Upper Keys Weekly 24-0229

Have your dream and live it, too.

Open bayront CBS residence with concrete roof. Enjoy the privacy of this bay front home with 6 ft of controlling depth for larger boats and a rare tiki hut on the end of the dock. This home is timeless and classic, recently painted and renovated, with neutral tones throughout, creating a serene canvas for the perfect beach house, vacation rental, or permanent residence. New landscaping in 2024. Offering four bedrooms and three bathrooms in over 3,300 sq ft of living space with wood tile flooring and custom lighting throughout. The kitchen is appointed with granite countertops, antique white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The interior staircase leads to the lower living level, where you will find two additional bedrooms, one bathroom, living space, a utility/ tackle room, and a covered porch with a private entrance. Composite wood deck on outdoor patios and dock. Rare deepwater dockage offering 8 ft of controlling depth in the channel and 6 ft at the L-shaped dock complete with davits, a 3,000 pound boat lift for jet skis and room to add another boat lift. Ocean access via Adams Cut or Jewfish Creek. Plenty of room for a pool and summer kitchen! Owner financing is available.

89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2 Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

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$13,000

A proof copy of the first Harry Potter novel — once bought for a few pennies at a shop south of London — recently sold at auction for a whopping 11,000 pounds, or $13,000. According to The Associated Press, the seller, who was unidentified, picked up the book in 1997 as a “throw-in” with other books she bought.

HERTZ SLAMS BRAKES ON LOCAL THRIFTY CAR RENTAL COMPANY

Business will close March 16

Tavernier’s Thrifty Car Rental company will close its doors for good on March 16. The local independent Thrifty operator was recently informed that their agreement to run the rental car location is coming to an end.

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL

www.keysweekly.com

Mary Navarrete and her family have been running the Thrifty car rental business in Tavernier for the last 30 years. Imagine her dismay when Hertz, Thrifty’s parent company, recently informed her, via email, that her store was being shuttered for good.

“They advised us on the 16th of February that our office is no longer profitable to them and they were closing it in 30 days,” Navarette said. “So March 16 is our last day.”

And there’s more. Roughly 100 Thrifty customers with existing reservations could find themselves hoofing it during one of the busiest times of the year.

“Then they threw a zinger that they won’t bring me down any cars. I have reservations. It’s prime season right now,” said a visibly shaken Navarrete.

Local customers like Lissy Fernandez say the small Thrifty car rental office in Tavernier at MM 91 fills a large community need.

a Thrifty

for 30 years. As of March 16, she and other family members

work at the Tavernier business will be unemployed.

“With her leaving, there’s not another place we can rent a vehicle,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez is a Key Largo resident and rents cars every month or so to take her 80-year-old mother to Fort Myers to visit family members. Fernandez’s mother has cancer and also goes to the west coast of Florida for doctor’s appointments and second opinions.

“I have to travel a lot with my mom up to Fort Myers and my car is old,” added Fernandez.

Not only does the Thrifty closure create headaches for residents, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce Director Judy Hull said tourists in need of transportation will also suffer.

“Thrifty has been an integral part of our business community for more than 30 years. We are very sad to see them go,” Hull said. “Our tourism economy is very much fly/drive. Return visitors and ‘snowbirds’ have been counting on Mary Navarrete and her local’s touch to take care of their transportation needs year after year. We have noticed it is becoming increasingly difficult to find transportation to and from the Miami airport

and this could make matters much more difficult,” added Hull.

Navarrete says her hands are tied because when it comes to the business arrangement, parent company Hertz is in the driver’s seat.

“They provided the cars and we followed their guidelines and rules,” said Navarrete, of the working relationship that lasted decades.

“We’ve made them tons of money and filled a community need,” she added.

Navarette’s family is an independent Thrifty operator. They manage the office and work strictly on a commission basis.

The closure stings.

Several of Navarrete’s family members work at the business, including her brother, son and daughter, who has four children, two with special needs.

“It’s mind-boggling; it’s just a mess. We’re all unemployed as of the 16th,” lamented Navarrete.

Keys Weekly reached out to Thrifty’s parent company Hertz for a comment on the closure of the Tavernier store. No response was received as of press time.

Mary Navarrete’s family has been

independent operator

who

Key Largo resident Lissy Fernandez has been a Tavernier Thrifty car rental customer for two years. Every month Fernandez rents a car to drive her cancer-stricken elderly mother to Fort Myers to visit doctors and family members.

Paige Keil, left, Mike Forster’s niece, and husband Asher Burris inside Mangrove Mike’s Restaurant, which they now own. Inset: Foster at their wedding. CONTRIBUTED

SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR MINORS GOES TO GOVERNOR’S DESK

Bill has faced backlash for lacking parental choice

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Florida lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk last week that, if signed, would ban minors from having certain social media accounts.

On Feb. 22, the Florida Senate voted 23-14 to prohibit kids under 16 from accessing any social media platforms which allow them to upload content or view the activity from others. Members of the Florida House followed the Senate by voting 108-7 on House Bill 1. Legislation now goes before DeSantis to sign or veto — that decision will be made before the end of legislative session on Friday, March 8.

Uncertainty remains whether the governor will sign legislation after publicly acknowledging concerns over the proposal, specifically the lack of parental involvement in the decision to keep their minors off platforms. The proposal could also face legal challenges, DeSantis said.

“I don’t think it’s there yet, but I hope we can get there in a way that answers parents’ concerns,” DeSantis said at an Orlando news conference before the bill passed through the legislature.

The legislation doesn’t identify specific social media platforms, like Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram, which minors would be barred from accessing from their phones, tablets or other devices. Language within the bill, however, bans minors from platforms that track user activity and utilize addictive and deceptive design features which “cause excessive and compulsive use.”

Minors would still be able to access websites and applications mostly used for e-mailing, direct messaging, streaming shows, reading news, sports and entertainment and interactive gaming, to name a few.

Legislation would force social media platforms to use age verification methods to ensure users are 16 and older when they create new accounts. Any account held by a minor must be terminated by the social media platform — fines are in place for noncompliance. A social media platform would also be forced to delete an account if a person fails to verify their ages. Verification of a person’s age would be conducted by a nongovernmental, independent third party that’s not affiliated with the social media platform.

House Speaker Paul Renner and other supporters point to the harmful effects of social media platforms on a youth’s well-being as the impetus behind the bill. They’ve also highlighted rising suicide rates among children, cyberbullying and predators on social media.

Renner said he believes DeSantis will sign the legislation after addressing issues with user anonymity.

“We made changes throughout the process that I believe make this bill not only the strongest in the nation but also one that will pass constitutional muster,” Renner said following the bill’s passage on Feb. 22.

Opponents, however, believe parents should have the ultimate decision in keeping their children off social media. Sen. Jason Pizzo, a Democrat from Sunny Isles Beach, said he believes there’s a “bundle and basket” of rights for kids that should be abridged by parents or guardians, not the state.

“You know what parents need to do if we are going to sit here and tell parents what they should and shouldn’t do with their families? Put your phones down. Have a conservation with your kid,” he said.

Representatives for the Florida Keys, state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez and state Rep. Jim Mooney, voted in favor of House Bill 1. Mooney, a Republican who represents the Keys, was one of 26 bill co-sponsors, which included Republicans and Democrats. Mooney alluded to Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner’s stories of kids committing suicide due to cyberbullying as one of the reasons strong action needs to be taken. Rayner was also a bill co-sponsor.

“The number of kids committing suicide because of cyberbullying … it’s truly frightening,” Mooney previously told Keys Weekly.

Sen. Erin Grall, Republican from Vero Beach, said social media platforms have been deliberately designed to hold users’ attention for as long as possible and take advantage of vulnerabilities, such as a child’s desire for validation or fear of rejection.

“In fact, the power of the industry is so strong that they can work around parents, regardless of any boundaries that parents personally place on their children’s use of social media,” she said.

If signed by the governor, the bill would take effect July 1.

FLORIDIANS MAY VOTE TO PROTECT ABORTION RIGHTS ON NOV. 5

State’s top court now must approve ballot wording for Amendment 4

A campaign to protect a woman’s right to have an abortion has gathered more than enough signatures to appear on the Florida ballot on Nov. 5, provided the state supreme court approves the wording. CONTRIBUTED

Florida voters could have the chance on Nov. 5 to protect a woman’s right to have an abortion by approving a change, or amendment, to the state constitution.

A statewide campaign led by Floridians Protecting Freedom spent nearly a year gathering the required number of valid signatures, which is the first step to changing the Florida Constitution. If enough signatures are collected to show support for a proposed change, then it can be added to an upcoming state election ballot.

Floridians Protecting Freedom collected 996,512 signatures — more than 100,000 above the 891,523 that were needed by Feb. 1.

Now what?

The Florida Supreme Court, which has gotten increasingly conservative since Gov, Ron DeSantis appointed most of the justices, must determine whether the proposed wording of the ballot language “describes the chief purpose of the amendment or revision in clear and unambiguous language” and addresses a single subject, according to the Florida Constitution.

The justices are not supposed to consider the merits of the case or the proposal, just the proposed ballot wording.

The state Supreme Court on Feb. 7 heard arguments from both sides of the issue — Floridians Protecting Freedom and Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who opposes abortion.

The court’s ruling on the Amendment 4 ballot initiative is due by April 1.

If approved, then all Florida voters will be asked whether they support the following amendment to the state constitution: “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”

Florida lawmakers passed a bill on Feb. 22 that would ban minors from accessing social media platforms. PIXABAY

VENDORS, BOATS & SCHOLARSHIPS

Rotary’s Gigantic Nautical Market sees thousands of visitors

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Visitors and local residents wandered through the 300-plus vendor tents at Founders Park, all while enjoying a cold beverage or bloody mary and some food truck fare at the 29th annual Gigantic Nautical Market at Founders Park in Islamorada on Feb. 24-25. Organized by the Upper Keys Rotary Club, the two-day shopping event raises more than $200,000 in scholarships for Coral Shores graduates, college students and those in technical school. Patrons bought everything from fishing rods and anchors to fishing apparel and local art at the shopping extravaganza. Attendees also viewed some of the top boats on the market. An army of volunteers, from local Rotarians to high school students, welcomed and helped thousands of visitors during the two days.

1. Holding bags, Coral Shores High School students await event patrons at the entrance. 2. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and Islamorada resident Jimmy Johnson walks through the vendor aisle inside Founders Park. 3. Young employees with Lobster Slapper. 4. Captain, a blind golden retriever, attends the Gigantic Nautical Market with his owner. 5. Upper Keys Rotarian Richard Engel guides motorists to handicapped parking. 6. The massive shopping event couldn’t go on without the many people working behind the scenes — these two especially. Pictured are Frank Derfler, Upper Keys Rotary Club president, and Maria Jones, Upper Keys Rotarian and vendor organizer. 7. Keys Weekly’s Jill Miranda Baker, an Upper Keys Rotarian, transports student volunteers. 8. Visitors stroll between vendor tents and a line of boats from local shops.

Photos by JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly Full gallery at keysweekly.com.

KEY WEST AMPHITHEATER MARCH 15TH

KEY WEST AMPHITHEATER APRIL 12TH

KEY WEST AMPHITHEATER MARCH 16TH

KEY WEST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

DEAD SAWFISH, ABNORMAL FISH BEHAVIOR REPORTED IN LOWER KEYS

Feds offer $20K reward after sawfish was found missing its rostrum

Unexplained deaths of the already endangered sawfish. Various fish species swimming upside down in circles. A dead sawfish found missing its rostrum, more commonly known as its namesake saw.

The Florida Keys, famous for world-class fishing and breathtaking water views, now have unusually troubled waters and a mystery to solve.

Since November 2023, 17 smalltooth sawfish have turned up dead in the Lower Keys, with seven or so found in the last two months, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

About 100 reports of abnormal behavior in fish species, from sawfish to mutton snapper, have been logged, FWC Officer Liam Rodriguez told Keys Weekly on Feb. 27.

“All the marine institutes are working together to see if they can figure it out,” Rodriguez said. “Right now, there’s no cause of death.”

No virus, parasites or organ abnormalities were found in fish samples that were examined, according to the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT). No red tide was found in water samples, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection did not detect common contaminants.

The toxin behind ciguatera has been found in some water samples taken from where the abnormal behavior occurred, Rodriguez said.

But that’s the most common marine toxin disease worldwide, particularly in Florida and the Caribbean. Ciguatera causes fish poisoning in humans and is why people are warned against eating certain fish, like barracuda.

Researchers continue to collect clues about this problematic Keys fish case.

FWC has a special sawfish hotline for people to report sawfish problems: 1-844-472-9374, and also the email address sawfish@myfwc.com.

