feel stressed. I just can’t worry about money. It’s not healthy. And the government handed us a lot of money for payroll protection. That really carried us through. What got you through the challenging year? My boys working 24/7 provided us with a chance to spend quality time together as a family. Do you practice social distancing personally? I try my best. Do you practice social distancing at work? I’m basically the bookkeeper now (laughs). I stay in a little office. I go between my boat, office and condo. I would never go in without wearing a mask. We don’t allow anybody in without a mask in the main office. Do you think the social distancing works? Social distancing is well-advised. Does it work? That’s a hard one. According to professionals I listen to. Did you notice any physical symptoms from stress? I’m a person of faith. I didn’t experience physical symptoms. I have an extended family, and we all provide one another with a lot of support.

Richard Stanczyk, 75, is a semi-retired captain and owneroperator of Bud n’ Mary’s Marina. CONTRIBUTED

What was your best moment of 2020? It just happened a few days ago. My younger son presented me with a little granddaughter. There was a little stress related to this. My daughter-in-law made four runs to Miami, and she was told to turn away and go home. And on the fifth one, she finally had the baby. We were worried she was going to be born early. But she is okay, and she has a full head of hair. And we caught the biggest fish of my life — a 25-pound snook — yesterday. That was a highlight for me. I got to spend a lot of time in the back country during COVID with my son, Capt. Rick Stanczyk, my older boy. Did you gain the “Quarantine 15”? Actually, I did gain weight (laughs). And it’s not easy to lose it when you’re my age. I’m a sugarholic, without question. My favorite thing is cake and Snickers bars. Any further thoughts on 2020? I want to see it in the rearview mirror (laughs). It’s not for me, personally, but I see so many people around me who really are struggling. I’d like to return to some sense of normalcy if that’s possible.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

THE UNPUTDOWNABLES OF 2020

any people have read more books this year than ever before. There are dozens of top seller lists created by publishers, not actual readers, and it can be overwhelming to choose. Let me save you some time! These five picks will keep you up late into the night. These are the books of 2020 that shouldn’t be missed.

THE HENNA ARTIST By Alka Joshi Lakshmi is alone in the city of Jaipur in the 1950s. This simple young woman escaped her arranged marriage and will do anything for a better life and brighter future. Lakshmi is both an artist and a healer. If one good thing came out of her violent marriage, it was her mother-in-law, who taught her the many secrets of natural medicine. This captivating story will take you through the crowded streets of India and the caste system that keeps Lakshmi down. Appreciating every moment of her hard won independence, Lakshmi is thrown for a loop when her former husband reappears and some of the jealous ladies are more concerned with their reputations than the truth. Colorful novel filled with the tastes and traditions of another place in another time.

AMERICAN DIRT By Jeanine Cummins Lydia lives a fairly quiet life in Acapulco, Mexico. She runs a quaint bookstore and adores her husband Sebastian and their young son, Luca. Content with her comfortable routine, Lydia is surprised when an enigmatic stranger befriends her in the bookstore. Javier and Lydia share an unexpected literary and spiritual connection and she treasures both his visits and flattering intellect. As a journalist her husband runs a risky article exposing the local drug cartel that keeps their city steeped in violence and fear. When Lydia accidentally discovers the head of the cartel is her treasured friend Javier, her once peaceful life is ripped to shreds. Fleeing with Luca, Lydia does everything she can to get them out of Mexico. Heart-stopping suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.

THE LAST FLIGHT By Julie Clark Claire married a powerful man, a politician through and through. A whirlwind romance a decade earlier has now become a sham. Rory’s cruel words have become physical and Claire is exhausted. This beautiful independent woman once had a career and good friends, Rory has taken that all away. As she represents the family business, Claire finds herself at JFK airport on another Cook Foundation trip. Last minute changes alter her route and Claire’s meticulously crafted plan to disappear through Canada is upended. When an unexpected opportunity falls at her feet, she cannot resist. She switches places and tickets with a complete stranger, a woman named Eva who also yearns for escape. As this thriller takes off in the most unexpected ways, freedom is just within reach. The question is … for whom?

