Key West Weekly 24-0404

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Lou Conter, the final survivor of the USS Arizona, the Navy battleship that was sunk – with a loss of 1,177 lives –during the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, died April 2 at age 102. Conter was a 20-year-old quartermaster when the attack took place on Dec. 7, 1941, marking the U.S. entry into World War II.

Asix-week abortion ban could soon take effect in Florida after the state Supreme Court upheld a ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy on April 1. Voters will have a say on removing those restrictions, however, following a separate ruling by the Florida Supreme Court, released the same day, that approved the language of a ballot measure that would enshrine abortion access in the state’s constitution.

On April 1, the court ruled 6-1 on the state’s 15-week abortion ban, which passed in the Florida Legislature during the 2022 session. Gov. Ron DeSantis subsequently signed legislation with a July 1, 2022 effective date.

That same day, Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit, bringing a state constitutional challenge to the House bill on grounds that it violated the Florida Constitution’s privacy clause. Adopted by voter referendum in 1980, the privacy clause guarantees the right “to be let alone and free from governmental intrusion into the person’s private life.”

Lawyers with Florida’s attorney general’s office told the court that the privacy clause was focused more on informational privacy, like personal records, and not abortion. In the privacy clause, it states that it shouldn’t be construed to limit the public’s right of access to public records and meetings as provided by law. Justice Jamie Grosshans, who wrote the majority opinion, stated there’s no support to the claim that voters understood abortion to be part of the rights recognized under the privacy clause.

“After considering each of these sources and consistent with longstanding principles of judicial deference to legislative enactments, we conclude there is no basis under the privacy clause to invalidate the statute,” Grosshans wrote.

Justice Jorge Labarga, the lone dissenter, stated the majority’s decision “recedes from decades of this court’s precedent.”

Florida joins other states that banned abortion at 15 weeks or less. Those moves were taken after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and gave authority to the states.

The court’s decision to uphold the 15-week ban thus triggers a newer six-

By Jim McCarthy and Mandy Miles

Check out the fine art paintings by Adam Scott Rote at Key West Gallery, 601 Duval St., April 4-8.

See page 23.

Floridians’ personal medical decisions and attacking health care professionals,” the statement read.

Florida voters get final say in November

The new six-week ban on abortions in Florida may only last six months, as voters in November will be asked whether reasonable access to abortion should be included in the state’s constitution.

The campaign to protect women’s access to abortion, known as Floridians Protecting Freedom, spent nearly a year gathering the required number of signatures to put forth a proposed constitutional amendment. The group collected 996,512 signatures — more than 100,000 above the 891,523 that were needed by Feb. 1.

After hearing oral arguments on Feb. 7 from both sides of the issue — Floridians Protecting Freedom and Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody, who opposes abortion — the Florida Supreme Court on April 1 ruled that the language proposed for the ballot question was valid.

week ban that state legislators passed during the 2023 session. Legislators wrote the bill in a way that it wouldn’t take effect unless the court upheld the 15-week ban. Now, the six-week ban is slated to take effect on May 1.

The abortion ban won’t apply if two physicians certify in writing that the termination of the pregnancy is necessary to save the woman’s life or avert serious risk of physical impairment of a major bodily function other than psychological condition. Or, two physicians must certify that the fetus has a fatal abnormality. The law allows for abortions in instances of rape or incest, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner said.

“It is a compromise that addresses where many Floridians are,” he said following the court’s ruling.

Planned Parenthood, in a statement following the ruling, said the abortion ban does nothing to protect a person’s health and safety.

“At Planned Parenthood, the doctors and nurses have seen firsthand the devastating impact abortion restrictions have had on patients in Florida and across the country. Lawmakers should focus on helping ensure greater access to care and healthier outcomes for patients, rather than interfering in

With the April 1 ruling, the court enabled voters to decide the state’s abortion policy.

In addition to statewide ballots in which voters choose a president, members of Congress and the Legislature and local officials, they will be asked whether they support a constitutional amendment that states: “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.”

A fetus is typically considered viable, meaning it could survive outside the womb, around 24 weeks.

The two major rulings that came down on April 1 are likely to shine a brighter national light on Florida politics, as abortion has proven to be a tough issue for Republicans, even in historically Republican states such as Kansas, where voters in 2022 overwhelmingly shot down a proposed constitutional amendment in their state that would have limited access to abortion.

The amendment would need the approval of 60 percent of Florida voters to pass.

FRED THE TREE GOES HOLLYWOOD IN ‘ROAD HOUSE’

New movie stars famous pine — and some guy named Jake Gyllenhaal

“R

oad House,” the new release from Amazon Prime starring a shredded Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor, purportedly takes place in the Florida Keys.

But the movie doesn’t resemble the island chain in either scenery or plot.

It was filmed in the Dominican Republic, because that’s where filmmakers are welcomed these days with tax incentives and other economic breaks.

“Road House” is about a down-onhis-luck and troubled ex-UFC fighter hired to clean up a beachside “Keys” bar riddled by patrons who constantly ruin the tropical vibe with fights and table-smashing and villains who want to force the owner to sell the property.

Glass Key, however, is total fiction, along with the idea that the Keys are a dangerous place to visit a tiki bar and (still) famed for drug trafficking.

“Why do you think they call it the Keys?” one character tells the 2024 version of Dalton, the expert bouncer. (That’s not the etymology of Cayo Hueso, by the way. Not at all.)

But “Road House” got one Keys classic right.

Fred the Tree and the Old Seven Mile Bridge, two Florida Keys icons, have cameos in the new “Road House,” a remake of the 1989 Patrick Swayze vehicle that was a cable TV guilty pleasure-turned-cult-classic.

Famous Fred – the sturdy Australian pine that survived Hurricane Irma – and the breathtaking aerial view of the Middle Keys are absolutely real and filmed in person.

The anonymous Keys crew that decorates Fred for Christmas each year even agreed to hold off for two weeks during the movie filming so Fred could be filmed in its natural glory. The delay was chronicled on Fred’s hugely popular Facebook page.

No one expected “Road House” to be a documentary. It’s an Amazon Prime original movie made for the streaming giant that’s gotten decent reviews.

The resiliency of Fred the Tree, though, is an emotional thread that runs through the plot.

Fred is seen in the film’s beginning, as Gyllenhaal’s Dalton looks out the window of a bus headed to fake Glass Key for a job he initially turned down.

A bookstore owner’s daughter then welcomes Dalton with a book about Fred the Tree – also fake, although there is a very real children’s book called “Fred the Tree” by author Leigh H. Guest that tells a moving story of hope after a Category 4 Hurricane Irma devastated parts of the Keys in 2017.

But the rest of the “Keys” shown in “Road House” in reality are locations in the DR.

Florida used to have a revolving door of movie crews coming in for long stays, lured by the Sunshine State’s once-competitive film incentive program. That’s over.

Twenty years ago, Florida was the no. 3 destination for filming in the U.S., after Los Angeles and New York, said Chad Newman, Florida Keys film commissioner.

“We’re not in the top 25,” Newman said. “There’s no money here. It’s not that we even need a huge incentive,

we just need something to get us in the room.”

The Keys get plenty of Hollywood work: car commercials, travel shows, reality TV, including a Jersey Shore cast-goes-on-vacation. Star chef Gordon Ramsay shot a new show in the Keys. And many films have come down for exterior shots or weeks-long onlocation filming.

The series “Bloodline” became a Keys tourism success story and still brings people down to see the Rayburn house and other movie locations.

“They spent $30 million in Monroe County,” Newman said. “That generated $60 million of tourism impact.

But when it comes to Hollywood films set in Florida, movie studios are taking their business elsewhere. They skip Florida for states that will subsidize their multimillion-dollar budgets through film incentive programs that often lead to the creation of Hollywood-style industries in states like Georgia, a huge current favorite location.

An incentive is money provided by local governments to lure producers to their area.

But Florida ended its film incentives.

Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein, the former two-term state representative from the Keys, said she’s a huge fan of film incentives, but it’s an area of policy lawmakers simply disagreed on years ago.

During her eight years in the Florida House, Raschein watched the film incentive program fade to black.

“There was just an extreme philo-

sophical belief from the Legislature leadership, at the time, of not expending taxpayer resources on private enterprise, specifically the film industry,” Raschein told Keys Weekly.