People have posted videos on social media showing sawfish struggling in the water. Some have called FWC for help. That’s all they can do when it comes to endangered sawfish, Rodriguez said.

“The best thing they can do is call the hotline and let us know,” Rodriguez said. “We’ll come over and we’ll contact our biologists, our researchers and let them know what the behavior is.”

FWC asks people not to interact with sawfish.

“Sometimes if you try to do good, you’ll probably do harm,” Rodriguez said.

“Even those of us in law enforcement, we

don’t come in and grab the fish. First thing we do is contact the biologist and tell them, ‘This is what we have.’ They tell us what to do and what not to do.”

‘Spinning’ fish reported

While sawfish have been found in peril, fishing guides have also reported seeing a host of other species swimming upside down in repeated circles, a behavior commonly called “the spins.”

Since Nov. 7, 2023, 57 reports of fish in distress have come into the BTT and the Lower Keys Guides Association (LKGA).

The spinning behavior happens when fish lose equilibrium, many times after a stressful incident, according to a statement BTT posted online on Feb. 23.

From November 2023 to now, fish stuck in the spins have been consistently spotted, more often at night. The behavior has appeared in 25 species, including tarpon, permit, snook, pinfish, ballyhoo, yellow jack, blue runner, mutton snapper and mangrove snapper.

About 77% of the reports happened between Bogie Channel and Bow Channel in the Lower Keys. Recently, spinning fish reports are coming from west of Bow Channel and Key West. Three reports of the same behavior were reported off Miami, north of Biscayne National Park.

A team of researchers from Florida International University, the University of South Alabama, Florida Gulf Coast University, DEP and FWC began a study in January to find out what’s behind the sawfish deaths and the spinning fish.

Having ruled out red tide and parasites, the study so far hasn’t determined a cause for the deaths or abnormal fish behavior.

But they have discussed findings of a microalgae called gambierdiscus, which produces the toxin that results in ciguatera poisoning in humans.

“At this time, it is unknown whether the co-occurrence of symptomatic fish and elevated concentrations of gambierdiscus are resulting in these fish exhibiting symptoms,” BTT said.

“It is also unknown if this variant of gambierdiscus is producing cytotoxin that moves up the food web, produces any toxin, or produces a toxin that only affects fish through gill absorption.”

Feds investigate mutilated sawfish

On Jan. 31, federal wildlife officers responded to reports of an unhealthy-looking sawfish that was struggling to swim and then beached itself on a sandbar.

When officers found the sawfish, on a shallow flat oceanside of Geiger Key, the fish was missing its saw-shaped snout, or rostrum.

“We’re not sure if the rostrum was removed before or after the sawfish died, but since it’s an endangered species it’s illegal regardless,” NOAA Fisheries said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In a statement posted Feb. 22, NOAA Fisheries officials said they believe the rostrum was removed between the evening of Jan. 30 and the following morning.

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement said on Feb. 22 it’s offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads to a criminal conviction or a civil penalty of whoever injured or mutilated the sawfish.

The NOAA hotline is 1-800-853-1964. People may remain anonymous but to be eligible for a reward, you must leave your name and contact information.

Smalltooth sawfish are protected under the Endangered Species Act, so it’s illegal to catch, harm, harass or kill one. It’s also illegal to possess, sell or carry sawfish or parts of them – such as the rostrum.

The Florida Keys are home to the endangered smalltooth sawfish, which can grow to 18 feet in length. NOAA FISHERIES/Contributed

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

YACHT BREAKS LOOSE IN ISLAMORADA

Vessel grounded near small rental property

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Islamorada property owner Bob

Di Loreto couldn’t believe his eyes when he peered out at the Florida Bay around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 18. Sitting near his docks was a yacht that broke loose from its mooring due to a storm the day before.

Di Loreto’s Little Bay property is home to three rental units which offer breathtaking views of Florida Bay. Glimpses of the water and the backcountry were slightly hindered by a 95-foot motor yacht for the last week. The boat was moored roughly three-quarters of a mile from his bayside property. Di Loreto said he heard from the owners of the yacht after it broke loose. Marine crews have tried to free the vessel for the past week.

COUNTY PARTNERS WITH HABITAT ON HOUSING PROJECTS

On Feb. 21, the Monroe County Land Authority governing board approved the purchase of new sites to redevelop affordable homeownership units in Tavernier and Key Largo.

The county will own and lease the sites to Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys to redevelop them, consistent with the neighborhood character.

“This assures long-term affordability in perpetuity,” said David Rice, Monroe County Land Authority chairman and county commissioner.

One of the projects is near MM 92 in Tavernier. The site will be redeveloped into six new affordable units to replace dilapidated trailers that previously occupied the property. The second two sites are in Key Largo on Hibiscus Lane near MM 101, where two replacement homes will be constructed.

“I am very excited about this project since sites appropriate for the development of affordable housing are hard to find in the Upper Keys,” said Christine Hurley, Monroe County Land

Authority executive director. “The land authority can buy land for affordable housing without established, protected habitat, so finding sites with previous development, ready for redevelopment, is a priority.”

Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys is the development partner that works with local families to pay no more than 30% of their income on housing. Recently, Habitat developed four affordable housing units at Esslinger Heights in Tavernier and is working on eight units at Garde-

“They got it from its sideways orientation and more out to the gulf,” Di Loreto told Keys Weekly on Feb. 27. Di Loreto said crews hope to have the boat out to sea by Feb. 28.

Di Loreto spends half his time in Islamorada and the other half in his home state of Michigan. Looking at the vessel, Di Loreto spotted two insignias on the side of the yacht, one reading JBM and the other for the Beach Grill. Come to find out, JBM stands for Jefferson Beach Marina, a boating community in St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

“I retired and moved away and then this damn boat showed up,” Di Loreto joked.

nia Place across from Plantation Key School, plus another two affordable single-family homes in Key Largo.

“These eight units will increase homeownership opportunities for families who live and work in the Florida Keys and provide a step up for their future,” said Lindsay Fast, Habitat executive director. “We are so appreciative of the support from the Monroe County Land Authority to continue our mission of building affordable housing.”

— Contributed

Top: A breathtaking view of Florida Bay from the Little Bay property in Islamorada is a bit hindered by a yacht that broke loose from its mooring roughly three-quarters of a mile out on Feb. 18. CONTRIBUTED. Above: A crane attempts to reorient a 95-foot yacht in hopes to get it back to deeper waters on Feb. 27. The vessel broke loose from its mooring and grounded near the Little Bay rental property in Islamorada on Feb. 18.

3.

2024 FLORIDA KEYS DAY SPONSORS AND PARTICIPANTS!

READY FOR THE BIG ROLE

New village manager excited for the opportunity

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Amonth before being selected Islamorada’s next village manager, Robert Cole and his wife, Olga, ventured to the Florida Keys. More than anything, the two wanted to get a feel for what it may be like to live in the upper island chain.

“I’ll say we’ve really enjoyed our time here,” Cole told the council during interviews on Jan. 17.

Cole’s decision to immerse himself into the Keys community impressed some on the council, including councilman Mark Gregg, during the final selection process. Following the council’s lack of a decision to pick a manager at a special Jan. 22 meeting, the group of five rebounded by unanimously selecting Cole as the person for the job on Feb. 13.

“He was here in advance. He met with community members. That’s a hungry guy. That resonated with me,” Gregg said during discussion over a manager at the Jan. 22 meeting.

Contract negotiations are underway between the village and Cole, who said he’s excited to get started.

“I’m looking forward to working with the council and addressing the urgent needs of the community,” Cole told Keys Weekly last week. “It’s been a long time in terms of the process and I’m glad it reached its conclusion.”

A seasoned professional, Cole possesses more than 27 years of municipal government experience. He comes to Islamorada following a stint as village manager of Scarsdale, New York, which had a population of 18,200 and a $92 million budget. He began as village manager in 2015 and concluded his time with Scarsdale in fall 2023. He oversaw nine departments and reported to the mayor and council. Cole collaborated with the mayor, the board and staff to develop a mission, vision and values, and implemented a structure to support dialogue between staff and elected officials.

Cole was the deputy manager for Scarsdale from May to August 2015. He was in charge of media relations and led the charge in establishing the first curbside municipal food scrap composting program in Westchester

County, New York.

From 1996 to 2015, Cole spent his career at Oak Park, Illinois, which boasted a population of 52,000. From 2010 to 2015, Cole was the assistant manager who oversaw emergency planning and major projects through building permit review and issuance. He was also tasked with implementing innovative environmental sustainability programs.

Cole recalled a contentious project by the Illinois Department of Transportation to expand Interstate 290 one lane in each direction through the village. He served as staff lead on a project which had the Oak Park community highly engaged.

“When the department of transportation wanted to add lanes to a community with 52,000 people, it turned into a politically tense discussion with state officials,” Cole said.

He also spent time serving as permits supervisor from 1996 to 2004, quality services manager from 2004 to 2006 and assistant to the village manager from 2006 to 2010. Cole attended DePaul University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in 1999 and master’s in public service management in 2002.

Cole has four sons, one of whom attends the University of South Florida in Tampa. Cole’s been married to Olga for 40 years. Cole said they enjoy outdoor activities like fishing.

TAVERNIER PUBLIX VOTE A ‘SLAP IN THE FACE’

Dear editor:

I live right next door to this huge Publix project with my two young children. Like all my neighbors, I know the damage and real danger it will bring to our community. We told our Monroe County Commissions over and over that it was bad for the community. And how did commissioners respond?

They okayed it.

In effect, they gave the middle finger to the constituents they swore to serve. Over the last two years, every meeting, every discussion, every planning commission recommendation; no one wanted this traffic nightmare, this degradation of our community character just to appease developers. But commissioners approved it anyway.

Even worse, county commissioners violated the CommuniKeys agreement that is written into the Monroe County Code and 2030 Comprehensive Plan. In 2005, residents, business, developers and the county commissioners hammered out this agreement to limit development and preserve the character and environment of the Keys from degradation. Through tough

Florida fuel prices fluctuate

Florida gas prices moved higher last week, but evened out by the weekend. The state average of $3.31 per gallon on Feb. 25 was one cent more than the week before.

Two weeks ago, the state average jumped 21 cents per gallon. Then last week, the state average fell 5 cents before jumping another 8 cents. By mid-week, the state average reached a new 2024 high of $3.37 per gallon, before falling another 5 cents. Last year’s high was $3.85 per gallon.

“The recent increases are attributed to rising oil prices, as refineries conduct seasonal maintenance,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Florida’s gas prices are likely to face continued upward pressure through the next month as the presence of winter residents and spring breakers contributes to strong fuel demand.”

Islamorada community meeting on baseball field

The village of Islamorada will host a community meeting on Monday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

negotiations,we all agreed to protect our Keys.

This action by county commissioners is an abuse of power. They put residents and local communities last. They don’t listen to their own planning department, don’t abide by their own county code and surely don’t give a damn about what residents want for their own communities.

We can still stop this. The State of Florida Department of Commerce reviews all major changes to the CommuniKeys Plan, so it can reject this unneeded and unwanted project. I’ve contacted several Upper Keys community organizations, as well as other groups, and asked them to join a concerted effort to contact the Department of Commerce to stop this rampant overdevelopment of the Florida Keys.

We’ve got to fight the county commissioners every step of the way. If we don’t, we will lose what’s left of the Keys we know and love.

— Melissa Ptomey Tavernier resident

The Monroe County School District will present its proposal for improvements to the baseball field at Founders Park. The public is encouraged to attend. Residents may send their comments to public.comment@ islamorada.fl.us. The email should contain the words “public comment” in the subject line.

Trauma Star helicopter makes emergency landing

One of the three Trauma Star helicopters undergoing a landing gear issue safely landed at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport at 5:31 a.m. on Feb. 22. There were no injuries and no major damage to the helicopter.

“I want to thank and applaud the entire Trauma Star crew for doing an outstanding job to safely land this aircraft resulting in no injuries,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay. Trauma Star was en route to Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami, Florida when the landing gear issue arose. The crew returned to Marathon whereupon the crew safely landed on the tarmac. The patient was safely transported to waiting paramedics on the ground.

BRIEFLY

Robert Cole was selected on Feb. 13 as Islamorada’s next manager. CONTRIBUTED

Islamorada Village of Islands Meeting Schedule March 2024

Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada

Monday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. Local Planning Agency

Tuesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 14, 5:30 p.m.

Regular Village Council Meetings

Monday, March 18, 5 p.m.