THE BOYS’ CLUB By Erica Katz Gorgeous, smart, recent Harvard grad Alex Vogel is taking New York by storm. She has just begun a dream job at one of the top law firms in Manhattan and moved into a swanky apartment with her longtime beau. The junior associate class has very few women and none make it into the competitive Mergers and Acquisitions department. Alex, a former athlete, cannot resist going for the gold. As she slowly drowns in the insane work hours, Alex feels an adrenaline rush with every successful deal she helps close, not to mention the unavoidable chemistry with her handsome boss. With all morals out the window, Alex must decide how far she is willing to go down the rabbit hole of Big Law and big bucks to find the truth.

KAREN NEWFIELD

THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE By Abi Dare There is nothing Adunni loves more than going to school. As a 14-year-old girl living in a small village in Nigeria, she dreams of becoming a teacher. When her mama passes away, her father quickly arranges her marriage as third wife to the old man who drives taxis. School is no longer an option and Adunni sees her future slipping away. Surviving verbal and physical abuse, Adunni escapes to the big city of Lagos where she becomes a housemaid. While scrubbing floors with a toothbrush, Adunni decides she must embrace her louding voice. Realizing a slave does not always wear chains, Adunni is desperate to finally be heard. With help from a new friend, she can once again dream of a future. This is a wholly original and deeply moving story of resilience and hope.

... a reader and now a writer, has hundreds of book reviews at: www.readingandeating.com. For questions and comments, email karen@newfield.org.

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• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Destinations located at 99353 Overseas Hwy, Suite 9, Key Largo, FL 33037, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Jaclyn Kelley Publish: December 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers FICTITIOUS NAME NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Lilly & Lola’s Dog:30 located at 1025 White Street, Key West, FL 33040, intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. By: Linda Turek, Managing Sole Member on behalf of Hogan & Budde, LLC, a Florida limited liability company Publish: December 17 & 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Florida Keys Council of the Arts Notice of Upcoming Meetings The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@ keysarts.com Advisor Mentoring Sessions Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 10:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 846 6624 4343 Passcode: 597010 Advisor Mentoring Sessions Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021 5:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 835 0956 5050 Passcode: 128487 Grant Panel Review Session Friday, Jan 8, 2021 1:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 890 8645 1876 Passcode: 816251 Art in Public Places Committee Meeting Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 4:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 815 4103 8618 Passcode: 709868 Board of Directors & Annual Member's Meeting Thursday, Jan 28, 2021 11:00 AM Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 854 4328 6303 Passcode: 899550 Publish: December 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District I Advisory Committee (DAC I) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 13, 2021 regular meeting of the District I Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government

LEGAL NOTICES

Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86702080873 Meeting ID: 867 0208 0873 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +19292056099,, 86702080873# US (New York) +13017158592,, 86702080873# US (Washington, D.C.) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 867 0208 0873 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at Pacini-Maxine@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 8, 2021. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Publish: December 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 885 5117 5219 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at Pacini-Maxine@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 8, 2021. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Publish: December 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 8, 2021. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Publish: December 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District II Advisory Committee (DAC II) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 12, 2021 regular meeting of the District II Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/88551175219 Meeting ID: 885 5117 5219 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +19292056099,, 88551175219# US (New York) +13017158592,, 88551175219# US (Washington, D.C.)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District III Advisory Committee (DAC III) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 13, 2021 regular meeting of the District III Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/85037387393 Meeting ID: 850 3738 7393 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +13126266799,, 85037387393# US (Chicago) +19292056099,, 85037387393# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 850 3738 7393 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at Pacini-Maxine@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 12, 2021 regular meeting of the District IV Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89082675619 Meeting ID: 890 8267 5619 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +19292056099,, 89082675619# US (New York) +13017158592,, 89082675619# US (Washington, D.C.) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 890 8267 5619 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at Pacini-Maxine@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 8, 2021. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired,