“I championed it,” Raschein said, of the film incentives program. “I worked closely with Film Florida. Other states are rolling out the red carpet.”

As for “Road House,” Raschein put out a light-hearted statement that gently points out some liberties the movie took with depicting the Keys.

“We are very lucky to live in the fabulous Florida Keys, with a law-abiding sheriff, ‘Margaritaville’ playing in our bars at happy hour, friendly bikers sharing our roadways, and an occasional docile croc sighting,” Raschein said.

“The most accurate depiction of the Florida Keys was our very own Fred the Tree waving Dalton across the Seven Mile Bridge,” she said. “We invite Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor to our Florida Keys anytime to see and feel what it is like here, since they didn’t experience it while filming Road House. I will gladly give them a ‘locals’ tour of the islands myself.”

1. Fred the Tree, the resilient and famous Australian pine, growing from the Old Seven Mile Bridge, is featured in the 2024 movie ‘Road House.’ KRISTEN LIVENGOOD/ Contributed

2. Jake Gyllenhaal stars in ‘Road House.’ LAURA RADFORD/Prime Video photo

3. On the set of ‘Road House.’ LAURA RADFORD/Prime Video photo

4. Conor McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal star in ‘Road House.’ DAVE FOGARTY/Prime Video photo

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Welcome to Even More Convenient Care.

The Fishermen’s Community Hospital campus has expanded.

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

• Primary care

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy

• Oncology infusion for Baptist Health Cancer Care patients

• Physician offices for orthopedics, general surgery and gastroenterology

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

SHOULD KEY HAVEN & STOCK ISLAND BE

PART OF KEY WEST?

Planning board urges commission to complete annexation studies

NEW MOORING FIELD PLANNED OFF STOCK ISLAND

Boca Chica Basin, off Maloney Ave., slated for 40 liveaboard anchorages

SMhould the areas of Key Haven and Stock Island be made part of the city of Key West?

The question has been often asked for the past 20-some years, but never definitively answered.

The city’s comprehensive plan, which guides and regulates development in the city, “specifies that by 2017, the city was supposed to prepare an annexation study for Key Haven and by 2020 was supposed to prepare a study for the south side of Stock Island,” assistant city attorney Larry Erskine told the Key West Planning Board in February.

The north side of Stock Island, which includes College Road, the hospital and golf course, is already part of Key West. Those residents and entities pay city taxes and can vote in city elections. Stock Island on the other side of U.S. 1, as well as Key Haven, are part of unincorporated Monroe County.

But that could change if studies show that annexation would be beneficial.

“There shouldn’t be any agenda here; this should be done totally objectively,” Ed Russo, an appointed member of the Key West Planning Board, said at the February meeting, where he raised the topic of the overdue annexation studies. “We’ll need to study the impacts on housing, taxes, voting districts and more. There’s a whole bunch of things that will have to be considered and it’s going to take a while to figure it all out. But at least then we can look back on

it and say we addressed the question objectively and with knowledge of all the factors.”

The planning board in February voted unanimously to urge the city commission to “initiate an annexation study for portions of Key Haven and Stock Island,” states the Feb. 15 planning board agenda.

“I’ve been trying to do this for more than 20 years,” city commissioner Jimmy Weekley told the Keys Weekly on April 2, adding that he absolutely would be in favor of getting the studies done.

Planning board chair Sam Holland is also in favor of the studies.

“Seven out of 10 homes in Key West these days are owned by people who don’t live anywhere near Key West,” Holland said. “Meanwhile, there are so many local business owners, general managers and people with major stakes in what happens in Key West living in Key Haven, but they can’t vote in city elections.”

When there was a vacancy on the planning board last year, Holland had proposed changing the criteria to allow appointees from Key Haven and even up to Big Coppitt to serve on the planning board.

“The HARC board allows it,” Holland said. “The Bight board allows appointees all the way up to Big Pine, and yet the planning board members have to reside in the city limits. But my proposal got blown out of the water last year.”

The planning board’s vote to encourage the annexation studies will now make its way to the city commission, which has the authority to initiate such studies and hire a firm to complete them.

onroe County is moving ahead with plans to install a new managed mooring field for 40 liveaboard vessels in Boca Chica Basin, just off Maloney Avenue on Stock Island. An additional 100 moorings are planned for the waters around Wisteria Island, a small island across the harbor from downtown Key West. Both areas are currently home to dozens of maintained and functioning liveaboard boats whose owners do not pay for their anchorage, as well as derelict vessels that pose safety and environmental hazards, and are expensive for the government to remove.

County Commissioner Craig Cates is working on the new mooring fields with Brittany Burtner, the county’s marine resources administrator. The two of them hosted a town hall meeting on March 13 at Bernstein Park on Stock Island to update the community about the Boca Chica Mooring Field and reassure some concerned residents who live next door or close to the upland property on Maloney Avenue that will house the shoreside facilities.

The county bought the vacant lot at 6633 Maloney Ave. in 2021 for $500,000 and plans to install a dinghy dock, showers and restrooms for mooring field tenants, a dockmaster’s office and apartment and laundry facilities. But those plans first require a zoning change for the parcel — a change some neighbors were reluctant to support at the March 13 meeting, citing concerns about adding 40 or more people to the mooring field in a neighborhood where parking is already a problem on Maloney Avenue.

Burtner assured the residents that

the shoreside property for the mooring field will accommodate as many bikes and scooters as possible, but acknowledged that cars would park on the street.

Longtime fishing Capt. Don Jonas, owner of High Stakes Charters, lives next door to the shoreside lot, where he also owns several trailers that he rents to long-term tenants. He and Cates have butted heads about the mooring field and its potential impact on the neighborhood and residents. Jonas said the mooring field tenants will be coming in and out of the facilities “24 hours a day,” and using a navigable channel that runs right in front of his property.

Cates assured the neighbors the county will do whatever it can to alleviate parking concerns and he emphasized that a managed mooring field will be a significant improvement to the current situation in Boca Chica Basin, where about 60 boats are anchored, most of them derelict, or uninhabited, Cates said.

“Our priority for the mooring field will be for liveaboard residents, not for boat storage,” Cates said, “Tenants have to pump out their sewage once a week and the boat has to be operational.”

He added that the installed moorings and restriction on vessel size and draft (how deep its hull sits in the water) ensure that the boats aren’t sitting on the bottom at low tide and destroying seagrass and other marine resources.

Cates told the Keys Weekly l that a contractor can begin installing the actual anchorages for both the Wisteria Island and Boca Chica mooring fields in the coming months, but the Boca Chica Mooring Field won’t open until the zoning change is approved for the upland property, and the shoreside facilities are completed.

The details of the mooring field are available at monroecounty-fl.gov/634/ Anchoring-Mooring-Management.

The county-owned lot at 6633 Maloney Ave. on Stock Island will be the site of the shoreside facilities for the new morning field proposed for Boca Chica Basin.

MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

Many Key West business owners and managers live in Key Haven, which is not part of the city, and thus cannot vote in city elections. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

REALITY CHECK: KEYS HAVE 3K BUILDABLE LOTS LEFT

County has legal defenses in potential takings cases

GWEN FILOSA

gwen@keysweekly.com

For years, the number of remaining vacant, buildable lots floating across the Florida Keys was just under 8,000.

People across the island chain would ballpark the number of privately-owned parcels still available at 7,900 when talking about development and real estate deals or concerns over quality of life and environmental health.

But realistically the number is less than half, hovering around 3,000, according to new findings by the county planner released to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on March 20.

The new estimated total of 3,000 in the Keys is based on applying zoning requirements that would allow construction on the lots, such as removing those that are essentially submerged land. It’s not a final tally, but rather a far more realistic take than the longstanding 7,900 figure.

“It is approximate; I probably missed some,” said Emily Schemper, the county’s planning and environmental resources director.

After two months of sifting through data and applying zoning laws to each parcel, Schemper found 2,200 lots in unincorporated Monroe that could potentially support development. The city of Marathon reported having about 550 while Islamorada clocked its total at 200.

At the very least, Monroe could put the new 3,000 number into hurricane evacuation models used by the state, Schemper said.

“I am not suggesting or proposing that that becomes the preferred number for proposed ROGO allocations,” she told the BOCC.