Workforce/Affordable Housing Citizens Advisory Committee Islamorada

Islamorada Administrative Center and Public Safety Headquarters, 86800 Overseas Highway, Third Floor Conference Room

Two or more members from the Village Council and members from various Village Committees may be present at meetings. These meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@Islamorada.fl.us or by phone at 305-664-6448 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

NOTICE OF DRAFT PERMIT AND REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) gives notice of a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) generic permit (File No FLR04E132-004) for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) for FDOT District 6, 1000 NW 111th Ave, Miami, FL 33172.

The Department has determined the Notice of Intent submitted by the applicant for generic permit coverage, including any responses to request for additional information if applicable, is consistent with the requirements of Rule 62-621.300(7), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), and the proposed Stormwater Management Program (SWMP), as described in Appendix A, meets the criteria for coverage under the generic permit. The applicant’s SWMP includes best management practices, control techniques, system design and engineering methods to reduce the discharge of pollutants in stormwater discharges from the Phase II MS4 to surface waters of the State to the maximum extent practicable.

Pursuant to Rule 62-620.555, F.A.C., any interested person may submit written comments on the applicant’s proposed SWMP and/or may submit a written request for a public meeting to the Department through the DEP Business Portal at www.fldepportal.com/DepPortal/go/submit-publiccomment, by email at NPDES-MS4@floridadep.gov or by mail at NPDES Stormwater Program 2600 Blair Stone Rd, M.S. 3585, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400. The comments must be received by the above-mentioned Department office within 30 days of publication of this notice. Failure to submit comments or request a public meeting within this time period shall constitute a waiver of any right such person may have to submit comments or request a public meeting pursuant to Rule 62-620.555, F.A.C.

The comments or request for a public meeting must contain the following information:

A. The commenting party name, address and telephone number;

B. FDOT District 6, File FLR04E132-004;

C. A description of any changes the commenter proposes for the draft permit;

D. A full explanation of the factual and legal reasons for each proposed change to the draft permit by the commenter; and

E. If applicable, a request that a public meeting be scheduled including a statement of the nature of the issues proposed to be raised at the meeting. However, the Department may not always grant a request for a public meeting. Therefore, written comments should be submitted within 30 days of publication of this notice, even if a public meeting is requested.

If a public meeting is scheduled, the public comment period is extended until the close of the public meeting. If a public meeting is held, any person may submit oral or written statements and data at the meeting on the Department’s proposed action. As a result of significant public comment, the Department’s final action may be different from the position taken by it in the draft permit.

To participate via Zoom, please scan code to the Village Calendar and refer to the Public Notice for specific meeting log-in information.

The permit application file and supporting data are available online at: https://prodenv.dep.state.fl.us/DepNexus/public/searchPortal or for public inspection during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, by contacting the NPDES Stormwater Program by email, NPDES-MS4@floridadep.gov, by mail at 2600 Blair Stone Rd, M.S. 3585, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2400, or by phone number 850-245-7561.

COURTING MORE SPACE

Construction set for 10 pickleball courts In Key Largo

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

Fred Workman and his 24-year-old son Riley have discovered a game they can play together: pickleball.

“It’s actually very fun because we found something that we have in common,” said Riley. “He has a tennis background so he’s already pretty good to start off with.”

“It’s a game for everybody. I don’t think the game intimidates anybody,” said Fred, who also loves the camaraderie of pickleball. “This is a social environment too; and I thought the dog park was great,” he joked.

The father and son spend several mornings a week at Key Largo Community Park on one of the half-dozen pickleball courts that are shared with the basketball complex. On any given day, dozens of players line up with their paddles, eager to join in a game. But scoring a court is challenging this time of year.

“Especially during the winter time frame when we have a lot of snowbirds here, we’ll have 50 or 60 people waiting to play,” said Key Largo resident and pickleball enthusiast Carlos Paez.

“It’s to the point where people leave because they have to wait so long between games,” he added.

Paez and other “picklers” in Key Largo are thrilled to learn Monroe County is moving ahead with a project to alleviate some of the frustrating court congestion.

Suzi Rubio, Monroe County senior project manager, says a plan that has been in the works for the last three to four years to build an additional 10 pickleball courts will soon become a reality.

“We’re going to start construction very soon,”

said Rubio. The new courts are to be built on county-owned land close to Key Largo Community Park behind the Walgreens at MM 99.5. Rubio says construction of the roughly $400,000 project on the one-acre parcel of land is slated to begin in the next several weeks.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances we should be fully constructed by the summer,” added Rubio.

That is welcome news to husband and wife pickleball regulars Dianne and Victor. The couple from New Jersey, who did not want us to use their last name in this story, have spent the last three winters in Key Largo and pickleball is a big draw.

“We are really anxious to have them because one of the reasons we come down here is to play pickleball,” Dianne said.

Lifelong tennis player and Key Largo resident Victor Trzeciak understands why pickleball has become increasingly popular.

“Pickleball is something that just about anybody can play and I think that’s the attraction, and it is very social as opposed to tennis which is less social,” Trzeciak said.

Pickleball may be the fastest-growing sport in the country, but Monroe County Parks and Beaches Director John Allen says the local tennis community is just as important.

“We also love the tennis players. We’ve got to support them just as much as the pickleball players,” Allen said.

As for the new Key Largo pickleball courts, Riley Workman said they can’t be built soon enough.

“I’m ecstatic about it. It’s always crazy busy over here so if they can put 10 courts over there, it will allow more people to play at the same time.”

1. Fred Workman and his son Riley take in a game of pickleball at Key Largo Park. The father and son say during the winter these mixed-use courts become extremely busy.

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly. 2-3. Pickleball players take to the courts at Key Largo Park on Feb. 26. All courts were full, with many players waiting for a spot to play. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

CORAL SHORES TO STATE CAPITOL

Freshman gets inside look at legislative process

Charlotte MacEachern, freshman at Coral Shores High School, served as a messenger for state Rep. Jim Mooney during the Florida House session from Feb. 19-23. In addition to serving the Legislature, messengers like MacEachern engage in civic activities which model the legislative process, such as bill drafting, mock committees and a mock session. Joining MacEachern in Tallahassee were her grandparents and mom.

— Contributed

VISITING VOLUNTEERS

Key Largo food pantry gets help from RVers

Not all RVers drive into the Keys, stay and then exit. Some come to make a difference and plan ahead to be involved in visiting communities.

Malinda Blakely and her family’s initiative last month to volunteer in the SOS (Star of the Sea) Food Pantry at St. Justin’s Catholic Church in Key Largo is one example. Not only did the Blakely family contribute to the pantry, but they also brought a positive and inspiring atmosphere with their travel stories, building connections and sharing experiences within the community.

The Blakelys are part of the seRV group, which connects RVers to each other and nonprofit organizations. Bringing not just their time and effort, the Blakelys also carried valuable insights from their experiences working with other food pantries. Collaborative efforts and shared ideas like this can lead to positive enhancements at local food pantries like the one in Key Largo. Utilizing RV parks to share information and reach potential volunteers as a way to expand outreach for assistance is one example.

The RV lifestyle, combined with the homeschooling, provides

children with a unique and enriching social experience. The SOS Food Pantry witnessed the children within these families sharing a thirst for interacting and volunteerism. They also had an appetite for pizza from Upper Crust Pizzeria.

Exploring short-term opportunities with visitors is a creative solution to address staffing challenges. Establishing connections and reaching out in advance can be key to securing the assistance needed for business in the Keys. It’s a strategic approach to leverage the influx of short-term visitors who are willing to contribute to the local community.

— Contributed

Charlotte MacEachern poses in front of the Florida Capitol building in Tallahassee. CONTRIBUTED

Charlotte MacEachern’s mom and grandparents took the opportunity while they were in Tallahassee to visit state Rep. Jim Mooney. They also presented Mooney with a Coral Shores High School Tennis hat (Charlotte is a member of the tennis team). Pictured from left are Col. William A. McDonough, retired U.S. Army; Whitney MacEachern, Charlotte’s mom; Mooney; and Maureen L. McDonough, retired college professor.

Volunteers with SOS in Key Largo assist the local community with food and other necessities. SOS/Contributed

The Blakely family volunteers with the Star of the Sea (SOS) Food Pantry in Key Largo during a trip to the Keys in January. SOS/Contributed

THURS Feb. 29 Webb & Davidson 5-9 p.m.

FRI March 1 Jade Storm 5:30-9:30 pm.

Michael Trixx @ Sunset

SAT March 2 John Ciulla 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Uncle Rico 5:30-9:30 p.m.

SUN March 3 Harry French 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Webb & Davidson 5:30-9:30 p.m.

MON March 4 Carousers 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Michael Trixx @ Sunset

TUES March 5 Dennis Holmes 5:30-9:30 p.m.

WED March 6 Webb & Davidson 5:30-9:30 p.m.

ANNUAL DIVE INTO ART & MUSIC SET FOR MARCH 29

The History of Diving Museum’s annual Dive Into Art & Music is set for March 29 at Safe Harbor Angler House in Islamorada. Prepare for an evening of art, community and a special musical tribute to the late musician, artist and avid diver Jerry Garcia, of the Grateful Dead.

Bands have a shelf life, but great music thrives — and this is perhaps truest of the Grateful Dead, whose repertoire is now being performed by hundreds of bands. Among the best of them is Waynard Scheller and Rainbow Full of Sound.

Rainbow Full of Sound took shape in 2012 when a group of “Deadhead” musicians decided to replicate the Dead’s legendary 1980 Radio City Music Hall run. They had so much fun that they never stopped. A rotating cast of members keeps things lively and the music fresh. The continuing link is Scheller, whose roots in music include a ragtime-piano-playing grandfather, guitar-toting hippie babysitters and a mom who taught him classics like “Heart and Soul.”

Celebrating Garcia’s love of diving and protecting the oceans, the Jerry Garcia Foundation donated limitededition museum quality giclees of his art to the History of Diving Museum. Prints will be on display and available for purchase during the event. In ad-

PUBLIC NOTICE

ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA

BASEBALL FIELD COMMUNITY MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

5:30 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 286.0105, all interested persons are advised that the Village will hold a community meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, Florida. The School District will present its request for improvements to the baseball field at Founders Park. The public is encouraged to attend.

In addition, you may email your comments as outlined below:

1. Public comment should be submitted via email to: public.comment@islamorada.fl.us

2. The email should contain “Public Comment” in the subject line.

3. The name and address of the submitter shall be included in the email.

4. Public comment should be submitted by 9 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024. Public comment will be sent to the staff members for consideration prior to the meeting.

Marne McGrath, Village Clerk

dition, there will be a drawing for one print. Each piece of fine art comes with a certificate of authenticity that is handsigned by Jerry’s wife, Manasha, and daughter, Keelin.

Along with dinner and dancing during the Dive Into Art & Music on

March 29, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., there will be a photo area provided by Keys Westys with a ’70s hippie-style Volkswagen van and community booths to share coral restoration efforts from Key Largo to Key West.

Seating will be limited with several options available for poolside access, dinner by M.E.A.T Eatery and Tap Room, admission to the History of Diving Museum and a Jerry Garcia art raffle for $125 per person. For $3,000, a sponsor will receive a signed giclee, VIP reserved seating and dinner for four along with admission passes to the History of Diving Museum.

There will be a limited number of general admission tickets available at $50 per person which is packaged with a Jerry Garcia art raffle ticket. Purchase tickets for the event at the museum or at divingmuseum.org. The event will be held rain or shine, and if unable to attend, people can view remaining art available for purchase at the museum.

— Contributed

Contact:

Marne McGrath Village Clerk clerk@islamorada.fl.us

These meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabiliti es Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@Islamorada.fl.us or by phone at (305) 664-6448 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting Two or more members from Village Council and/or various Village Committees may be present at this meeting.

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Jerry Garcia and his wife, Manasha. The History of Diving Museum and Rainbow Full of Sound are hosting an art exhibit and special musical tribute to Jerry on March 29 at Safe Harbor Angler House in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

CHEMICALS IN THE CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM

Lecture highlights organisms’ communication & defense

CONTRIBUTED

Valerie Paul, director and head scientist of the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, will speak on “Marine Chemical Ecology on Coral Reefs” on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. This is the fifth installment of the 33rd annual lecture series, “The Delicate Balance of Nature,” sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

Marine organisms use natural chemical signals for communication and defense. Paul’s talk will include how marine algae, sponges and soft corals make natural products that protect them from pathogenic bacteria, as well as how some compounds help coral larvae and other marine animals find appropriate settlement habitats. She will also discuss ongoing marine biomedical research.