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES call “711”. Publish: December 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The District V Advisory Committee (DAC V) of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold a regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via Communications Media Technology using a Zoom webinar platform. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 20-69, Monroe County Emergency Directive 20-06, and the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”) social-distancing guidelines established to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the January 12, 2021 regular meeting of the District V Advisory Committee will be conducted via CMT, using a Zoom Webinar platform. If the Governor issues a subsequent order changing directives for Local Government Public Meetings, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council will provide updates on the County Website at MonroeCounty-FL.Gov. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: By joining the Zoom Meeting via weblink: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/86076498346 Meeting ID: 860 7649 8346 • By joining the Zoom Meeting via one tap mobile: One tap mobile +19292056099,, 86076498346# US (New York) +13017158592,, 86076498346# US (Washington, D.C.) Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 860 7649 8346 Please contact Maxine Pacini or Ammie Machan to submit written information or for additional information by writing MCTDC, 1201 White Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040, by email at Pacini-Maxine@ monroecounty-fl.gov, or by calling (305)296-1552 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Documents must be received no later than Friday 5:00 P.M. on January 8, 2021. All District Advisory Committee Meetings of the Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public and one or more TDC Member or County Commissioners may be in attendance. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. Publish: December 24, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 20-CP-000091-M IN RE: ESTATE OF DIANE MARIE FILETTO, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Diane Marie Filetto, deceased, whose date of death was November 11, 2020, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate

LEGAL NOTICES

Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: December 24, 2020. Personal Representative: Joseph Paul Filetto 7676 Cedar Drive Pasadena, Maryland 21122 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800 E-mail: service@floridakeyslaw. com Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

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 this 3rd day of December, 2020 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Shakia Mitchell Deputy Clerk Publish: December 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2020-DR-628-K Division: Family DANIEL ARIC HYLTON, Petitioner/Husband, and MIROSLAVA PATAKYOVA, Respondent/Wife. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MIROSLAVA PATAKYOVA Last Known Address: 1992 SEIDENBERG AVENUE, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 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 Cynthia F. Civil, Esq., CYNTHIA F. CIVIL, P.A., Attorney for Petitioner, whose address is 5196 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050, on or before January 10, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Family Division, 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: 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.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-CA-208-P NEPTUNE ATLANTIC BOAT LIFTS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, v. CARLOS MICHAEL AGUERA, individually and as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, and ANA C. AGUERA, as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Carlos Michael Aguera, as Co-Trustee of The Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019 20221 SW 48th Place Southwest Ranches, FL 33332 Last Known Address YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a claim of lien on the below described real property in Monroe County, Florida has been filed against you: Lot 33, Port Antigua Plat No. 1, according to the Plat thereof, Recorded in Plat Book 6, Page(s) 13, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Parcel ID 00394486-003300 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Complaint on Plaintiff’s attorneys, John. W. Annesser, Esq., Annesser Armenteros, PLLC, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 625, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 600-7446, service@ aa-firm.com, jannesser@aa-firm. com, mconkey@aa.firm.com and lconley@aa-firm.com, on or before January 18, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint or petition. DATED on December 11, 2020. Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk As Clerk of the Court By: Riza Tabag As Deputy Clerk Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 and January 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-CA-208-P NEPTUNE ATLANTIC BOAT LIFTS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, v.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

BOATS FOR SALE

EMPLOYMENT

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

CARLOS MICHAEL AGUERA, individually and as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, and ANA C. AGUERA, as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Carlos Michael Aguera, Individually 20221 SW 48th Place Southwest Ranches, FL 33332 Last Known Address YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a claim of lien on the below described real property in Monroe County, Florida has been filed against you: Lot 33, Port Antigua Plat No. 1, according to the Plat thereof, Recorded in Plat Book 6, Page(s) 13, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Parcel ID 00394486-003300 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Complaint on Plaintiff’s attorneys, John. W. Annesser, Esq., Annesser Armenteros, PLLC, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 625, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 600-7446, service@ aa-firm.com, jannesser@aa-firm. com, mconkey@aa.firm.com and lconley@aa-firm.com, on or before January 18, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint or petition. DATED on December 11, 2020. Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk As Clerk of the Court By: Riza Tabag As Deputy Clerk Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 and January 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

service on Plaintiff’s attorneys or immediately thereafter, otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint or petition. DATED on December 11, 2020. Kevin Madok, CPA, Clerk As Clerk of the Court By: Riza Tabag As Deputy Clerk Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 and January 7 & 14, 2021 The Weekly Newspapers

1997 Grady White 209 Escape 21’ center console. New custom T-top, new rub rails. Brand new electronics and switches. 2 stroke Mercury outboard. $15,000 OBO Located in Marathon. Call 305-481-1463

City of Marathon - Job O p e n i n g : Street Maintenance. EOE, FULL BENEFITS www.ci.marathon.fl.us

PRIVATE COLLECTOR WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & W a t c h e s . Call 305-743-4578