Many people have been focused on FloridaCommerce’s use of the 7,900 available lots to come up with various evacuation models that they released late last year.

Key Colony Beach doesn’t participate in ROGO and doesn’t appear interested in starting now, Schemper said. Ocean Reef also wasn’t included.

The city of Key West reported having 84 lots but has likely already assigned allocations for them, county staff said.

When the Florida state department rebranded as FloridaCommerce released hurricane evacuation models, linked to the number of new building permits made available to the Keys, it used a maximum figure of 7,954 – including some 6,000 in unincorporated Monroe.

The BOCC has the rest of the year to respond to the state with a request for Rate-of-Growth allocations and a hurricane evacuation plan. So they’ve assigned themselves a crash course in their available options.

In 2020, the county adopted ordinances to extend remaining allocations through 2026.

At the same time, people in the Keys say it’s time to stop encouraging development of an already fragile environment where traffic on U.S. 1 has become routinely nightmarish in the Upper Keys and the water pipeline is under construction due to failings.

“We need to take as few ROGOs as possible,” Dottie Moses, president of the Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations. “Our future is at stake.”

Bracing for potential lawsuits

When it comes to limiting development, looming over Keys officials is the vision of having to fend off a crush of new lawsuits

seeking millions upon millions in compensation.

Monroe County leaders and staff are studying takings case law, or the liability the government has for being accused of depriving people of property, in this case rendering it undevelopable, and how to fend off such suits.

The county could explore putting a moratorium on property development as it works on a response to the state on building permits, according to its legal team.

“A moratorium would be appropriate and would be defensible,” Assistant County Attorney Derek Howard told the BOCC at a special ROGO workshop in Key Largo on March 20.

“It’s not a permanent ban on development,” Howard said. “Just for the time being while we figure out how to proceed in the face of the shortage of allocations while we decide what we want to ask for from the state.”

Since 1987, Monroe County has had 58 takings-related cases and today has one remaining pending claim.

The county prevailed in all cases except for five, which cost more than $6.8 million in compensation. The payouts ranged from $75,000 to a blistering $5.9 million settlement in 1995, by far the worst loss for Monroe.

“The state hung us out to dry,” County Attorney Bob Shillinger said, of the single settlement. “It was the late ’90s. I don’t know if (the case) would be settled the same way today.”

Things have changed since 1995, including case law becoming more favorable to local government, Howard said.

“Takings will always be a thing in Monroe County,” Howard said. “The takeaway is it’s a manageable risk.”

Thursday, April 4

• Join The Studios of Key West for this month’s First Thursday Open House event, when we keep our lights on late and throw our doors open to celebrate the newest work in our galleries. Don’t miss the live music on the rooftop at Hugh’s View. 6-8 p.m.

Friday, April 5

• Mote Marine Laboratory is partnering with Youth Making Ripples for a free, family-friendly film screening at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. The film starts at 6 p.m. and is followed by a Q&A session with a Mote scientist. The event features films created by students from around the world. Films are focused on various marine science conservation topics. Attendees also will have access to the newly remodeled Eco-Discovery Center.

Wednesday, April 17

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

April 19-28

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

Friday, April 26

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

Saturday, April 27

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

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Smalltooth sawfish in distress due to an unusual mortality event may soon be brought to approved facilities for rehabilitation and eventual release.

DANA BETHEA/NOAA Fisheries

RESCUE EFFORT UNDERWAY FOR CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SAWFISH

Two Keys facilities tapped to house ailing animals

For dozens of critically endangered sawfish in the Florida Keys that have seen their numbers dwindle in recent months, a team of emergency rescuers is on the case.

This week, in an effort led by NOAA Fisheries and FWC in partnership with four Florida-based and national organizations including Havenworth Coastal Conservation, Ripley’s Aquariums, Mote Marine Laboratory and Dynasty Marine Associates Inc., teams were given the green light to rescue ailing fish and transport them to quarantine facilities for observation, research and rehabilitation.

Now listed as a critically endangered species due to habitat loss and overfishing even before the unusual mortality event, the smalltooth sawfish was the first marine fish to receive federal protection in 2003 under the Endangered Species Act – after some researchers estimate its population in Florida declined by up to 95%. With lifespans of 30 years or more, the species can take up to 11 years to reach sexual maturity, making population recovery efforts even more daunting.

“As an endangered species, (sawfish) are of the highest concern for everybody, especially when we’re losing such a large number of breeding-age animals,” Dynasty president Ben Daughtry told the Weekly.

Since investigators began tracking the mortality event in late 2023, they have seen erratic sawfish behavior and deaths, paired with widespread reports of spinning and whirling fish throughout the

Keys; 109 confirmed sawfish have been affected, along with 28 documented deaths as of March 24. The majority of affected fish have been larger animals, 7 to 14 feet in length, documented along shorelines and stranded on grass flats in the Lower Keys. However, the true effect of the mortality event is likely much greater.

“We suspect that total mortalities are greater, since sawfish are negatively buoyant and thus unlikely to float after death,” said NOAA’s sawfish recovery coordinator Adam Brame in a press release. “Given the limited population size of smalltooth sawfish, the mortality of at least two dozen sawfish could have an impact on the recovery of this species.”

NOAA’s release acknowledged that the effort is the first of its kind ever attempted in the U.S., with “complex” logistics as partner organizations continually evaluate how to address the unprecedented event. Specific care guidelines for ailing fish and degrees of intervention are still being developed, and each animal’s status will be individually evaluated by NOAA’s Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Implementation Team.

“Our goal is to release all rescued sawfish back to the wild once rehabilitated,” Brame said.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Dynasty are two of the three agencies tapped to house and rehabilitate the sawfish, if the opportunity arises. The other is Ripley’s Aquariums.

“We reached out to NOAA and FWC to offer the immediate assistance and support of our expert

scientists, vets and specialized marine species quarantine facilities for any response deemed necessary,” said Mote president and CEO Michael Crosby in a press release. “Without any clear source of financial support, we have committed Mote resources without hesitation to this significant, challenging and unprecedented initiative because it is at the heart of our mission and why Mote exists.”

“We will do everything we can to prioritize the well-being of the sawfish,” said Kathryn Flowers, Mote’s lead scientist for the rescue initiative. “Attempts to solve this mystery call for robust collaboration.”

As the exact cause of the fish deaths and spinning behavior

WAYS TO HELP:

Report sightings of healthy, sick, injured or dead sawfish to FWC’s Sawfish Hotline (1-844-472-9347 or sawfish@myfwc.com). Include date, time and location of the encounter, estimated length, water depth and any other relevant details.

Report sightings of other abnormal fish behavior, fish disease, or fish kills to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline (800-6360511) or scan the QR code to submit a fish kill report.

Support the Sawfish Rescue Initiative with a donation by visiting www.mote.org/ sawfish

remains unknown, scientists are chasing leads from a higher-thanusual abundance of the Gambierdiscus family of algae, known for producing a variety of toxins. Nonetheless, Brame said, the ability to study the animals in a controlled environment could “give us critical information to learn about the nature of the distress.”

Rescue efforts are to be quarterbacked by FWC and NOAA and are currently restricted to distressed animals, Daughtry said.

“What Dynasty can provide is we built a specific transport box for the sawfish, and we’ve got a trailer that we use for transporting our animals that has oxygen and that sort of equipment,” he added.

With a limited population of remaining sawfish, Daughtry was asked whether any consideration had been given to more extreme forms of intervention, such as captive breeding programs used to maintain other endangered species around the world. In July 2023, SeaWorld Orlando welcomed three smalltooth sawfish pups from a pair of breeding sawfish residing at the park since the 1980s – but the park heralded the accomplishment as only the second aquarium in the world to have a successful birth.

“None of the conversations I’ve been involved in are talking about trying to bring in non-symptomatic animals,” Daughtry said. “The concern is always, what if this comes back next year? We’ve got to learn what’s going on and do the best we can to figure out how we might be able to handle this in the future. It’s an evolving set of goal posts right now.”