Learn more about this topic at the visitor center and aquarium

building inside John Pennekamp

Coral Reef State Park. The park is located at MM 102.5, oceanside, and there is no cost to enter the park for the lecture series. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the lecture begins at 7:30. Seating is limited, so it is recommended that visitors arrive on time to be assured of a seat in the auditorium, which is wheelchair accessible. Bring your own cushion for added seating comfort. Temperatures in the auditorium vary and a sweater or light jacket may be desired. Please help us to accommodate those who are chemically sensitive by not wearing fragrances and other scented products.

For more information or accessibility needs, contact Elena Muratori, park services specialist, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, 305-676-3786. For more information on Florida’s State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org.

— Contributed

Valerie Paul, Smithsonian Marine Station director, will discuss marine chemical ecology on coral reefs on Wednesday, March 6 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

MAHI REUBEN MADE RIGHT

1. Mahi reuben at Made 2 Order. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly.

2. Made 2 Order’s crab egg benedict.

Canalside restaurant is the locals’ spot for breakfast and lunch

is a Keys native who has a passion for all things food. She runs the local food blog, “Florida Keys Eats.”

Made 2 Order is my happy place. For those unfamiliar with Made 2 Order, it’s hiding behind the Tavernier Creek Waterway bridge on the Old Highway near MM 90.

I don’t know one local who doesn’t absolutely love this establishment. For me, when I’m there, time slows down and I feel nothing but pure gratitude. It’s a combination of the friendly staff, waterfront tables, amazing food and the light sounds of the radio jamming Sun 103.1 in the background. It’s all just so “Keysy.” Even when there is a long list of people ahead of me, I wait for my table with a smile on my face.

If I’m there during the week, my favorite drink is their oh-so-refreshing

mango iced tea. If it’s a weekend, I’ll have a little fun and order one of the local beers they have available.

The breakfast and lunch selections at Made 2 Order are just phenomenal. I’m extra excited when I order lunch and Mark orders breakfast. That way I get the best of both worlds when we end up sharing. My breakfast order changes almost every visit and has never disappointed. I just adore their crab cake benedict; you get two towering mountains consisting of an English muffin, tomato slice, jumbo lump crab cake, a perfectly poached egg with a little waterfall of hollandaise. You get to pick a side and I always go with their house potatoes; they are loaded with flavor.

Have a breakfast sweet tooth?

Made 2 Order has you covered with their fantastic pancakes, or spruce things up with something unique like their French toast. It’s not your everyday French toast; they take croissants and dip them in freshly squeezed orange juice batter, and after they’re griddled to greatness they’re topped with an orange butter.

If I’m in a lunch mood, my favorite order at almost any restaurant is a mahi reuben. I keep a running list in my head of the best mahi reuben around town and Made 2 Order is up there if not No. 1. The only exception to experiencing this No. 1 mahi reuben is ordering it my way, Samantha’s way.

My very specific reuben order at Made 2 Order goes like this. I ask for the dolphin melt which is blackened mahi topped with swiss, sautéed onions and placed on some nice thick toasted rye. I then order a side of thousand island and coleslaw, and assemble the soon-to-be reuben at my table.

They technically have grouper reuben on the menu but I prefer mahi and sautéed onions. Ask me what my ideal afternoon consists of and it would be at Made 2 Order with a Keys Weekly in hand from their radiant cherry red Keys Weekly stand out front, quenching my thirst with a mango iced tea and my dolphin melt hybrid. On really lucky days we get a table by the water with just the right

combination of sun and shade.

You can go to Made 2 Order by boat as well; they have plenty of dockage. If we are passing by on the boat and don’t have time to eat in, I call in a pick-up order. They bring it right to the dock. They have some great boat-friendly options. What I mean by boat-friendly is they last without getting soggy; they’ll taste great after a few hours in the cooler. Some boat pickup options I enjoy are the island shrimp wrap, the tuna salad wrap, the Asian chicken wrap and the Thai shrimp appetizer.

The island shrimp wrap is filled to the brim with fried shrimp, avocado, bleu cheese, red onion and Asian slaw. It’s a great midday fuel-up at the sandbar or during a fishing trip. If it’s an especially hot day, don’t let all my sit-outdoor talk scare you; they have indoor seating with some of the best AC in town. They also welcome your fur babies outside on the patio so they don’t miss out on the fun.

Immerse yourself in the local vibes and start your best day ever at Made 2 Order.

SAMANTHA DELLILO

BARTENDERS REEL IN SAILFISH

Ocean View Inn takes top prize

The 43rd annual Islamorada Bartenders

Sailfish Open welcomed 67 bartenders and restaurant employees representing 15 different bars on Jan. 29. The Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub in Islamorada team took the victory with nine sailfish releases.

Only six minutes after lines were in the water, Capt. Roy Lindback, fishing with Lorelei anglers, called in the first hookup. The fish was a fighter as three other teams released sailfish before team Lorelei released theirs. Despite sporty winds out of the north-northwest and many novice anglers, a total of 21 fish were released by noon.

By the end of the day, all 15 boats had hooked sailfish, but only one had released a total of nine. Capt. Aaron Brower aboard his charter boat Buzz On, with mates Cole Tristram and Hunter Clark, released four doubles and one single to take home the High Point Captain and Mate custom awards and lead the Ocean View Inn and Sports Pub (OV) to victory. Anglers Butch and AJ Comeforo, Brianne Jordan, Amber Dickey, Cassie Willis and Lee Cash hoisted the Islamorada Bartenders Sailfish Open perpetual trophy that will proudly be displayed at the OV for an entire year, plus a check for $1,500 in memory of Trapper John, a long time participant of the tournament.

Second-place bar awards and a check for $1,000 went to anglers Amanda Mitcheltree, Richie Trachuk, Omar Alvarenga, Lacy Selman, Ali Guerrero and Yessie Jusino from Shipwrecks Bar & Grill in Key Largo. The team released a total of eight sails.

Capt. Bill Detwiller, fishing aboard his boat the Anejo with anglers Morgan Beaton, Andy McGrotna and Charity McFadden, all from Islamorada Wine Company, took third place with six sailfish caught on time and a check for $500. Beaton released five of the team’s six fish to win the hand-carved Doug Berry Top Angler Award along with the JayAnna Cohan founder’s award and a check for $500. An original painting by Suzanne Fuchs went to second-place angler Amber Spaulding, who released four sailfish. Lacy Solman won the third-place Pasta Pantaleo painting and OV’s Lee Cash won fourth-place angler award. They each released two sailfish.

The Lorelei treated anglers to a kickoff and awards ceremony on the beach.

“This fun group of people makes my job easy,” said tournament director Dianne Harbaugh.“The Ocean View team may have had the best time ever, especially with the champagne shower during the awards. My personal favorite part of this tournament is that we have so many anglers who catch and release their first sailfish.

“The reason JayAnna Cohan started this tournament was because she loved to sailfish and she wanted others to have the same opportunity,” Harbaugh continued. “Because of our great sponsors, Los Cayos Lager, The Greeen House, and of course Dillon’s, we were able to pay out for all three places this year. I would like to extend a special thank you to all the local businesses who helped to support this event for our hard working bar and restaurant employees.”

— Contributed

1: Islamorada’s Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub holds the champion plaque and a $1,500 grand prize at the annual Islamorada Bartenders Sailfish Open. CONTRIBUTED. 2. Second-place bar awards and a check for $1,000 went to Shipwrecks Bar & Grill in Key Largo. 3: Team Islamorada Wine Co. took third place in the tournament.

Islamorada, Village of Islands REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND FOR FOUNDERS PARK BEACH RFP 24-06

Bid Submittal Deadline: 3:00 p.m. March 22, 2024

Islamorada, Village of Islands (the “Village”) is seeking formal proposals for the design and installation of an inclusive playground at Founders Park (the “Project”). The scope of the Project shall include removal of the existing playground equipment, landscape timbers and fixtures. Up to three designs will be accepted from each propo ser.

To be eligible for selection consideration, a submittal package must contain all documentation detailed in Section VIII of the RFP document.

Submit sealed proposal packages to:

Islamorada, Village of Islands, Attn: Village Clerk 86800 Overseas Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036

Go to https://www.islamorada.fl.us/bids.aspx?bidID=26 to view and download RFP 24-06 and all bid documents

Islamorada, Village of Islands

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SOUTH GARDENIA STREET VACUUM SEWER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS RFP 24-05

Bid Submittal Deadline: 3:00 p.m. March 22, 2024

Islamorada, Village of Islands (the “Village”) is seeking formal proposals from qualified contracto rs for the construction of a 6” vacuum sewer main to replace an existing 4” PE vacuum main to serve approximately 17 parcels, installing a new buffer tank to service Plantation Key School, and installing 2 new vacuum valve pits to serve a new Habitat for Humanity project in the North Plantation Key serv ice area. The 7 existing vacuum valve pits will be transferred from the existing 4” vacuum main to the new 6” vacuum main.

To be eligible for selection consideration, a submittal package must contain all documentation detailed in Section VIII of the RFP document.

Submit sealed proposal packages by certified mail or in person to: Islamorada, Village of Islands, Attn: Village Clerk 86800 Overseas Highway

Islamorada, Florida 33036

Go to https://www.islamorada.fl.us/bids.aspx?bidID=25 to view and download RFP 24-05 and all bid documents

PUBLIC NOTICE

ISLAMORADA, VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, FLORIDA

VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT RESULTS PUBLIC MEETING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2024

5:30 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 286.0105, all interested persons are advised that there will be a public meeting to discuss results of Islamorada’s Vulnerability Assessment on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Founders Park Community Center, 87000 Overseas Hwy., Islamorada, FL. This meeting is to discuss and show the results of Islamorada’s current sea level rise and flood projections and flood planning project. The public is encouraged to attend or participate remotely via the Zoom video conferencing application. Details for participating via Zoom are as follows:

• If watching online via Zoom: Open the Zoom webinar link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86101309761 and follow the prompts to join the webinar. When public comment opens use the “raise your hand” feature to be recognized by the meeting monitor. Public comments will be heard in the order in which they are received.

• If phoning in, dial 305-224-1968 and enter the meeting ID: 861 0130 9761 followed by #. When public comment opens dial *9 to be recognized by the Zoom meeting monitor.

Marne McGrath Village Clerk

Contact: Peter Frezza Environmental Resources Manager peter.frezza@islamorada.fl.us 305-664-6427 www.islamorada.fl.us

Two or more members from various Village Committees may be present at this meeting.

These meetings are open to the public. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommodations to participate in this meeting because of that disability should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA@Islamorada.fl.us or by phone at (305) 664-6448 at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting.

‘IT’S A SPECIAL PLACE’

Mangrove Mike’s Restaurant stays in the family with new owners

MELINDA VAN FLEET www.keysweekly.com

“Asher (Burris) and I had our first date here and were married here. My parents have had a house in Lower Mate (Matecumbe) since the ’70s,” said Paige Keil, niece of the late Mike Forster and the new owner of Mangrove Mike’s in Islamorada. “We would come here and go to places like Hog Heaven, and Uncle Mike would joke and say, ‘Don’t say my name.’

“I used to name-drop him, and we had a running joke not to name-drop him,” said Keil, who runs the established diner with her husband, Asher Burris. “Essentially, my uncle used to live with us in Miami before moving to the Keys. He had restaurants in Miami and Florida until the ’90s and bought this restaurant in January 1998. He loved to fish and the Everglades — being on the water and the boat was his nirvana.”

Forster, lovingly remembered and missed, passed away on Sept. 6, 2021 following a battle with COVID-19. After that, the restaurant was in probate as Forster did not have a will. But Keil knew that the restaurant meant everything to him.

“I couldn’t even come here until March 2023. My parents came to us and asked if we would be interested in buying the restaurant. I worked all the way up in health care and realized it didn’t align with where I was at,” Keil said.

The couple officially took ownership last November. Keil was a senior leader in the health care industry for 20 years, and Burris has a vast background and knowledge of the hospitality industry and as a business consultant. He is also very handy. Both are highly focused on customer experience and staff inclusion.

Paige Keil and Asher Burris are the new owners of Mangrove Mike’s Restaurant in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

“The staff pulled the weight for two years with the uncertainty that they were going to have a job. And the locals ask us, ‘You’re not going to change anything, are you?’” Keil said.

“Part of why we wanted to buy the restaurant was the staff. They are the reason why we bought it,” Keil continued. They quickly made longtime staff members Pam Schmidt the general manager and Jackie Howe the operations manager in addition to being a server.

“We understand about passing the baton and how important it is. We know Uncle Mike sacrificed a lot, and then his staff sacrificed a lot,” Burris said. “The staff knows all that is going on. We want to honor a lot of work and then add in our experience and uptick the atmosphere.”

Mangrove Mike’s restaurant has a special energy, so much that the couple has been very cautious about making refreshing updates without significant changes to the uniqueness and history it holds. Some updates include new lighting, purse hooks, updated bathrooms and implementing systems to make the operation more efficient.