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 20-CA-208-P NEPTUNE ATLANTIC BOAT LIFTS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, v. CARLOS MICHAEL AGUERA, individually and as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, and ANA C. AGUERA, as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION TO: Ana C. Aguera, as Co-Trustee of the Carlos and Ana Aguera Revocable Trust Dated February 6, 2019 20221 SW 48th Place Southwest Ranches, FL 33332 Last Known Address YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a claim of lien on the below described real property in Monroe County, Florida has been filed against you: Lot 33, Port Antigua Plat No. 1, according to the Plat thereof, Recorded in Plat Book 6, Page(s) 13, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida Parcel ID 00394486-003300 You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the Complaint on Plaintiff’s attorneys, John. W. Annesser, Esq., Annesser Armenteros, PLLC, 2525 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 625, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, (786) 600-7446, service@ aa-firm.com, jannesser@aa-firm. com, mconkey@aa.firm.com and lconley@aa-firm.com, on or before January 18, 2021, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 20-CA-000247-K DIVISION: Civil Beach House Condominium Association of Key West, Inc., a nonprofit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida, Plaintiff, vs. Pamela Loriene Hutchinson, et al. Defendants. Notice of Sale as to Count(s) I Notice is hereby given that on January 13, 2021 at 11:00AM, the below named Clerk of Court will, at 500 Whitehead Street, Monroe County, in the City of Key West, Florida, offer for sale and sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for CASH the following described Timeshare Ownership Interest: Unit B34, Week 37, Beach House, 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”). (Contract No.: 3-9855) Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from this sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. The sale is being held pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, entered on December 10, 2020, in Civil Case No. 20-CA-000257-K, pending in the Circuit Court in Monroe County, Florida. KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Shonta McLeod Deputy Clerk Publish: December 24 & 31, 2020 The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS! Junk or Used. Cars - Vans - TrucksRunning or Not. $CASH$ 305-332-0483

AUTOS FOR SALE 2001 XK8 Jaguar Red Convertible. 74k miles. Excellent condition. Located in Upper Keys. $6,000 Call 305-766-6804 SOLD IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! Place your Car For Sale ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Car!

BOATS FOR SALE

Place your Boat For Sale ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and Sell Your Boat!

Come Join Our Family and Have Fun At Work! Hiring: Host, Hostess & Servers Full &/or part-time. AM & PM Shifts. Apply in person at Castaway Restaurant, end of 15th Street, Oceanside, Marathon or email: lobstercrawl@gmail.com.

EMPLOYMENT CDL Driver needed. Minimum 2 years experience. Call 305-2486149 to apply. CEI Inspector needed in Marathon, FL. Fulltime position. Must have high school diploma or equivalent and valid driver’s license. Relevant construction experience is a plus. Email resume to: Pom.Chak k aphak@wsp. com Serve/Bartend on the ocean FT/PT Ocean front private swim club is seeking customer service oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 10am-7pm daily. Full time/Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at Cabana Club, 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call April (305) 393-0631. Keys Fisheries looking to hire Process Foods Manager, pie makers, process food workers, lobster processors and forklift driver to expand the production of the products that we are now selling to various large supermarkets. These positions will be full time and be eligible for a benefits package. Apply within at 3390 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon Boat rental company in Marathon needs mechanic with knowledge of outboard motors Call 305-481-7006

Place your Employment ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and get the job filled! Bridge Operator position available in the Snake Creek Drawbridge, located in Islamorada. Paid training will be provided. Payrate: $10.50/hr. Email resume to jschultz@ fdi.team or call Jeff Schultz at 708-214-0311. HIRED TWO NEW EMPLOYEES thanks to advertising in the Keys Weekly Newspapers!! Looking for a daycare teacher. Will get trained and certified through the daycare if needed. MonFri Full time position avail. Contact Banana Cabana Academy at banana. cabana@att.net with resume or call 305-745-1400 to schedule an interview. HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!! Digital Marketing Consultant needed. Great growth opportunities. Will train right person. Key West Office, more at TwoOceansDigital.com/ jobs HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!! Part-time clerical help needed in Marathon. 24 hrs per week. Filing, Customer Service, some computer work. Email: dbabbe@ a cc u rate e l e vato r s. co m HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!