$150 DONATION PER SEAT. Purchase tickets or make a contribution at tinyurl.com/sipintoscience24

FRI, SAT & SUN APR 5-7, 8PM $35, $30 mbrs. THE

THE PAPERS, A MUSICAL

Book, music and lyrics by Rob Baumgartner, Jr. and Nathan Dame

The Papers explores the themes of obsession, manipulation, and the moral implications of pursuing artistic legacy at any cost. A reimagining of Henry James’ classic novella The Aspern Papers set against the backdrop of contemporary Key West. sponsored by Jane Gardner Interiors

BAROQUE POP: STRING DUO

Irie Monte + Crispin Campbell

WED APR 10, 7PM

$60 front row, $40, $30 mbrs.

A violinist and cellist join for an evening of beautiful Baroque Pop music on the rooftop. From Paganini to The Beach Boys, let the sounds lift your spirit.

OTIS GIBBS

OLD TOWN NEW FOLK

CONCERT SERIES

APRIL 16, 7PM - THEATER

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

APRIL 17, 8PM - ROOFTOP

$75 front row, $50, $40 mbrs.

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

BAHAMA VILLAGE ICON RETIRES AFTER 31 YEARS

Charles Major spearheaded after-school & athletic programs

Members of the community and Key West city employees gathered March 27 at the Douglass Gym in Bahama Village to recognize the retirement of Charles Major after working for 31 years in the city’s Community Services department.

Major was hired in 1993 as a coordinator for the Frederick Douglass Gym. In his three decades at the gym, he has watched children in his charge grow up and send their own children to the activities at the gym, which is a vital part of the neighborhood, hosting afterschool programs, youth athletics, community meetings and more.

Major was presented a sign in his honor that will hang in the new Frederick Douglass Community Center, which is currently under construction. Community Services Director Marcus Davila made the presentation.

“His 31 years of service to the city and the community has been outstanding,” states the sign. “Community events and after-school programs at the gym would not

MARATHON PASTOR ON THE RUN AFTER SKIPPING SEXUAL ASSAULT ARRAIGNMENT

Monte Chitty believed to have left Florida in a white van with out-of-state plates

AMarathon pastor accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl is now on the run from authorities after skipping his arraignment, State Attorney Dennis Ward confirmed to the Keys Weekly Monday afternoon.

Monte Chitty, a 62-year-old pastor of Marathon’s First Baptist Church who faces two felony charges and one misdemeanor stemming from sexual assault allegations, is believed to no longer be in the Florida Keys, or even in Florida, after leaving town in a white van with out-of-state license plates, Ward and Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said.

“The last we know, he was leaving Florida and heading west,” Ward said.

exist without him. His dedication, friendship and guidance are greatly appreciated by the kids, employees and the community.”

Assistant City Manager Todd Stoughton also presented Major with a plaque in honor of his retirement and years of dedicated service.

— Contributed

“He is a direct threat to not only this community, but any other community he may be traveling through or hiding out in,” said Ramsay. “People like this who are sexual offenders prey on innocent victims, and their desires don’t stop because they’re on the lam. He’s virtually public enemy number one for this county right now.”

Chitty was arrested March 4 after an investigation that began with an anonymous call to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office saying the caller overheard a girl tell an adult she had been raped.

According to his arrest report, as deputies started to look for the girl, another call came in from Chitty himself, saying he believed he was about to be accused of something and “wanted to get ahead of it.”

The victim told investigators Chitty gave her an alcoholic beverage that she believed was spiked with something else, the report said. She said she lost consciousness after drinking it, and awoke to find Chitty molesting her.

Chitty originally told officers that the girl had passed out on a couch after drinking in his church’s library and that he had helped her to lie down on the couch, but had not touched her otherwise, his arrest report said.

Matching text messages detailed in the arrest report were found on both Chitty’s and the victim’s phones that referenced acts performed by Chitty while the victim was uncon-

Monte Chitty, originally arrested on March 4 for sexual assault charges with a 15-year-old victim, is now on the run from authorities. MCSO/Contributed

scious. Though the report said Chitty initially admitted to sending the messages, he later invoked his right to an attorney and denied the sexual contact.

Chitty was initially released from county jail after posting a $75,000 bond. That amount will now be forfeited after he failed to appear with no communication at Monday’s hearing, Ward said. A second hearing later the same day before Judge James Morgan upped Chitty’s bond to $1.3 million in light of his presumed flight and additional evidence.

“People like this who are sexual offenders prey on innocent victims, and their desires don’t stop because they’re on the lam. He’s virtually public enemy number one for this county right now.”

— Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay

Ward confirmed that additional evidence, including recorded telephone calls from jail and a probe into Chitty’s internet search history, gave prosecutors and detectives additional worries and reason to believe Chitty would leave town. The calls revealed he had told his wife not to pay any bills, Ward said.

Anyone with information on Chitty’s whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

Surrounded by relatives, Charles Major, third from right, celebrates his retirement at the Frederick Douglass Gym, where he has helmed after-school programs and other activities for more than 30 years. CONTRIBUTED

City officials Todd Stoughton, left, and Marcus Davila, right, honor Charles Major, center, who retired after 31 years with the city of Key West. CONTRIBUTED

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

MARK HEDDEN

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

The turkey vulture swooped low over the moat at Fort Zach, and I raised my camera because I knew it was going to shoot back up again and I would get a good shot. Except the bird didn’t shoot back up. It disappeared behind the bushes on what I presumed was the path.

Turkey vultures spend most of their day in the air, riding the winds, looking for food. They tend to land on the ground only when they have found something to eat. What do they eat? Almost exclusively dead things. Preferably dead things that have gone a little ripe.

Vultures are serious dietary opportunists. They’ll eat things as small as dead frogs, songbirds and mice, to things as large as the carcasses of cows, deer and alligators. They have been seen pulling bits from floating corpses of manatees. They will sometimes take a slow-moving, ground-dwelling chick, or a fish in very shallow water. They will also eat the occasional bit of coyote or sea lion poop.

And while all this is pretty gross, I will make the obligatory point that turkey vultures and other carrion eaters help keep the world clean. Without them the world would actually be a grosser – more gross? – place with a lot more dead things lying around for longer periods of time. Turkey vultures are one of the few carnivores that rarely take a life, but their guiltlessness, and their usefulness on the planet, generally don’t earn them a lot of love. The fact that they’re known for projectile vomiting as a mode of self defense probably doesn’t help.

At Fort Zach I started moving slowly toward the spot where the turkey vulture – the name usually shorthanded in birder world to TV –disappeared.

The path between the moat and the berm at Fort Zach is pretty well traveled. It was hard to imagine anything sizable, or noticeable to humans, dying and just being left there by the park staff. Thinking about what the vulture might be interested in, I believed it would most likely be an iguana.

I managed to advance far enough up the path to catch sight of the bird without scaring it off. Not that it didn’t notice me. It stood up a bit, straightened its posture, moved from the moat side of the path to the middle, fidgeting very slowly.

I’d say he looked like he was up to no good, but turkey vultures always look that way. It’s the lack of feathers on the head, and the wrinkled,

TURKEY VULTURES AND THE SWEET SPOT FOR STINK

red bare skin, which is functional for a creature that spends a good bit of time shoving its head into rotting corpses, but makes them look a bit like an aged, creepy viscount in a turtleneck. There is also the high, arching set of nostrils that are so wide and open that at least one birder was known to keep a list of plant species seen through turkey vulture nostril holes.

Their method of finding food was, for a long time, a controversial and bitterly debated subject. In John James Audubon’s era it was thought they found things by smell. When he was a young upstart in the world of ornithology, Audubon decided that no, that wasn’t the case, and wrote a paper with the brief and pithy title, “An Account of the Habits of the Turkey Buzzard (Vulture) particularly with the view of exploding the opinion generally entertained of its extraordinary power of smelling,” which he delivered to the Edinburgh Natural History Society in Scotland in 1826.

Audubon reported that to prove his point, he dragged an old pig carcass into a field and covered it with straw, and none of the turkey vultures in the area came to investigate. To further his point, he took a freshly dead rabbit and laid it near the straw-covered pig. Turkey vultures found it in a number of hours. He said he repeated this with several variations of dead animals and the results were always the same.

Some believed his conclusions. Many did not. Charles Waterton, a prominent English ornithologist of the era who had studied the turkey vulture, disagreed so violently that he suggested Audubon “ought to be whipped” for such a radical opinion. He went on to write at least 19 angry and virulent letters to the “Magazine of Natural History,” full of personal insults and withering grammatical critiques, ultimately inspiring the magazine to stop printing his letters and helping to shift public opinion in Audubon’s favor.