“Some things we kept that are legendary, such as the photos on the walls, the teal bar, using notepads for orders, and the clock-in punch card system,” Keil and Burris said.

“In the morning, all the captains sit at the bar and watch The Weather Channel,” Keil said. They are also updating the outside seating area and other areas of the restaurant, including the cash wrap congestion that often happens during busy times.

As for changes to the menu, they brought the menu back in color, added desserts and gluten-free options and expanded beverages. New menu items include unicorn pancakes with sprinkles, Nutella pancakes — a top new item — chicken and waffles and a shipwreck sandwich, a cinnamon roll bun with egg, bacon, sausage and cheddar cheese. Breakfast is offered all day.

Mangrove Mike’s is also known for its Key lime pie, a treasured Keys classic recipe Forster purchased years ago from Manny & Isa’s.

“My uncle purchased the recipes before they retired. The Key lime pie is unique as it has a meringue-airy goodness,” Keil said.

The new owners are also creating a “Legends Collection” and a “Mangrovin’ Movement” apparel lines through images, like Forster’s hook and skull collection, and stories.

“It’s one thing to have really good food, one thing to have really good service, but another to have a family atmosphere and how good that feels,” Burris said. “At the end of the day, we all long for that. You want to go where it’s good and where the locals go. We are so fortunate for all the locals who dine here almost five days a week.”

Keil and Burris said they feel responsible and fortunate to carry on what the locals feel is so valuable.

“It’s a special place,” Keil said.

Mangrove Mike’s is located at MM 82.2 in Islamorada and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Follow on Instagram: @mangrovemikescafe.

From left, Jackie Howe, operations manager, Paige Keil and Pam Schmidt, general manager.

Newlyweds Paige Keil and Asher Burris with Mike Forster, Keil’s uncle.

MEET MILA

Key West police horse has seen it all on Duval

REEF THE FOX

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

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Boy oh boy, do I have a treat for you all this week. I had mentioned that I wanted to start doing more interviews again this year and I landed a big one (literally) to start it off.

My new friend, Mila, is a 13-yearold draft cross horse who works for the Key West Police Department. She joined the department four years ago and came from a farm up the road in Homestead. Her partner is Officer Mike Wolf, and if you live in Key West, you can often see Mike and Mila clippety-clopping down Duval Street during the week.

Reef: Hi Mila, thanks for taking time out of your very busy and important schedule to meet with me today. First off, I have to ask; what is the weirdest thing you’ve seen on Duval Street?

Mila: Oh Reef, that is a loaded question. I am sure you’ve never been to Fantasy Fest, but I have and all I have to say is humans can be very bizarre. I’ve seen some things that no horse should ever have to see.

Reef: Got it, and if you don’t like seeing the weird, I can guarantee I wouldn’t either. Next up, what are your favorite snacks?

Mila: Apples, and thank you for bringing me some today. I also love carrots, sugar cubes and peppermint candy!

Reef: Woah! My mom doesn’t let me have sugar. She says I’m already wired enough and we don’t need to add fuel to that fire. Here’s a fun question; how often does Mike have to empty your poop bag during a shift?

Mila: Well Reef, here’s the thing. I could poop in the bag if I really wanted to but sometimes I like to remind Mike who’s really in charge and will miss the bag on purpose so he has to clean it up off the street.

Reef: Oh now that’s what I like to hear, a woman that goes rogue every once in a while. I, too, like to make my mom clean up after me all the time. As you say, it keeps them humble and reminds them who the boss really is. Almost done here. Is there any good stable drama I can get the tea on?

Mila: I am fairly drama-free. However, Rey (horse) is the smallest of the three horses and it seems he has a bit of the Napoleon complex going on. He likes to be a bit dramatic at times but Murph (horse) and I just try to ignore his shenanigans.

Reef: I am all drama, so Rey and I might have to meet and plan a countywide takeover. Last question. Have you ever met anyone famous working for the department?

Mila: Just you Reef, just you.

Reef: Well, you are my new favorite animal on the planet, Mila.

*Special thanks to Chief Sean Brandenburg and Officer Mike Wolf with the KWPD for having my mom, Nicole Navarro, visit the stables.

BUDDY

Buddy is a 4-year-old bulldog awaiting a loving forever home. Buddy was abandoned in Key Largo, left tied to a fence where he sat waiting patiently for someone to come and save him. If you’re looking for your next best friend, Buddy is ready to meet you. Apply at www.mprescues.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Friday, March 1

• Wesley House Family Services Black Tie Benefit from 6 to 11 p.m. at Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Key Largo. Visit www.wesleyhouse.org/keylargoblacktie to learn more.

• College of the Florida Keys’ annual Swords & Tails, a Seaside Soiree, at 6 p.m. at the Islander Resort, Islamorada. Visit CFK.edu to learn more.

• Fast Lane Friday, presented by Spitzer Homestead, from 6 p.m. to midnight at Homestead Miami Speedway. Visit homesteadmiamispeedway.com to purchase tickets.

Saturday, March 2

• Coral Restoration Foundation’s 10th annual Raise the Reef gala at Ocean Reef Club. Visit coralrestoration.org/raise-the-reef-2024 to learn more.

• Ocean Studies Charter School’s SoundWaves presents “Island Echos,” a journey through Keys time, at 5:30 p.m. at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve. Seats are limited. Tickets are $175. Call 305-852-7700 for more information.

Sunday, March 3

• Islamorada Moose Lodge’s annual Bra Walk, Moose March Against Cancer at noon. Register at the Moose.

Monday, March 4

• Islamorada community meeting to discuss baseball field improvements at Founders Park at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

Wednesday, March 6

• JOY classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, MM 87.5, bayside, Islamorada. Visit justolderyouthinc. org to view the full schedule of activities.

Thursday, March 7

• MarrVelous Pet Rescue’s Yappy Hour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery. Dogs must be well-socialized, vaccinated and leashed.

Friday, March 8

• Beats on the Bay music series welcomes Majesty of Rock, sounds of Journey and Styx, at 6:30 p.m. at the amphitheater at Founders Park.

• Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys’ Kentucky-derby themed Cocktail Party at 6:30 p.m. at Cheeca Lodge and Spa, Islamorada.

Mila and Key West Police Officer Mike Wolf. CONTRIBUTED

GATORS IN THE KEYS

Early studies depict reptile’s existence before the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key

RAYMOND L. BLAZEVIC/

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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

One of my favorite things about driving across Florida’s peninsula, traveling between the Keys and the west coast (preferably to Sanibel or Captiva islands), is spotting alligators.

Whether crossing via Alligator Alley or Highway 41, both conduits provide ample opportunities to see the reptiles sunning on a bank or swimming slowly through the roadside water. Those two roads are not the only places I look for alligators. There is another asphalt artery from which the toothy reptiles can be occasionally observed that is much closer to home. While making the drive between the Last Chance Saloon and the Jewfish Creek Bridge, once in a while, I spot a familiar, knobby blackish back in the wetlands.

Remember, just last summer, a 10-foot alligator made national headlines after it wandered onto the 18-Mile Stretch of the highway like a roadblock. Traffic was stalled for over an hour while the reptile was captured and relocated.

While the presence of crocodiles has become more pervasive along the island chain, did you know that alligators are native to the Florida Keys, too?

It is no big secret that alligators are routinely seen at the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key. The Blue Hole was created in the 1920s during the building of State Road 4A, the earliest version of the Overseas Highway. Limestone was quarried from that location for construction projects, and

what was left in the wake of those efforts was an open quarry that breached the underlying aquifer, filled with water, and is now known as the Blue Hole. Today, there is a wildlife observation platform at the water’s edge from which an alligator or two can usually be seen.

There has been debate about how the alligators that call the Blue Hole home arrived. Some say that they were dumped there years ago. After all, while crocodiles live in brackish and saltwater environments, alligators require freshwater, and there is not enough of it to support a natural alligator population in the Florida Keys — except at the Blue Hole, right?

The people making that argument are mistaken. As it turns out, alligators were in the Florida Keys long before the Blue Hole was carved into existence. According to a study by Terri Jacobsen, not only does the historical record reveal alligators living in the Keys, but they were also found well beyond the Blue Hole.

Jacobsen’s study was conducted between May 1979 and November 1981. Published in 1983, it appeared in the Florida Field Naturalist. Among the other notes included in the report was this: “The indigenous range of Alligator mississippiensis is from coastal N. Carolina south to Southern Florida and the Keys, and westward through the Deep South to central Texas and extreme southeastern Oklahoma (Martof, 1956).”

One of the best things that alligators do is create alligator holes. They use their snouts and feet to clear the leaf litter and other debris from depressions and sinkholes in an effort to make small, shallow watering holes bigger and deeper. The intent is to create a freshwater hole deep enough for them to call home. It also attracts birds, reptiles and mammals looking for a drink.

Ambush predators, these thirsty creatures serve as a food source for the sneaky reptiles.

According to Jacobsen’s fieldwork, evidence of

this behavior was noted on more than one occasion in the Florida Keys. Sometimes, these alligator holes grow large enough to become a habitat for fish, amphibians and other reptiles, like terrapins. Sometimes, too, gator holes create reliable sources of freshwater during the dry season.

During her study, 133 alligators were identified in the Lower Keys — 46 of those reptiles were juveniles or hatchlings. Jacobsen said, “… man-made inland canals, vestiges of abandoned development, and borrow pits used for fill construction provide yearround deep-water habitats of low salinity. The severity of the season conditions is partially alleviated by a system of ditches, constructed in 1965 as part of the Anti-mosquito Control Program. These inland freshwater mosquito ditches are used frequently by small alligators, although I observed alligators of various sizes in ditched areas.”

In her study, Jacobsen also noted a 1937 sighting on Key West where three alligators were captured “in salt water.”

And then there is this story printed in the June 13, 1928 edition of the Key West Citizen.

“An alligator measuring six feet and one inch in length was killed yesterday on Big Pine Key by Everett Rivas, highway traffic officer. Five more were seen but got away. Leo Bowers and Richard Russell witnessed the slaughter of the big amphibian. Mr. Rivas is having the hide dressed to be made into gun holsters. A large number of gators are being reported as seen on Big Pine and No Name, many of them said to be found in salt water, which is claimed by authorities to be contrary to their nature.”

While alligators prefer freshwater pools to call home, it appears there is enough of it in the Keys beyond the Blue Hole to support a small population of alligators, still. One of the things that makes the presence of alligators and crocodiles in South Florida and the Keys special is that it is the only place in the world where the two creatures co-exist.

An alligator at the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key.

Contributed

COINING ART

Hobby turns into creation for local doctor

It was an average sort of day; it was dinner time, and the dinner was good, but the conversation was even better. The year was 1905 and two icons spoke of their visions. This wasn’t just a meeting of the minds, but a meal that would change coins in America.

President Theodore Roosevelt was speaking to acclaimed American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Roosevelt wanted to change the look of American currency, to have coins that were “worthy of our great nation.” Being a master sculptor and visionary, Saint-Gaudens created coins which are still celebrated and often considered among the most beautiful gold coins in history. His visionary American coins are simply called “Saint-Gaudens.”

Art can be found everywhere, sometimes in places we don’t expect or don’t appreciate. Coins are an art form. Sometimes you see basic, average and ugly coins, but then you have works like the Saint-Gaudens. Dr. Brian Magrane, of Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, is one person who appreciates coins, and from that appreciation comes art.

Magrane’s adoration of coins began as a young boy. He would venture out to Grossman’s Farm, which was located on the outskirts of New York City. Although he visited the farm several times with his mother, this time he would stop at a new spot.

“I whined, kicked a box, dragged my feet right in the middle of Grossman’s Farm. Perhaps age-appropriate, but my mother was unfazed, as usual,” Magrane recalled. “My mom took me to a location just outside of Grossman’s, where there was an antiques store.”

As most boys would do, he considered all the paintings, lamps, old furniture, clocks to be junk. Go-

WILLIAM DEPAULA

ing through the antiques store he noticed a glass showcase filled with coins in white holders. The man behind the counter asked, “Do you collect coins?”

The young Brian replied, “Of course I do,” even though he didn’t. The man began to talk about a particular penny.

“This 1909S V.D.B. Lincoln cent is rare”, he said. The V.D.B. Lincoln is a low-mintage coin because of the outrage American citizens had with the placement of the artist’s initials. They argued that it was free advertising for the artist and possibly illegal. The U.S. Mint removed the initials from any further Lincoln cents. The nice man at the antiques store would inspire Magrane into a lifelong journey with coins.

Between reading and collecting, Magrane became a coin expert over the years. He even began creating his own coins. He appreciates the art form that a coin truly is and began with an idea to make his own coins for special milestones.