HOUSING FOR RENT Place your Home For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/ week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and rent your house! Trailer For Rent - 1BR/1BA 28' trailer w/slide-out. $1,200/month F/L/$600 security. Includes parking, Wi-Fi, Direct TV, water & garbage, you pay electric. No pets. No smoking. Background check required. Come in person to view property Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. 2525 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 RENTED IN LESS THAN THREE WEEKS!!! Long-term, 2BR/2BA Condo in Key Colony Beach. Furnished, screened patio, includes water, sewer, basic cable and ocean accessibility. $2,000/ month Call 716-913-3576 RENTED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!

OFFICE SPACE Beautiful Office Space available for rent now on US1 in Tavernier @ MM92. Call 305-394-0530

NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED PLUMBER

Service area Key Largo – Marathon Driver’s License required. Benefits included.

305-906-1384

License # CFC057294

NOW HIRING! Part Time Maintenance Housekeepers for Saturday and some Sunday Call 305-587-0359 to apply.

Place your Office Space For Rent ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and rent your space!

YARD SALES Place your Yard Sale ad here. Only $25.00/week for up to five lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today and get your stuff sold!

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon Immediate openings: full and part-time Educational Program Guides/Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $12.00/hour to start Send resume to: turtlehosp@aol.com

Absolute Auction

Warehouse Blow-Out Sale Tuesday December 29th @ 11AM Inspection begins @ 9AM morning of sale 2171 N Dixie Hwy., Pompano Beach, FL 33060 3,000+ Bottles of Liquor, Wine & Beer, True Keg Cooler, 36” Curved Deli Case, Delfield 60” Sandwich Prep Table, 48” Victory Sandwich Prep Table, 72” Sandwich Prep Table, S/S 1,2 & 3 Door Coolers, Imperial Fryers, 6 Burner Range, 36” – 48” Char-Broilers, Traulsen Revolving Pie Case, 5’ Open Display Cooler, Blodgett Double Stack Convection Oven, Hickory Rotisserie, Deluxe Convection Oven, Glass Door Freezer, Ice Merchandiser, Under Counter Cooler, Under Counter Freezer, Ice Cream Cabinet, Holding Cabinet, Bakers Pride Double Stack Pizza Oven, Vulcan Upright Broiler, Small Wares & MORE..

Toby Neverett Auctioneers www.neverettauctions.com 561-706-7218 * au872 ab628

FLORIDA KEYS DIESEL - MARATHON

NOW HIRING: Diesel Technician position available.

Competitive compensation package. Experience in the marine field preferred but not necessary. Experience with Caterpillar and Cummins Marine Engines a plus.

Diesel Mechanic Assistant position available.

Looking for a motivated candidate willing to learn a new trade or expand current skills. Company willing to train. Qualified applicants please call 305-289-2070 or email resume to neil@allkeysdiesel.com . Drug Free and valid Drivers License a must.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 Dynasty Marine Associates, Inc.

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

NOW HIRING

IS HIRING!

RESTAURANT HOST

Behavioral Health Counselor Client Advocate

SERVERS BARTENDERS FOOD RUNNER PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT LAUNDRY ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANTS BELLMEN LINE COOK SOUS CHEF BAKER APPLY AT: bungalowskeylargo.com/careers

KEY LARGO KEY WEST

Prevention Specialist Case Manager (Forensic, Adult) Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Counselor (Children) Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult) FL LCSW,LMHC, LMFT Engagement Specialist (Suicide Prevention) Crisis Counselor

MARATHON

Behavioral Health Counselor Care Coordinator Behavioral Health Therapist (Children) RNs and LPNs (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) Peer Support Specialist Drop In Technician (PT) Driver (CDL preferred) *Assisted Living Direct Care Worker (PT/FT) *Behavioral Health Technicians (3 shifts) (PT/FT & per diem) *Night Monitor (FREE HOUSING!!!!) *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!

Background and drug screen req. Bungalows Key Largo is an EOE

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

www.dynastymarine.net Located in the Florida Keys, is a highly-respected supplier of Caribbean marine life to public aquariums and zoos throughout the world.