All of which demonstrates the pitfalls of a false dichotomy. Turns out TVs can find meals by both sight and smell. Audubon’s methodology was flawed. It is thought that the meat he used was too old and far gone. More modern

experiments show that TVs are rarely interested in carrion that has been dead longer than four days. There is such a thing as too rancid, even for turkey vultures. There is a sweet spot for stink.

Multiple experiments in the modern era, which generally involve hiding corpses or meat of the right age under coverings or in forests, have shown that turkey vultures have an amazingly perceptive sense of smell, something that has allowed them to become the most populous vulture species on the planet.

One interesting use of the turkey vulture’s olfactory abilities was that of the Union Oil Co., which in the 1960s started putting ethyl mercaptan – the terrible smelling chemical that dead creatures emit – into their natural gas pipelines. They would then look for turkey vultures circling low over their pipelines in order to find the leaks.

Recent studies of turkey vulture brains have shown they have an olfactory bulb four times the size of a black vulture’s, as well as twice as many mitral cells, which transmit information about smells to the brain.

While I was watching, the TV on the path at Fort Zach would occasionally disappear into the bushes, but then come back pretty quickly to his spot in the middle of the path. I’m not sure how long I watched. Five, 10 minutes. I watched until a German tourist couple came walking down the path, saw the vulture, paused briefly, then continued on, flushing it, the bird gaining purchase on the air in an instant and disappearing over the horizon in a matter of seconds.

When everyone was gone, I walked over to where the vulture had been. Despite looking carefully, I couldn’t see anything. I couldn’t smell anything, either, though I do have a terrible sense of smell. But then I realized I was hearing a low undertone of soft buzzing, and I followed the sound until I found it – a dead iguana under a bush, swarmed by flies.

I wondered if anyone had ever done any experiments to figure out how far away a turkey vulture can hear the buzzing of a fly.

A turkey vulture seen recently at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

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CHECK OUT ADAM SCOTT ROTE AT KEY WEST GALLERY

Paintings feature wildlife, musical icons and noir-inspired portraits

An award-winning artist, Adam Rote’s style of painting has been honed and mastered for over 40 years from apprenticeships with artists in diverse fields such as portraiture, airbrush, realism and sign-painting well before the digital age.

His subject matter is constantly evolving from the American Ruins, which launched his gallery career in 2004, to his continued re-imagining of his early inspirations featuring wildlife, musical icons, and noirinspired portraits.

In 2008 Rote caught the eye of some of Hollywood’s stars and their admiration has made him one of the most celebrated and collaborated fine artists in history.

Angie Dickinson called him her “Warhol.” Al Pacino stated, upon signing his Scarface painting, that it was “the best he had ever seen,” states Rote’s website.

Rote has collaborated, painted and co-signed with Academy Award winners Cate Blanchett, Martin Landau, Ernest Borgnine, Clint Eastwood, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Fonda, Robert Downey Jr., Dame Judi Dench, Susan Sarandon, Goldie Hawn, Michael Douglas, Kim Basinger, Anne Hathaway, Margot Robbie and others.

Rote’s works are available at Key West Gallery, 601 Duval St., from Thursday through Monday, April 4-8.

— Contributed

‘Queen of Hearts’ by Adam Scott Rote. CONTRIBUTED

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD BRING BIG LOVE TO KEY WEST

Franti joins the Keys Weekly Podcast

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Key West will get all the love from Michael Franti and Spearhead, whose “Togetherness Tour” includes a stop at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater on Friday, April 12.

But before that, the Keys Weekly Podcast caught up with Franti from his home in Bali for a podcast interview, now available at keysweekly.com.

With a career spanning three decades, Michael Franti has secured his place as a musical powerhouse. His songs fuse elements of hip-hop, punk rock and reggae for the signature, joyful sounds behind “Say Hey (I Love You),” “I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like)” and “Hands Up To The Sky.”

Franti & Spearhead’s latest album, "Big Big Love," digs into familiar Franti territory, with themes of love, resilience and personal growth.

“Big love is when you are able to love your family, your friends, your romantic partners,” Franti said. “It takes incredible focus and effort and diligence and forgiveness and healing and trying again just to do that. And then there's the love that goes out across borders, and religion and gender and sexuality and ethnicity, out into the world. And that's even harder to do.”

Franti started out a long way from big, big love. In the 1990s, he was blasting his anger through experimental rap and hip-hop by forming the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy in San Francisco.

“I grew up in an alcoholic family and didn't have a super happy childhood,” Franti told Keys Weekly in a phone call from his home in Bali.

“When I first started in punk rock and hip-hop, it was just expressing rage,

and not really understanding where it came from.”

Franti said as he grew, he evolved.

“My music started to take on more of a personal, introspective look at who I am in the way that I'm showing up,” he said.

He built a devoted fanbase from his constant mantra of staying positive no matter what’s happening. But he’s had his own challenges.

In 2021, Franti lost his biological father to COVID and wasn’t able to attend the funeral in person. Franti was given up for adoption at birth and didn’t meet his biological dad until he was 22.

He searched for two years to find him, after having his own son at age 20. He wanted the boy to know his grandparents.

“Staying positive isn't about being happy all the time," Franti said. "For me, staying positive is being able to be who I am in that moment and access whatever emotion is there.”

Franti and his family live in Indonesia, at Soulshine Bali, the yoga retreat resort they built in Bali. The food they serve at the hotel is made from the rice and vegetables they grow in their own organic garden or from neighboring farms.

For the Key West show, Franti has added a yoga session for his fans before the concert on April 12.

Ticket holders can join Franti for a pre-show, one-hour-long Yoga Jam at the amphitheater at 4 p.m. Concertgoers must have their tickets scanned to enter the venue. Yoga doors open at 3:30 p.m.

After yoga, people can either stay at the amphitheater or leave and return. Bring your own yoga mats and towels. They won’t be provided.

SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Lilly Pulitzer event helps A Positive Step on April 26

On Friday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Lilly Pulitzer shop, 600 Front St., Key West will donate 10% of all sales to A Positive Step of Monroe County to help fund the organization’s 2024 Idle Hands Summer Youth Employment program.

The Southernmost City and the Lilly Pulitzer brand share a colorful and historic relationship, as the late celebrated Key West artist and sculptor Suzie dePoo (Agnes Helen Zuzek dePoo) created many of the colorful and imaginative original fabric art designs that spearheaded the Lilly Pulitzer sensation.

On April 26, shoppers can support a great program while lifting their spirits among a vibrant array of classic “Lilly” dresses, tops, shorts, jumpsuits, swimwear and accessories available at the Key West shop.

Since 2010, A Positive Step of Monroe County, a nonprofit organization that serves some of Monroe County’s highestrisk kids and their families, has partnered with Key West to provide paid summer employment for Key West High School students who are returning to school the subsequent fall, aged 16 and up.

Each year, the city provides jobs in a variety of departments for students enrolled in the program, and contributes $35,000 toward the annual program budget, which currently runs about $100,000, and covers student payroll, program overhead, the cost of a parttime job coach/instructor, and training/orientation expenses.

With the support of individuals, community organizations, and local businesses such as Lilly Pulitzer, APSMC raises the remaining $65,000.

“We are very grateful to Key West’s Lilly Pulitzer for their annual fundraising in support of our Idle Hands program, which not only teaches our teen participants important work and social skills, but helps them recognize their potential and can break old patterns of low expectations,” said APSMC founder and executive director Billy Davis.

More information about the Lilly Pulitzer fundraiser is available from Mark Rotella at mrotella@lillypulitzer. com.

More information about APSMC and its community support programs is available from Davis at apsmccrp@aol.com or at apsmc.org.

Billy Davis, founder of A Positive Step Monroe County, center, Miki YarasDavis, left, and Lilly Pulitzer sales associate Catherine Whitney, right, get warmed up for a day of shopping to benefit A Positive Step of Monroe County. CAROL TEDESCO/APSMC.org

Michael Franti’s ‘Togetherness Tour’ includes an April 12 show in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

Children’s Health Education

Physical Therapy

Women's Health (Pap

Smear* & Breast Exam)

Men's Health

Local Health Service Info *For

SARAH FANGMAN

Sarah Fangman, Superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, will discuss managing the sanctuary under stress and how marine researchers and the community have responded in novel ways to try to protect threatened resources.