One of his coins features the Spanish treasure ship, the Atocha, sailing in rough waters. He has made up wooden nickel styles, including an American-style buffalo and a Spanish style with a cross and shield.

Finally, for his daughter’s wedding, he had a coin-making station where people could hammer their own coin featuring a Spanish cross, a wedding date and names of the bride and groom.

Life is art. Coins could be simple designs and basic shapes.

There is really no need for a beautifully-sculpted coin, but humankind is fond of adding artistry to items of common use. Some coins are so beautiful we decided to collect them, much like an art collector. We might not spend any time thinking about how the coin looks, but it is important. It is part of us and our culture.

Coins are timeless. Centuries from now, archaeologists will infuse new interest in our current coins. Magrane has taken his passion for coins and turned it into digital art. The art features classic coin designs created with bold colors and has a pop art vibe. It is through Magrane’s art work that we realize how important coins are to our culture.

“As is not uncommon, childhood coin collecting gets put on hold for years, decades even. Life becomes a devotion. I never forgot coins, hoping that, maybe, someday, I could find my way back to the joy they brought me,” Magrane said. “Little did I know what my return to coins would be like.”

Today, Magrane seeks out coins on his travels. He also speaks and writes on coins.

1-3. Coins designed by Magrane. CONTRIBUTED 4. Magrane brought a coin-making machine to his daughter’s wedding. The coins feature a Spanish cross, a wedding date and names of the bride and groom. 5: One of Magrane’s coins features the Spanish treasure ship, the Atocha. 6-7: Wooden nickels created by Magrane.

is an artist, designer and gemologist who believes in the power of art.

Mariners Hospital’s Dr. Brian Magrane is a coin collector and creator. CONTRIBUTED

SIZZLING STARTS

Diamond squads kick off season with dominant performances

THE SCOREBOARD

FEB. 29

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK ZIELS

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

FEB. 29

Tennis PACE 1 p.m.

3/5 Coral Shores Boys Lacrosse Miami Country Day 4 p.m.

3/5 Coral Shores Baseball ABF Hialeah 6:30 p.m.

3/7 Coral Shores Tennis Key West 2 p.m.

3/7 Coral Shores Track & Field Marathon & Barbara Goleman 3 p.m.

Dylan was electric from the very first pitch. Positive emotions were flowing all around Dolphin Country after a great signing ceremony to start

off the night.”

– Joey Gonzalez, Marathon head coach

Marathon’s Dylan Ziels is well known as a lights-out pitcher with maturity and composure to boot. But on Feb. 23, Ziels was downright extraordinary. The big righty inked his letter of intent to play collegiate baseball at Palm Beach State that afternoon, but his heart and soul were with his hometown high school team and his full focus was on winning. He dialed in everything he had and went 3-3 at the plate as he pitched a no-hit shutout, making his four-inning run perfect for the Fins. Coach Joey Gonzalez described his ace as “locked in and laser-focused,” adding, “his fastball was in the 88-90 range and he got stronger as the night progressed. It was a special evening capped off by a shutout, no-hit, 12-strikeout performance.” For his Herculean performance and on-field leadership, Dylan Ziels is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

THIS WEEK

Dylan

Senior, Marathon Baseball

Photo by BARRY GAUKEL

Coral Shores pitcher Donovan Thiery throws against Keys Gate Feb. 22 at Founder’s Park in Islamorada. The

went on to

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

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

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

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CONCH BOYS LACROSSE STARTS UNDEFEATED

Key West outscores opponents 49-19 in first four games of the season

Key West’s boys lacrosse team is on fire in the early season, winning four straight games. The undefeated Conchs played two last week, including one against their closest neighbor. On Feb. 21, the Hurricanes of Coral Shores traveled to Key West to take on the Conchs in The Backyard.

The game would be significantly different than the teams’ last matchup, with Key West defeating the ’Canes 19-3. Zack Payne, Mack Hill and Smith Switzer netted 4 goals apiece for Key West. Hill was also credited with a pair of assists while Switzer caused 3 turnovers. Reif Wallen scored 2, as did Noah Collins, who also assisted on another goal. Dreyden Telfer and Max Louchheim had 1 goal and 1 assist each. Joseph Garr scored a goal and Roman Van Loon and Raffael Rice each assisted one time. Kieran Smith led the team in ground balls with 6 while Louchheim scooped up 5. In goal, Mateo Lopez was credited with 9 saves.

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On Feb. 24, it was another onslaught of scoring for Key West. Payne scored 3 and assisted 3 more to lead the charge for the Conchs. Hill scored 2 and assisted on 4 others while Collins scored 2 and assisted on 3. Wallen had a pair of each and Louchheim had 1 goal and 1 assist. Switzer added 1 more goal to his stats in the home win. The next home game for Key West’s unbeaten boys will be March 2 against Westminster.

Coral Shores’ boys stand at 1-3 this season after dropping a pair of games last week. On Feb. 19, they took on Coral Reef in a close game which culminated in a 7-6 loss in overtime. Yandel Chaguaseda picked up 7 ground balls to help keep it close, while Noah Myers, James Mitchell and Chase Caputo registered 4 ground balls each. Caputo also stole away the ball twice in the game. Brock Bynum saved 11 shots in goal to keep the ’Canes within striking distance throughout the game.

TRACY MCDONALD

SEAN MCDONALD

jim@keysweekly.com

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SPORTS

PODCAST HOST

MARKET EDITORS

Key West accounted for the ’Canes’ second loss. Junior Lucas Carballo scored all 3 goals for the ’Canes and was credited with a pair of takeaways, as well. Chaguaseda picked up 8 ground balls for Coral Shores while Bynum saved 19 in goal. The Hurricanes likely would be sitting on win number two, but a game against Westminster Christian was postponed. The ’Canes are back at home on Friday, March 1 against Ransom Everglades.

The Lady Conchs picked up their first win of the season against the Paladins of South Plantation. Key West outscored South Plantation 9-7 in the win. Junior Deanna Mercier scored 3 goals and scooped up 4 ground balls while fellow junior Kaitlyn Piloto scored 3 with a pair of assists. Senior captain Ava Brock netted 1, assisted on 4 and earned 3 ground balls for the Conchs. Colbie Turner and Taylor Gibson, both sophomores, found the net one time each to round out the scoring.

“Our offense was patient and diligent, waiting for the perfect opportunity to score, while the defense did an excellent job collapsing on the ball to shut down South Plantation’s drive to the cage,” said assistant coach Kristen Baumer. She went on to praise junior captain Courtney Grabus for locking down the Paladins on defense with multiple interceptions.

The defending district champs are actively rebuilding, but head coach Marisa Giacopuzzi is not concerned, saying, “We have a small roster with a lot of new talent still learning the game. It will take us a few games to work out the kinks and find our groove, but we’re getting there.”

The young team is home again Friday, March 1 against in-county rivals Coral Shores in a district matchup in The Backyard at 5 p.m.

The Lady ’Canes evened up their record to 1-1 after a 9-8 win against Coral Reef High School on Feb. 21. Shay Stober scored 3 goals while Leyla Ochoa had 2 plus 3 assists. Iona Holmquist also netted a pair of goals and Allegra Fucaraccio and Addison McNew accounted for the other 2 of the ’Canes’ 9. Makayla Hahn was fantastic in the field with 5 ground balls and 2 interceptions, while Sidney Friedman kept Coral Shores in the game, saving 12 would-be goals as keeper.

1. Ray Scuderi, left, works the ball upfield. GRACE ANDREW/ Keys Weekly

2. The Conchs and ‘Canes prep for a faceoff. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

3. Coral Shores’ attackers push through the Key West

defense in the in-county rivalry showdown on Feb. 21. GRACE ANDREW/Keys Weekly

4. The Hurricanes’ Lucas Carballo, left, pictured in an earlier game this season, led the scoring charge for Coral Shores last week. CONTRIBUTED

5. Coral Shores’ Makayla Hahn racked up 5 ground balls and 2 interceptions against Coral Reef High School. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

MARATHON’S GARCIA TOSSES NO-HITTER

Marathon’s roster is finally full of high school athletes, and the hard work the team, which is still young by most standards, put in as a middle school crew is paying off.

The Fins are 2-0 to start the season after a pair of wins last week.

Marathon headed to Homestead to take on Colonial Christian on Feb. 20, pounding the Patriots in a 17-0 win. Senior Allison Garcia needed only 3 innings on the mound to end the game in a mercy-rule victory.

Garcia struck out 7 and walked just 2 in a nohitter to start her senior campaign in style. Garcia also registered a base hit in the game. Catcher Madelyn Thornton was 3-3 at the plate with a double, 2 singles and 3 RBIs. Sara Robinson and Shynell McGuire had a double and single each while Elena Eubank and Allison Helms each hit a double. Ryleigh Garcia and Maeve Merryman both singled to account for the remainder of Marathon’s hits.

Two days later, Marathon faced LaSalle at home. The Fins won 8-2 against the Royal Lions, racking up 9 hits with 2 from Robinson. Robinson was elusive on the bases, stealing 4 in the game. Eubank, Helms, Thornton, McGuire, both Garcias and Summer Haines all had singles. Allison Garcia went 6 innings on the mound, then handed the ball to her sister Ryleigh, who finished out the game for Marathon. The Lady Fins will return home for a Friday, March 1 game against Ransom Everglades.

Lady Fins last undefeated Keys softball team

With little time to regroup, Key West made some adjustments and made it onto the scoreboard in game two, but the 9-1 loss was not the result they were hoping for. Brenner lasted 7 innings for the Conchs, striking out 5, walking 4 and allowing 9 hits. The Warriors held Key West to 2 hits – a single from Niles and a double from Rodger.

The Lady Conchs started the season with an unusual pair of losses in double-header action Feb. 23 at home. Westminster Christian stunned the reigning regional champs 14-0 in game number one. Vera Rodger singled and doubled while Scarlet Niles and Shylo Sanchez added a base hit each for Key West. Nevaeh Arnold lasted just over 3 innings and Brianna Brenner finished out the game, both fanning 4 batters in the loss.

On Feb. 24, the Lady Conchs found their groove against visiting Keys Gate, winning 3-0 against the Knights. Brenner pitched 7 innings, striking out 8 with no walks and giving up a pair of hits in Key West’s first win of the season. Julene Vega had a pair of base hits in the game. Rodger added another single to her stats, as did Skye Sterling and Alexa Condella. Next up for the Conchs is Mater Lakes Academy at home on Saturday, March 2. Coral Shores started its season with a pair of losses last week, but head coach Lesa Bonee is not deterred. The team is without an upperclassman and is working on the fundamentals in a rebuilding year. The Lady ’Canes lost 19-1 against Somerset South Homestead on Feb. 20, then suffered a 20-5 setback against Colonial Christian two days later. The Hurricanes will have an opportunity at redemption in their next game when they have a rematch against Colonial Christian, this time on home turf, Thursday, March 7 at 4 p.m.

1. Elena Eubank, left, holds a LaSalle runner on second. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

2. Shynell McGuire is safe at second base. TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

3. Allison Garcia began her senior season with a 7-strikeout no-hitter against Colonial Christian. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

FINS LIFTERS EDGE ’CANES

Marathon boys secure wins by narrow margin

With just about a month to go before district competition, Marathon traveled to Coral Shores for a boys weightlifting meet to see how both teams have improved since their last meetup one week earlier. In Olympic lifts, the Fins won by a single point, edging out the ’Canes 34-33. In traditional, Marathon pulled away with a 38-29 win. The low scores were due to neither team fielding a 129-lb. or unlimited competitor for either event.

At 119 pounds, Marathon’s Chase Leird won both events. Jordan Henderson and Matthias Martinez-Velez split the wins at 139, with Henderson winning Olympic and Martinez-Velez taking first in the traditional event. Marathon’s Damian Staciewicz (154) won both events as did fellow Dolphins Max Childress (183), Tanner Ross (199) and Braulio Garcia (238). Coral Shores had double wins from Keryn Barrios (169) and AJ Johnson. Using the Sinclair algorithm to rank the athletes by their performances in each event and factoring in their body weight, Johnson was the top lifter in the Olympic event while Ross was number one in traditional. Johnson, Ross and Childress were all ranked in the top three of both styles of lifting, giving them a good idea of where they stand as the district meets, which begin March 29, inch closer.