FRONT OFFICE ASSISTANT/LOGISTICS Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, booking airline shipments, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments. Must be proficient in Microsoft word, outlook, and excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Compensation will be dependent on experience with performance-based incentive program. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring Do you love dolphins, being outdoors and taking photographs? We have the job for you! Dolphin Research Center has full-time openings for Visual Communications Staff Members (Permanent & Seasonal opportunities available). Applicants should be familiar with digital photography/videography. Benefits include medical, life, disability insurance, 401(k), paid vacation, sick & holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. E-mail cover letter, DRC application and your resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

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

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED! Monroe County School District

Salary $17.15 – $24.15/hour Key West, Sugarloaf, Marathon and Upper Keys (4 work locations) 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

NOW HIRING

Marathon, Big Pine Key & Stock Island Locations

READY FOR A CHANGE? A NEW CAREER AWAITS IN AN ESTABLISHED COMPANY.

$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.

$50,000 salary plus commission and benefits for qualified candidates. Send your confidential resume to britt@keysweekly.com.

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

LET’S DO BUSINESS - 305.363.2957 y’s www.KeysSlidingGlassDoorRepair.com d n A Sliding Glass Door Repair Roller Maintenance Track Maintenance Door Alignment Security Pins Safety Locks Handles

Licensed & Insured #SP33799

ALL KEYS GLASS

We Also Repair & Replace Patio Door Screens

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Windows • Doors

Authorized Dealer

305-743-7800

305-998-8953 Insured • Professional • Reliable

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

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

Key West 305-292-2666

MARATHON

305-743-0506

KEY LARGO

305-852-5356

rainsavergutters@gmail.com

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

Florida Solar Contractor CVC 56734

When It Rains It Pours!

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

FRESH FLORIDA LOBSTERS FROM THE NICHOLS CREW DIRECT TO YOU

MM63 -MM74 | 305.393.1415

LIVE $10.00 A POUND TAILS $10.00 EACH

STONE CRABS ON REQUEST

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

for a FREE Consultation

Brian Tewes

Customer service is my strength Brian@tewesmortgage.com

NMLS# 375025 Tewes Mortgage NMLS# 1453791 NMLSConsumerAccess.org

www.TewesMortgage.com

Sportfishing Adventures

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

info@johnnymaddoxcharters.com

Serving Monroe, Dade & Broward Including Airports & Ports. SUV, Van & Limousine options available Call us for special events.

Serving Key Largo to Key West

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

305-743-7454

fkes2011@gmail.com floridakeysexpressshuttle.com

Will Campbell President

305-481-3259

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

The Weekly Newspapers www.KeysWeekly.com

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

Only $50 Puts Your Business Card Here

305-743-0844

Licensed & Insured Contractor # CACO53827

ARTIC TEMP, INC. Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

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

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

Lic#SP-3562

Fax: (305) 743-6887

We Do Installations! Licensed & Insured

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

289-3019

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

HOME Is More Important Than Ever

Locally owned and operated family business for over 60 years.

Whether searching for that perfect piece of furniture, ready to remodel or looking to design your dream home— D’Asign Source knows what it takes to design, build, finish and furnish your space. Inside and out.

Happy Holidays YOUR NEXT COSMETIC $50 ONAPPOINTMENT WHEN YOU OFF MENTION THIS AD

Architecture • Construction • Landscapes Interior Design • Furniture Local, Fully Licensed #CGC026675, #AA26001284, #B26000844, #LA6667217

Home Decor & More!

11500 Overseas Hwy, Marathon | MM 53 | 305-743-7130 | DAsignSource.com

UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / DECEMBER 24, 2020

K. Shylon Martin, Advisor (305) 766-3074

Carlos Gonzalez, Advisor (407) 902-8573

Jeanne, Hall Advisor

Alberto Martinez, Advisor

(305) 803-5220

(305) 766-6679

Bailey Vonnegut, Advisor (828) 638-1563

Jae Jans, Advisor-

Martha Carter, Advisor (305) 522-0188

Corie Abel, Advisor (305) 393-6864

Joani Towe, Advisor

Sol Bradman, Advisor

(305) 432-1299 - (305) 302-2790

(305) 393-2752

Nancy Hershoff, Advisor (305) 393-4061

Jonelle Kop, Advisor (305) 942-4339

Jennifer Helland, Advisor (305) 942-3604

As a unique global real estate brand, Engel & Vรถlkers has an unmatched global reach, world-class marketing, elite technology platforms; all consistently delivered to our customers. And we are not slowing down.

90773 Overseas Highway, Suite 5, Tavernier, Florida 33037 | 305.587.3663