ARE YOU HIRING OR APPLYING FOR A JOB?

The College of the Florida Keys invites employers and job seekers to join CFK students and alumni at the annual Career Connections Job Fair and networking events on Wednesday, April 17 from noon to 3 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West campus and on Thursday, April 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the college’s Upper Keys Center in Key Largo.

The event serves as a platform for CFK students, alumni and community members to meet with

potential employers, explore career opportunities and apply for jobs in their fields of interest.

To make the most of this networking opportunity, attendees are advised to bring their resumes and dress professionally, ensuring a polished and effective interaction with prospective employers.

Employers interested in participating must email Nicole Gerrard, associate dean of student success, at nicole.gerrard@cfk.edu by April 12. Space is limited.

— Contributed

LIBRARY OFFERS FREE BEGINNER COMPUTER CLASSES

The Key West library is offering free computer classes on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to help people get started with basic computing. The topics and schedule are as follows:

April 2 — Learning the library’s website.

April 9 — Navigating the library’s laptops.

April 16 — Basic Microsoft Word I.

April 23 — Basic Microsoft Word II.

All classes take place at the library, 700 Fleming St. You do not need to have a library card to take part. Space is limited to six people, so save your spot by stopping by the library or calling 305-292-3595.

The Key West library also offers one-on-one Tech Tutor sessions for help with computers and smartphones on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m.and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call or stop by the library to reserve a session.

ART BLOOMS AT KEY WEST TROPICAL FOREST & BOTANICAL GARDEN

Outdoor exhibit opens April 28 featuring works by 24 artists

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden on College Road will host its annual Art in the Garden exhibit April 28 through July 31.

Art and nature will combine at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden starting Sunday, April 28, when two dozen creations by local and regional artists bloom alongside the 15-acre habitat’s rare and indigenous plants and trees.

Continuing through July 31, the Art in the Garden exhibit features large outdoor pieces crafted from natural, repurposed and recycled materials. With pieces installed among the property’s boardwalks, trails and hidden glades, the exhibit will provide garden visitors an organic illustration of harmony with nature.

Now in its 88th year, the open-air “living museum” is acclaimed as the only frost-free tropical forest, natural conservation habitat and native plant botanical garden in the continental United States.

Florida Keys artists’ sculptures and other works were selected for their ability to

intrigue visitors to the garden, enhance the environment and withstand outdoor weather conditions.

Located at 5210 College Road, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden shelters plant life native to South Florida, Cuba and the Caribbean, including many threatened and endangered species. Rich in biodiversity, it features two wetland habitats, national and state champion trees, two butterfly gardens and native butterflies, resident and migratory birds, seasonal flowers and other attractions for nature enthusiasts.

The garden is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. All-day admission passes are $10 per adult, $7 per senior, $7 per active or retired military member, and free for children ages 12 and under when accompanied by an adult.

More information is at keywest.garden.

Representatives from Hyatt Centric speak with a CFK student at a past job fair at the college. CONTRIBUTED

College to host job fairs in Key West & Upper Keys

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea

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

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

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

Meet Tub of Bubba. He’s a sweet 7-year-old boy who is just looking for a lap to curl up on. He enjoys making biscuits and purring all day.

Bixby is a 2-year-old male rabbit who enjoys running in tunnels, boxes and cozy hiding spots.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

The Ploggers met at 14th Street and Flagler Avenue for the March 28 morning cleanup. In one hour, 38 volunteers picked up 251 pounds of trash, 19 pounds of recycling and 3 gallons of cigarette butts. Special thanks to host Yvette Mira-Talbott and Appraisers of the Keys for providing refreshments following the cleanup. CONTRIBUTED

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

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

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

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

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large

items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

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

— Contributed

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

April 5: Mallory Square. Meet in the parking lot closest to the Dumpster. (Hosted by Ocean Key Resort)

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

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

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

Dreamsicle & Meech are a bonded pair. They are two dudes who love to cuddle and be around one another. They are looking to get adopted together.

Meet Yeti, the amazing 9-year-old white doggo. Even though he’s a big guy, weighing in at 44 pounds, Yeti is just a big softie who loves to snuggle like a small lap dog.

‘WE SECEDED WHERE OTHERS FAILED’

Conch Republic Independence Celebration set for April 19-28

One of the featured events of the Conch Republic Independence Celebration is the Great Sea Battle in Key West Harbor. BILL KLIPP/Contributed

Key West will celebrate the 42nd anniversary of the Conch Republic, with 10 days of only-in-Key-West misadventures April 19-28.

The celebration honors the island’s eccentric community and is a testament to the uniqueness and independent nature of the people who call the Florida Keys home.

This celebration features outdoor events held throughout Key West in waterfront parks, storied saloons,and unique island venues.

Key West’s 42nd annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration honors the founding of the Conch Republic, in 1982, in response to actions of the U.S. government, which installed a blockade at Florida City heading into the Keys. The blockade was taken down several weeks later due to the protests of the people who reside in the Keys.

The fun begins on Friday, April 19, with the opening ceremony and the raising of the Conch Republic flag at Mallory Square.

Visitors can cheer on or take part in competitions, including Great Drag Races on Saturday, April 20; the Blue Ribbon Bed Races on Saturday, April 27; and the Wrecker’s Cup Sailing Race Series to Sand Key Lighthouse on Sunday, April 28.

The Conch Republic Independence Parade marches down Duval Street on Thursday, April 25, while

the Conch Republic Naval Independence Parade in Key West Harbor is on Friday, April 26.

The celebration also offers plenty of opportunities to party with pirates and members of the Conch Republic High Command.

The week includes craft fairs, art shows, bar strolls and Earth Day cleanups.

The signature event of the celebration is the 39th reenactment of the Great Battle of the Conch Republic, an “all in fun” skirmish on Friday, April 26 that pits a Coast Guard cutter against the mighty fierce power of the Conch Republic military forces.

Like the first Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic, which was fought aboard the Schooner Western Union in 1982, the ammo of choice includes water cannons, Cuban bread, Conch fritters and, most importantly, humor.

The best viewing for the Great Sea Battle is at Mallory Square. After the battle, head to Schooner Wharf Bar at the Key West Bight Historic Seaport for the annual Surrender Ceremony & Victory Party.

Local charities will also conduct fundraisers.

A full schedule, event tickets and more are at ConchRepublic. com.

— Contributed

WORSHIP WITH US

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

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am

Service 11am

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Adorasyon 8:30pm

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm

Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Domingo Estudio Biblico a las 5pm

Servicio de Adoración a las 6pm

Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm

Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

‘‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,

‘BATTING’ THE MOSQUITO PROBLEM

Lower Keys tower was a roadside attraction

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.

In 1879, Richter

Clyde Perky was born to parents living in Denver, Colorado. The boy grew up, moved east and began dealing in the South Florida and Florida Keys real estate market.

If his name sounds familiar, Perky was also associated with one of the island chain’s more unusual roadside attractions.

Richter

Clyde Perky settled in Miami, and by 1914, his Island Holding Company was buying up real estate. In 1924, in the Florida Keys alone, Perky and the Island Holding Company had accumulated 25,000 acres that included more than 50 islands. On Key Largo, the company owned a reported 10,000 acres, about half of the total acreage of the largest of the Florida Keys. A large tract on North Key Largo was named Perkyland and included grapefruit and lime groves.

It was in the Lower Keys, on Sugarloaf Key, where Perky really left a footprint. The parcel, purchased in the 1920s, included the land previously owned by Key West’s Dr. Harris and later sold to the Chase brothers, who developed their Florida Keys Sponge and Fruit Company. Harris and the Chase brothers shared a desire to establish a commercial sponge “farming” industry in the clear shallows offshore. Both failed, for different reasons. When Perky bought the property, he, too, is said to have dabbled in the idea of commercial sponge farming.

R.C. Perky had big plans for Sugarloaf Key and envisioned a luxurious Florida Keys retreat in

the area of what is today MM 17. He hired Fred L. Johnson to manage the property and the sponges. Johnson was from Key West and supervised the construction of Sugarloaf Key’s most memorable structure — the aforementioned future roadside attraction.