Junior Chase Leird notched wins in both traditional and Olympic lifts for the 119-lb. weight class last week. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

ZIELS PERFECT AGAINST SPARTANS

Conchs remain undefeated in early season schedule

Key West hosted North Fort Myers in its season opener, defeating the 5A Red Knights 5-0 on Feb. 23 and 7-2 the following night. In game one of the two-game series, Jacob Burnham got the start on the mound, lasting 4 innings. Burnham struck out 8, walked 2 and allowed a pair of hits before Anthony Lariz took over. Lariz finished out the final 3 innings, striking out 5 with no hits and no walks. Lariz had a hit as well, singling for one of the Conchs’ 5 hits on the night. Roman Garcia, Noah Burnham, Sam Holland and Nelson Ong had the remaining 4.

The next night, Key West chalked up 6 hits, with 2 each from Garcia and Jacob Burnham. Burnham’s hits included a double and a triple. Lariz and Nelson Ong both singled. The Conchs were perfect on defense without a single error over the course of 7 innings. Felix Ong got the start on the mound and dominated for 3-1/3 innings, striking out 6 of the dozen batters he faced, walking 2 and allowing no hits. Christian Koppal and Vinny Moline teamed up to finish out the game, which put the Conchs at a solid 2-0 start on the season as they head into a rare road game.

A clash against NSU University School on Feb. 27 should serve as a litmus test for the Conchs this year. They will be back at Rex Weech Friday and Saturday, March 1-2 against Boca Raton’s Spanish River High School.

Marathon started the regular season the right way by winning its first two games, beginning with Everglades Prep on Feb. 20. Gavin Leal and Mason Thornton teamed up on the mound for a 20-0 no-hitter against the Panthers, walking 3 and striking out 7 between them. Thornton also registered a pair of hits and 2 RBIs to lead the Fins at bat. Leal also had a base hit, as did Bryan Broche, Dylan Ziels and Dylan Williams. Gabe Leal tripled and Jack Chapman doubled in the lopsided victory.

It was more of the same for Marathon on Feb. 23 against Miami Country Day. The Fins won in 3-1/3 innings in a 15-0 mercy rule victory against the Spartans. Ziels, Marathon’s go-to pitcher, was perfect over 4 innings for the Fins. The senior righty faced 14 batters, fanning 12 of them with no walks, no hits, no errors and no question that he is ready to make his senior campaign count. Ziels was also 3-3 at the plate with a pair of singles and a double. Broche, Gabe Leal and Leo Mendez each singled in the Fins’ win.

Their Feb. 24 game did not have the result the Fins were searching for, though. The night started off in the right direction, with visiting Keys Gate and Marathon locked up in a defensive battle. In inning 4, Keys Gate’s bats came alive, and a trio of hits put the Knights on the scoreboard first. Marathon promptly took advantage of

1. Coral Shores’ Grady Temkin slides back to first base.

2. Coral Shores’ Campbell Lavoie (6) slides into home plate against Keys Gate.

3. Coral Shores’ Temkin (4) steals second base.

4. Coral Shores’ Riley O’Berry commands the defense.

5. Marathon’s Gavin Leal at the plate.

Photos by Doug Finger and Tracy McDonald

FOUR CONCHS HEADED FOR STATES

Ia 5-walk inning, which included a hit and a dropped third strike, to pull ahead 5-1, holding onto the lead until inning 6 when things began to fall apart. Mason Thornton started on the mound, striking out 5 over his 4 innings. Thornton also added a single and a double in a solid effort both offensively and defensively. Gabe Leal, Dylan Williams and Jack Chapman all had base hits in the 15-8 loss. The Fins’ next home game is scheduled for Friday, March 1 against Ransom Everglades.

The Hurricanes split the week, with a loss on Feb. 20 to ABF Homestead. Junior Campbell Lavioe was 3-3 at the plate and Donovan Thiery, AJ Putetti, Keller Blackburn and Benjamin Friedman had one hit each in the 8-3 loss. Two nights later, the ’Canes turned things around against Keys Gate, defeating last year’s district champs 10-1. Thiery dominated the Knights, striking out 11 over 5 innings, allowing just 2 hits and walking 1 batter. Riley O’Berry held things down for the final 2 innings to secure the win. Lavoie racked up another hit, this time a double. O’Berry had a single and Grady Temkin added a pair of base hits in Coral Shores’ first win of the season.

t will be a quick turnaround for a talented trio of Conch wrestlers and their coaching staff, as three athletes placed in the top four at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 Championships at Cardinal Gibbons High School on Feb. 24. The grappling Conchs will join Sheyla Figueira, who qualified for a spot at states last week at the girls regional event, on a trip to Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee for the state championships this week.

Abram Canet placed fourth in the 132-lb. class, earning a spot in the state brackets. He will join Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov, who also claimed fourth place at 144 pounds, and Ralph Riche, who was the runner-up at 285. The Conchs placed fifth overall in a pool of 26 teams spanning from the Southernmost City to Clewiston. The state championships begin on Thursday, Feb. 29 with weigh-ins and the first round of action, culminating on Mar. 3 with finals.

Key West’s three state-qualifying wrestlers Abram Canet, left, Ralph Riche and Dostmukhammad Bakhtiyorov with coach Chaz Jimenez. CONTRIBUTED

CONCHS TAKE THIRD AT CALVARY INVITE

Conchs and ’Canes look strong at season start

Key West’s track team made the trip to Calvary Christian High School to participate in a invitational open to a dozen of South Florida’s best teams on Feb. 23. The Conchs won third place in both the boys and girls competitions, with several individual winners already showing prowess.

Cross country champ Caylaa Makimaa showed her speed on the track, winning the 3200 in 12:01, more than a minute in front of her closest competitor, and claiming second place in the 800. Grace Andrew cleared the 110 hurdles in 18.54 seconds for a first-place finish in the event. She went on to claim third place in the 400 hurdles and eighth in javelin.

Key West showed its typical prowess in the pole vault. Anabel Portuondo (second), Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo (third), Riley Richard (fourth) and Ariel Newton (seventh) all claimed top-10 spots. On the track, Naima Thomas was eighth in the 1600 and ninth in the 800 event, while Laira Anaya (fifth) and Ava Gonzalez (sixth) won points in the distance events. Other notable Lady Conch performers in field events were Abigail Cowan, who was second in long jump and fourth in triple jump. Audrey Smith was seventh in both discus and javelin.

The boys team also fielded a pair of winners at the event. Suharevskis Niks-Davis vaulted 14’ 3.25”, matching his previous personal best in his quest to beat the school record and upgrade his silver medal from states last season. Peyton Zubieta was the first-place winner in javelin with a 169’ 3” toss. The Conchs fared well in that event, claiming four of the top 10 spots with Te’Von Watson (second), Jeremiah Harvey (fourth) and Anthony Jenner (seventh). Jenner also claimed eighth place in shot put while Jean Louis edged him out by two spots for sixth in the event. Louis claimed a fourth place spot in discus and Noah Mercer was sixth to round out the throwing events.

The jumpers looked strong with Bronson Etienne (fourth) and Malachi Telisma (fifth) clearing the bar in the high jump. Jeff DeJean took a pair of fourth-place finishes in long and triple jump. Clerff Alexandre came in third in triple jump and eighth in long jump. Teammate Shane LaVallee was sixth in the 100 and took seventh in the 200. Jeremiah Harvey was third in the 110 high hurdles.

Distance runners Andrew Fedor, Colbin Hill and Daniel Roy proved they haven’t lost their mojo from cross country season. Fedor was fifth in both the 1600 and 3200 while Hill (fourth) and Roy (eighth) finished the 3200 in the top 10. Key West will return home on Tuesday, March 12 to host Marathon and Coral Shores in a Monroe County tri-meet.

Coral Shores traveled to Miami on Feb. 23 to start their track and field season at the Spartan Invitational against more than 20 schools. Despite competing against a slew of larger schools and private school teams, the 2A Hurricanes had two athletes finish in the top 20. Alaric Rodriguez ran the 1600 in 4:54 for 14th place, and Xavier Johnson secured 11th place in the 110 hurdles, clearing them in 18.41s. On March 7, the ’Canes will host Marathon in Tavernier for the Fins’ first competition of the season.

THE KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST

Getting on ‘track’ with the 2024 spring sport season

Join us as we dive into the thrilling world of high school sports, delivering insights, analysis and updates on all the key matchups, standout performances and the latest news from the field, track and mat. Whether you’re a dedicated fan, an athlete, or just looking to stay informed about the local sports scene, we’ve got you covered.

In our upcoming episode, we’ll take a closer look at the standout moments in Florida Keys prep sports action this week.

But that’s not all - we’ll also be diving headfirst into the world of prep track and field. We’ll be running through the fastest times, furthest throws and highest jumps from the latest track and field events. From sprinting to hurdling, javelin throws to high jumps, we’ll keep you up to speed on the incredible performances and recordbreaking moments from the field and track events in the Florida Keys.

Marathon’s Fab Louis Jeune (and his Pringles socks) are ready for the 2024 track season. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Public Meeting

Announcement – Monroe County Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB)/ Monroe County Board of County Commissioners

The Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) will meet

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

at 2:00 PM in the Harvey Government Center, BOCC Meeting Room on the 2nd floor, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West. 2798 Overseas Highway. The Board will discuss County Fiscal Year 2025 funding. The meeting will be a hybrid format with the HSAB meeting live at the Harvey Government Center. The public will be able to participate in-person or via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using a Zoom Webinar platform.

The HSAB meeting will begin at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The webinar will begin at 01:30 P.M., a ½ hour before the meeting, to allow time for people to join and test connections. The access points to view the meeting or for members of the public to provide public comment will be: Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/83021084065

Or iPhone one-tap : US: +16465189805,, 83021084065# or +16699006833,, 83021084065#

Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 518 9805  or +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 830 2108 4065 International numbers available: https://mcbocc. zoom.us/u/keq86qnmGQ

For a copy of the agenda or other information, contact Oksana Christow, Grants Coordinator, in writing at 1100 Simonton St., Room 2-213, Key West, FL 33040; by phone at 305-292-4474; or by email at ChristowOksana@monroecounty-fl.

gov. If members of the public wish to submit written documentation, the documentation must be submitted to Oksana Christow prior to the meeting and no later than March 6th, 2024, by 5:00 P.M. The public is advised that some or all the members of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners may attend the meeting and discuss items that may come before the Commission.

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: February 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY

REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or

other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying. Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below:

Department DAC

Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: February 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 9:00A.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

FY 2025 Destination/Turnkey Events Applications

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids/ proposals/responses/ applications be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https:// monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub. com, no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All bids/proposals/responses/ applications will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days after the competitive solicitation opening, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

If your bid/proposal/response/ application document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at

9:00 A.M., on Wednesday, May

1, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156#

US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish:

February 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that

on Thursday, March 28, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Outside Legal Counsel for Monroe County Planning Commission,

Monroe County Contractors

Examining Board/ Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals

Monroe County, Florida

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.

floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

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

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

Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcbocc.zoom.

us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156#

US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156#

US (San Jose)

Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish: February 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF ACTION RE: THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida Non-Judicial Timeshare foreclosure process

TO:

Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address

Unit/Week(s):

Amount due:

Baron Fry 2595 Edenville Path

The Villages, FL 32162

204/42

$4,450.88

Brenda Bashaw 3089 Newburgh Street Port Charlotte, FL 33952 126/35

$2,562.11

126/36

$2,562.11

Charles McClure 5087 Raintree Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15236 215/42

$3,537.26

Edward Lutz

The Estate of Edward Lutz

All heirs and devisees of the Estate of Edward Lutz

Mary Lutz

The Estate of Mary Lutz

All heirs and devisees of the Estate of Mary Lutz

units on the Claim of Lien on the following described real property, located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit: Those certain Unit Numbers and Weeks as set forth above in CALOOSA COVE RESORT, a Condominium, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, recorded in Official Records Book 827, Page 2050, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all amendments and exhibits thereto, together with an undivided share in the common elements appurtenant thereto. has been filed against you. If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in Section 721.855, Florida Statutes. You may choose to sign and send to the trustee an objection form, exercising your right to object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure.

If you would like an Objection form, you should contact the undersigned Trustee, Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, in writing. Upon the trustee’s receipt of you signed objection form, the foreclosure of the lien with respect to the default specified in this notice shall be subject to the judicial foreclosure procedure only. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest.

Objections must be made in writing to:

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire TRUSTEE FOR THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

Forrest

$4,311.36

Gary Iverson

$3,537.26

Jerald

$4,139.64

Judith Hagopian 7420 Cedar Avenue

Tacoma Park, MD 20912

124/50

$2,562.11

Kathy Gates-Mason 17360 Warrior Drive

Howard City, MI 49329

218/49

$3,537.26

Linda Asta 2 Loon Lane

Placida, FL 33946

210/18

$3,161.11

Moody Manor, Inc

7150 Holatee Trail Ft Lauderdale, FL 33330

206/20

$3,160.11

Sherry Taylor 4701 NW 45th Court Tamarac, FL 33319-3669

227/40

$3,537.26

Steven Sebby 201 Leisure Street Yorkville, IL 60560

215/50

$2,562.11

William Distaso

553 Tennant Road

Manalapan, NJ 07726

224/18

$3,160.11

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare

and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN

THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS

AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS

AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS

SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

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 February 29, 2024.