When considering his plan to develop the property, one concern was those blood-thirsty needletoothed monsters known as mosquitoes. Perky had an idea. He had read about Dr. Charles Campbell of San Antonio, Texas, who wrote a book called “Bats, Mosquitoes, and Dollars.” One thing the book did was detail the vital role that bats can play in controlling mosquito populations. The book also promoted a bat tower of the doctor’s design capable of providing a welcoming home for a colony. He sent away for the blueprints.

Perky apparently claimed that between the cost of the plans, the lumber and the labor, he spent $10,000. According to an interview published in the Jan. 2, 1985 edition of the Miami Herald, Fred Johnson, who supervised the two carpenters who built the 30-foot tower, said the five-month project was cheaper to build — he did not say how much cheaper.

When the bat tower was finished, two things happened. For one, the tower was fitted with a plaque that read, “Dedicated to good health at Perky, Fla., by Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Perky, March 15, 1929.” The other was that Perky sent Dr. Campbell $500 for a shipment of his special “bat bait.”

When Dr. Campbell’s shipment arrived, the bait was placed on the floor of the 30-foot tall tower. The bait was a mixture of bat guano (poop) and Campbell’s secret blend of additional ingredients. According to Johnson, the stench, and it was smelly, never attracted any local bats. Perhaps the local bats preferred the fresh ocean breezes and did not care for the smell of Dr. Campbell’s special blend. Before

Perky was able to purchase a second batch of the doctor’s bat bait, Campbell died and with him went the recipe.

Despite the failure of the tower to attract bats, nearly a decade after it was dedicated, Perky’s luxury stop “twenty miles or thirty minutes from Key West” was being advertised in the March 11, 1939 edition of the Key West Citizen. “The Old Established Village name Perky, Florida – owning its own water, electric and other utilities and with its many fine buildings and docks, post office, telephone, telegraph, etc. Heretofore the 5,000 acre Perky Estate now at long last is open to a discriminating public. The Tavern, with its handsome, new Sugar Loaf Room for dining, ready with food that is the best. See the lights of Key West from our Observation Tower.”

Advertising being what it is, the Perky Estate boasting 5,000 acres is interesting, as Sugarloaf Key, where his fine buildings and tavern were located, totals out at about 14 acres. What is clear is that the Sugarloaf Key property was not his only one in the Lower Keys. To this point, there was an interesting letter published in the October 13, 1938 edition of the Key West Citizen.

W. Curry Harris, the legal advisor to the Board of County Commissioners, Monroe County, Florida, wrote it. In part, it read: “At a special meeting of the Board of County

Commissioners held yesterday afternoon, I was instructed to prepare and forward to you for your consideration, deeds for that portion of the abandoned right of way of the Florida East Coast Railway owned and held by your various companies between Big Pine Key and Key West. … As near as I can figure from the right of way maps which were loaned me by the State Department, there is approximately 13,800 linear feet involved (approximately 2.6 miles). This is simply my estimate and the true figures may actually be less or greater. I hope that you will find it possible to give the county this property. ... I realize that you have had difficulties with the State Road Department, but in the final analysis Monroe County, and not the State Road Department, will be the beneficiary upon the completion of the new highway.”

When the third incarnation of the Overseas Highway opened in 1944, it incorporated Perky’s land donation. As for the roadside attraction, Perky’s Bat Tower fell in 2017. After nearly 90 years, the boards that once held the failed roost together were knocked about by the 130-mph winds of the Category 4 Hurricane Irma. The boards have since been removed and, in the best world possible, have been repurposed and now decorate the island chain in some alternative designs.

The bat tower on Sugarloaf Key circa 1967. J.F. BROOKS/ Monroe County Library Collection

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LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER SEES 23K ER VISITS

Local hospital releases community benefit report

Over the course of 2023, Lower Keys Medical Center recorded more than 132,000 patient encounters across its hospital and growing network of Keys Medical Group physician clinics and other outpatient sites.

At more than 23,000 emergency department visits last year, lifesaving medically necessary care was provided for all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Lower Keys Medical Center provided more than $52 million in charity and uncompensated care.

“Our caregivers play a crucial role in our community every day of the year,” said David Clay, chief executive officer for Lower Keys Medical Center. “In the past several years, including Hurricane Irma and the pandemic, our team remained dedicated and determined to continue providing compassionate care, 24 hours a day.”

The hospital also made financial donations to charitable organizations such as Wesley House Family Services, Samuel’s House, and Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Keys, in honor of medical staff on Doctors’ Day 2023. Hospital team members support numerous charitable and community events each year through sponsorships, donations and volunteerism.

Lower Keys Medical Center applies its resources to medical services, facilities, technologies and specialties that help patients remain in the community for care. Since 2016, those resources – more than $47 million – have funded expansion of inpatient behavioral health, recruitment of specialists to Keys Medical Group, and the opening of the Women’s Imaging Center. In 2023, capital investments of more than $4 million enhanced patient comfort and

provider usage in the cardiac catheterization lab and expanded testing availability with construction of a foundation for positron emission tomography equipment.

Recruitment of more medical specialties remains a priority, with recent success in securing additional providers in gastroenterology, cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, and otolaryngology.

Civic resources and services are supported by Lower Keys Medical Center’s tax payments of more than $3 million and the payroll of more than $55 million ripples across the local economy as employees buy goods and services.

Workforce development remains a focus and strong relationships with the College of the Florida Keys and Arcadia University provide nursing graduates and physician assistant students education and rotation opportunities. Financial commitments help team members achieve their personal and professional goals through assistance with student loan repayments, as well as tuition and housing assistance.

“The compassionate care provided by our team members is only one part of the broad impact we have, adding up to more than $123 million last year alone,” said Clay. “We recognize that our services are essential to this community and we are committed to doing all we can to provide quality health care and make the Lower Keys a healthier community for all.”

Lower Keys Medical Center offers free community education classes and a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness inspiration. Sign up at lkmc.com/ enewsletter-sign-up.

Lower Keys Medical Center on College Road now uses artificial intelligence technology for colonoscopies and endoscopies. CONTRIBUTED

NEW AI TECHNOLOGY AT KEY WEST HOSPITAL

Lower Keys Medical Center uses it for enhanced imaging test

Lower Keys Medical Center will now use an endoscopy device assisted by artificial intelligence that helps doctors identify colorectal polyps during procedures, such as colonoscopies. AI technology recognizes visual characteristics associated with abnormalities and highlights areas of concern on the screen, allowing doctors to more easily locate them before polyps become cancerous. The physician can then determine if the abnormality is a polyp and whether or not to remove it during the procedure.

“According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing colorectal cancer over a lifetime is 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women,” said Dr. Orlando LopezRoman, board-certified gastroenterologist with Keys Medical Group. “Early detection is key to treating colorectal cancer.”

“Investing in this new technology enhances the care our patients receive and can improve outcomes. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so this new service begins at an ideal time,” said David Clay, chief executive officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. “We are committed to investing in services that further our mission to ‘help people get well and live healthier.’” Colonoscopies are the optimal and most common screening for colorectal cancer. Current guidelines recommend that individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer schedule a colonoscopy at age 45. — Contributed

SHELF HELP

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

What: “Sh*t, Actually” by Lindy West

Why: Do you find yourself in need of a breath-taking, tearjerking … laugh? Or perhaps a recommendation for a weekend movie night? Check out “Sh*t, Actually.”

Lindy West rips into a hilarious critique of some of cinema’s most notable and cult classics of the last 35 years. As the book was written in 2020, West reflects on how some of these films have not aged gracefully but can be laughed at in a reminiscent light of the 1990s. Her chapter on “The Notebook” brought me to tears of laughter in the library’s break room.

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

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

Recommended by:

Emily Kovacs, library associate, Key West Library

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

THE SCOREBOARD

In a challenging year for the Keys’ girls basketball teams, the stars on the court never fail to shine. Meet Brooke Mandozzi, top, Olivia Gibson, right, Marti Kilbourne and the rest of the 2023-24 All-Keys Girls Basketball Team. See page 8. Photos by Doug Finger, Barry Gaukel and Grace Andrew.