The date of the second publication of this notice is March 7, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Jerry A. Myers 4284 Calkins Road Flint, MI 48532

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Jerry A. Myers

Florida Bar Number: 662569

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC

9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.

201 Fletcher Avenue, Second Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 within 30 days of the first date of publication of this Notice.

If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

DATED this 20th day of FEBRUARY, 2024.

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, TRUSTEE TRUSTEE for THE CALOOSA COVE RESORT OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC

Publish: February 29 & March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

DIVISION: PROBATE

FILE NO.: 2024-CP-69-M

IN RE: ESTATE OF SUSAN SARI MYERS

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Susan Sari Myers, deceased, whose date of death was May 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate 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

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: February 29, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Matthew L. Campton

604 Riverview Flagler Beach, Florida 32136

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Richard E. Warner

Attorney

Florida Bar Number: 283134

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

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com

Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@ rewarnerlaw.com

Publish:

February 29 & March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH

JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE

FILE NO.: 2023-CP-293-K

IN RE: ESTATE OF MARGARETE COFFMAN

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

com Publish: February 29 & March 7, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-79-K

DIVISION: LOWER KEYS

IN RE: ESTATE OF DONNA L. KING AKA

DONNA VIERLING KING Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Donna L. King aka Donna Vierling King, deceased, whose date of death was February 4, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS

The administration of the estate of Margarete Coffman, deceased, whose date of death was November 3, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below.

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

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

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. 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 February 22, 2024.

The date of the second publication of this notice is February 29, 2024.

Personal Representatives:

James Coffman

16618 Willoughby Drive

Williamsport, MD 21795

Scott Coffman

16618 Willoughby Drive Williamsport, MD 21795

Attorney for Personal

Representatives:

Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for James Coffman & Scott Coffman

Florida Bar Number: 662569

WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC

9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings.

com

Publish:

February 22 & 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

FILE NO.: 24-CP-000009-P

IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM C. MORRIS, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of William C. Morris, deceased, whose date of death was February 25, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The name and address 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 PERIOD 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: February 22, 2024.

Dated as of the 14th day of February, 2024.

Personal Representative: Susan F. Morris 33 East 69th Street New York, NY 10021

Attorney for Personal

Representative: Paul Rampell, Esq. Florida Bar No. 305901

400 Royal Palm Way, Suite 410 Palm Beach, FL 33480

Email: paul@rampell-law.com

Telephone: 561-833-1116

Publish: February 22 & 29, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

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

Applicants must posses a current Florida Certi cation as a police of cer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.

Salary: $60,000.

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

Email resume to:

Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net

Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CODE ENFORCEMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Reports: to City Clerk

The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for Code Enforcement & Administrative Assistant. Position includes but is not limited to data entry, preparing letters, filing and organizational skills, front desk, answering multi-line phones, processing mail, administrative support to all Staff, ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with Commission, staff, and public, providing exceptional customer service.

Minimum High School graduate with two years of work experience in customer service and administrative support. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Applicants must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

$49,000.00 - $52,000.00 Competitive Salary based on experience. Full benefits provided. Contact City Hall for an application at 305-289-1212, opt. 2. Applications are also available at www.keycolonybeach.net; see “City Government” then “Forms”.

Submit applications in person, via email, or by mail to: cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net, or

City of Key Colony Beach City Hall 600 West Ocean Drive PO Box 510141

Key Colony Beach, FL 33051

Attn: City Administrator Equal Opportunity Employer. Open until filled.

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

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

BIKES FOR SALE

Never used: 26" bike Hilltopper Horizon 36 volt conversion kit, thus 20 m.p.h. ++ Compare @ 899 + tax, offered @ $450 obo. Call Peter @ 305 741 7422.

BOATS FOR SALE

1986 SeaRay 268 Sundancer - Live aboard, furnished, on trailer at Grassy Key Marina, Marathon. $9,000 Call Ben at 712-790-1333

18' Mako 2003 center console T-top with 2020 Suzuki 140 hp only 30 hrs. 2021 Rocket Trailer Located in Marathon. $27,500 call Mark 305.731.5588

Fly N Fish Sailboat, 1981, 36' diesel, low mileage, one owner. Located in Marathon. $18,000 OBO. 305-709-7234

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

Dockage for rent in Marathon behind residence. Call for particulars. 305-619-5282

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

CAMPING SITE

Camping site at marina available in Marathon. $30/day + misc. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder is hiring an overnight Security Guard- responsibilities include but are not limited to observing marine mammals to ensure quality care, the ability to follow written instructions, and follow protocol and procedures as directed. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs and must be able to stay awake and alert for a 13.5 hour shift (5:30pm7am). DPMMR is a drugfree workplace. To apply, please send your resume to andreaw@dpmmr.org.

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE

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

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Immediate job opening for part-time Housekeeper in Key Colony Beach. Mostly weekends. Will offer top pay for right person. Call Continental Inn Beachside: Michelle 952-208-2850; Cheryl 305-505-8747

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

Pigeon Key in Marathon is seeking a Customer Service Rep/ Ramp Attendant. to join our island team. Position includes greeting customers, giving information and taking admissions. Outgoing professionals can contact pigeonkey@aol.com for additional details.

City of Marathon

Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us

Marathon Auto Air looking for Shop Help - full or part-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884

Insurance CSR needed: Fullers Insurance in Key West is looking for a customer service rep. or agent. Hours are 8-5 MonFri. Paid holidays, vacation, and health insurance. Apply in person at 1432 Kennedy Drive, Key West, FL or email resumé to norman@ fullersinsurance.com.

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

Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.

Place your

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT. YARD SALES

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

ANNUAL RENTAL -

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

2BR/2BA Furnished Apartment in Key Largo. Top floor of conch house, full kitchen with new appliances, living room, covered deck, W/D on site, pets ok, NO SMOKING in unit. $2750/mo. incl. utilities. Background check and references required. Call Tim for more info 516.526.4820

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/month furnished, $1600/ month unfurnished includes electric, water, sewer, cable & internet. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Lots for Rent in Marathon. Full hook up. Dry & Waterfront lots. $1300$1700/month plus utilities. F/L/S 305-731-5042

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

VACATION RENTAL

Key West House

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

VACATION RENTAL

WANTED

Senior Canadian couple, excellent tenants, seeks Keys vacation rental January to March 2025. Must have reliable internet, 3 bdrms, 2 bath, on or close to beach. Contact elaine@newmanarb.com or 416 618 4413

YARD SALES

Community-wide Yard Sale - Sat. March 9 from 8a-3p. Community of Port Antigua, MM 74.5 Individual yard sales throughout neighborhood.

Cudjoe Gardens

Community-wide Yard Sales, Saturday, March 2nd. 8AM-2PM. (MM 21) Drost, Sawyer, and Colson Drives - Follow the signs. Fishing supplies, Tools, Furniture, Lamps, Housewares, Plants, Costume Jewelry, Clothes, & Various Treasures.

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305743-0844 today!

Now Hiring Per Diem CNA

Schedule

The per diem CNA - hospice aide performs personal care, homemaker assistance and defined nursing procedures in the homes of patients and their families. For more information, including job duties, qualifications and application, please visit:

chaptershealth.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/jobs

Chapters Health Hospice is your community-based, not-for-profit hospice in the Florida Keys.

Chapters Health Hospice is a dba for Good Shepherd Hospice, an affiliate of Chapters Health System, initially licensed in 1984.

Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Competitive compensation plus benefits.

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. dynastymarine.net

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER HAS A FT/PERMANENT OPENING FOR A FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

Must work well with animals, in order to support Medical & Animal Care & Training departments & participate on Manatee Rescue Team. Must be physically fit, able to lift 75 lbs., possess general “handy-man” skills, have a clean driving record & be diver certified or willing to become certified –knowledge of dive equipment maintenance is a plus. Successful candidate will be responsible, organized, & motivated with excellent team player skills. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k), vacation & paid holidays. Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

O/S

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MARC is in Monroe County Florida, the Florida Keys and is a locally operated 501(c) 3 organization providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, severe autism, spina bifida, Prader-Willi syndrome, Down syndrome, and Phelan-Mc Dermid syndrome. The organization is looking for an experienced, dynamic nonprofit professional to serve as its next Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration of MARC including programs, facilities, and business operations. The position reports to the Board of Directors, provides direct supervision of the Management Team and is the visible leader of the organization with staff, volunteers, participants, families, other agencies and the community. The Executive Director is guided by the mission of MARC and is responsible for planning, program and fund development and advocacy activities on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Excellent business and financial management skills are essential for the position.

COME JOIN OUR FAMILY! Apply online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org Phone: 305-294-9526 *32, Fax 305-292-0078 - EOE

WE ARE HIRING!

Client Medical Services Manager

Looking for an LPN/RN with solid experience, to work with our clients and staff to meet medical needs. Assist the clients in areas of dental, medical, transportation, liaison between clients, families and support staff. Florida LPN or RN certification. Level II background screening required. Fluent in English, valid Florida drivers’ license w/good driving record, references. Pre-hire on-line training required. Some on call responsibilities. Strong computer skills.

Come join our family! EOE

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

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

Workshop Manager (Key West)

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

Come join our family! EOE

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

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

LOCATION:

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

EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

- Medical Assistant, Marathon, Orthopedics, Part Time

- Ortho Support

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- MC Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Medical Technologist, Part Time

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Pool Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem

- Pool Physical Therapist, Per Diem

- Pool Yoga Instructor, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator

- First Cook, $5k Sign-on Bonus*

- MC Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Sign-on Bonus*

- Patient Care/Nursing House Supervisor, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Patient Experience Advocate

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

- Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, $15k Sign-on Bonus*

- Security Of cer

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child) Case Manager (Adult, Forensic)

MARATHON

Prevention Specialist (any location)

Admission Specialist

Coordinator (PT) Driver (CDL)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult)

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

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

*No

THEME: THE OSCARS

ACROSS

1. Anti-seniors sentiment

6. ____ PÈrignon, Champagne

9. Big Bang’s original matter

13. Prefix for earliest

14. Call to Maria

15. Bob and ____

16. “Peter, Peter Pumpkin ____”

17. “Le ____ des cygnes”

18. Like yesteryear

19. *Greta Gerwig’s Oscar nominated movie

21. *He’s nominated for playing Leonard Bernstein

23. Nothing

24. White ____ shopping event

25. Federal food safety agency, acr.

28. It ran away with the spoon

30. ROTC happenings

35. Figure skating jump

37. Grad

39. Arrogant one

40. Archaic preposition

41. PassÈ

43. Scrubbed

44. Sugarcoating

46. Money in Mexico City

47. What DJs do

48. Trickery

50. Swerves

52. Sigma Alpha Epsilon

53. *Typical number of nominations in one Oscar category

55. Emergency responder, acr.

57. *”Nyad” nominee

60. *What kind of moon?

63. “Finnegan’s Wake” author

64. Mother load offering

66. Java cotton tree

68. Artemis’ companion

69. Fat of olives

70. *What actors do

71. Spinner’s product

72. Wisecrack

73. Like Phoenix

DOWN

1. Cornelius of the movies

2. Snap up

3. ‘I’ in Greek alphabet

4. Howard of radio fame

5. Death-related

6. One of the Earnhardts

7. Spermatozoa counterparts

8. Muhammad’s birthplace

9. Review service, with .com

10. Use a ladle

11. At any time

12. *”No Country for Old ____” multi Oscar winner

15. Suitors

20. Trojan War story

22. “Just an ____-fashioned love song”

24. Slumber

25. Fl., as in fl. oz.

26. “A Confederacy of ____,” sing.

27. Place above a ceiling

29. Dueler’s strike

31. Overnight lodgings

32. Shoelace bunny ears

33. Divine saying

34. *Producer and star of “Poor Things”

36. *”The ____ of Interest”

38. Table hill

42. Wooden pin

45. *Like nominated ones

49. Love-love, e.g.

51. Meat-cooking contraption

54. Roaring of an engine

56. Hindu religious teacher

57. Forum, pl.

58. Deed hearing

59. Medical diagnostic test

60. Abe Lincoln’s hat material

61. #20 Down, e.g.

62. Traditional learning method

63. *Da’Vine ____ Randolph

65. Orinoco or Grande

67. *Ryan Gosling’s character