THIS WEEK

Jay has stepped up big-time this year. He’s become such a great inspiration for the younger kids on the team.”

– Darby Sheehan, Marathon head coach

100M

Watching Marathon’s Jay Marshall on the soccer pitch, one quickly realizes that he is fast, but it was not until track season that we understood just how fast the junior is. Marshall has been putting effort into his starts, focusing on the little things that make a big difference in shorter sprint races, and his times have been steadily speeding up.

“He’s at practice every day putting in the work, and we are beyond thrilled to see his work paying off,” said Fins coach Darby Sheehan.

Marshall owns the school records in the 100- and 200-meter races and most recently broke his own record in the 100. He consistently crosses the line before athletes from larger schools and has all that it takes to bring home some hardware from districts, regionals and even states this year. For his dedication to improving his times and his positive contributions in teamwork and sportsmanship, Marathon’s Jay Marshall is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Mikail “Jay”

Junior, Marathon Track & Field

Photo by BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

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.

Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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THE MARATHON WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.

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All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

After the team’s runner-up finish at districts, some high-ranking Marathon lifters are still waiting on results from other meets to see if they will qualify for regional competition. BARRY

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050

Office: 305.743.0844

www.keysweekly.com

On this week’s Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, Sean and Tracy break down all the games and events from the past week. You will hear which boys weightlifters who were on the bubble made the cut to regionals as well as any last-minute lacrosse news on the ever-changing rankings which determine postseason matchups and game locations.

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

ACES DUEL IN THE BATTLE OF THE KEYS

’Canes edge Fins in critical district matchup; Key West wins a pair

The March 25 baseball battle between Marathon and Coral Shores did not disappoint. In their only regular-season matchup, Coral Shores traveled to Marathon with the upper hand, but all bets are off whenever Keys teams face off against each other.

While both teams have been hitting well all season, the game last week came down to a pitching duel between Marathon’s Dylan Ziels and Coral Shores’ Campbell Lavoie.

The game remained scoreless until inning 6, when Coral Shores senior AJ Putetti singled on a hard ground ball. Putetti used his hustle to get to second, then advanced to third on an error. That error, the lone mistake for either team, would cost the Fins dearly when Putetti reached home on a wild pitch. It would be the only time a player from either team crossed the plate the entire night. Coral Shores won the game 1-0, fueled by a surgical performance from Lavoie, who struck out 10, walked 3 and allowed just 3 hits from the Fins.

Eighth-grader Jack Chapman had 2 of those hits, with one being a double. Freshman Roco Piscetello, in his first varsity start, had the remaining Marathon hit.

Ziels pitched a gem of his own, dominating the Hurricanes’ lineup with 13 strikeouts, walking just one batter and allowing 4 hits. Coral Shores’ Lavoie, Putetti, Ben Friedman and Donovan Thiery each singled in the district win.

On March 29, the Hurricanes traveled to Keys Gate for another district matchup. This time, pitching duties would be shared by four ’Canes. Riley O’Berry, Tate Brumbalow, Grayden Ross and Thiery collectively struck out 7 batters, walked 9 and allowed 10 hits from Keys Gate in the 16-10 loss. Six errors would cost the ’Canes the win, dropping their record to 5-7. Zeke Myers and Putetti each had a pair of hits. Lavoie, Thiery, O’Berry, Maykol

Bonito-Rodriguez, Keller Blackburn and Eddie Holly accounted for the rest.

Coral Shores, Keys Gate and Marathon are ranked within five places of each other in 3A District 16 action, making every game count as the teams march toward playoffs at the end of April. Up for grabs are coveted home game bracket positions.

Key West got back to its winning ways last week, picking up a pair of wins against two ABF Academy teams. On March 29, the Conchs played the ABF Homestead Bandits, winning 5-0. Anthony Lariz had another phenomenal night on the mound, striking out 13 batters over 6 innings. Felix Ong closed it up for the Conchs, securing the win with 1 inning of relief. Key West needed just 5 hits to beat the Bandits. Caden Pichardo hit a triple and Roman Garcia had a double. Noah Burnham, Jacob Burnham and Nelson Ong each singled in the win. The following night, Key West played ABF Academy Hialeah. The Cowboys, considered the better of the two ABF teams, gave Key West some trouble early on, putting up a defensive wall and preventing the Conchs from scoring until inning 3. By inning 6, Key West pulled ahead enough to enjoy some breathing room. The Cowboys racked up 9 hits to Key West’s 5, but the Conchs made theirs count. Nelson Ong led the charge with a pair of hits, one single and one double. Garcia, Steel Mientkiewicz and Noah Burnham had the other 3. Jacob Burnham went the distance on the mound for Key West, striking out 6 and walking just 1 Cowboy. The Conchs faced a big test April 3 against 7A Columbus on the road before returning to Rex Weech to play Sarasota this weekend.

Above: The Fins’ Dylan Williams (11) extends for the ball as the Hurricanes’ Grayden Ross (1) reaches second base.

Above left: Coral Shores’ pitcher Campbell Lavoie struck out 10 Fins in the 1-0 win on March 25 at Marathon.

Photos by Joy Smith and Barry Gaukel. See more photos at keysweekly.com

MARATHON LIFTERS WIN RUNNER-UP DISTRICT TROPHY

Coral Shores takes third place as strongmen turn focus to regionals

Marathon and Coral Shores attended the FHSAA 1A District 16 Championships on March 28 at Doctors Charter School in Miami. At the end of the event, five athletes earned district championship medals and an automatic bid to regionals. Additionally, Marathon claimed the runner-up trophy for both the Olympic and traditional events. Coral Shores was third and fourth, respectively.

Marathon’s Chase Leird won district gold in the 119-lb. weight class. Leird won both events by lifting more than 50 pounds over his closest competitor. Max Childress also outlifted his opponents by huge margins, winning both events in the 183-lb. class. Marathon’s final double winner was Tanner Ross in the 199-lb. category. Like Leird and Childress, Ross outlifted the No. 2 athlete by well over 50 pounds in both categories.

Marathon’s final automatic qualifier for regionals was Braulio Garcia, who won the traditional event in the 238-lb. class. Because only the district champion receives an automatic qualification for the next level of competition, other Fins will need to wait until the other three regions complete their competitions to determine whether they made the cut.

Damian Staciewicz, competing in the 154-lb. class, will likely qualify in both events. Staciewicz

won the runner-up spot for both styles of lifting against the top-ranked athlete in the region. Other probable qualifiers are Matthias Martinez-Velez, who took second in the traditional event at 139 pounds. Alex Cruz was second in traditional at 219 pounds and Eduardo Garcia was second in Olympic and third in traditional at 238 pounds.

Coral Shores’ AJ Johnson earned an automatic spot at regionals in the 219-lb. category. Johnson outlifted the runners-up in his events by over 50 pounds, securing a trip to the next level of competition. Xavier Johnson stands a chance to make the cut after claiming a pair of third-place finishes in the 183-lb. class. Liam Bursa, Cody Roberts, Zane Rindom and Rijel Acosta all finished fourth in at least one style of lifting in their respective weight classes, giving them some hope for a regional trip as well.

Once the dust settles and all four districts have posted their scores, the final list for regionals will be set. Those qualifying will make the trip to Frostproof Middle High School on April 4. Athletes who win regional gold are given the golden ticket to states later this month. The top 20 lifters, including the regional champions at each weight, will earn a bid, making it imperative that each athlete performs his best in hopes of making a coveted state championship trip.

Marathon’s Max Childress, left, and Tanner Ross show off their double district gold.

COURT RULERS

Coral Shores takes care of Fins

Coral Shores made light work of Marathon on the tennis courts last week. Both the boys and girls defeated the Dolphins 6-1 on March 28. Makani Burga, Johann Smith, Jaden Heilbron and Tony Khioni won their singles matches, while Merrick Dunn and Max Smith teamed up to win the No. 2 doubles match. Marathon’s Adrien Holdinga and Tanner Snowden claimed the only Marathon boys victory in the No. 1 doubles match.

Marquisha Abraham was the

lone winner for the Lady Fins. Abraham claimed the win in the No. 1 singles match. The Lady ’Canes’ Macy Cakans, Ally Ingold-Thompson and Alice King won the other singles matches, while Cakans and Olivia Hughes and Vanessa Gabriels and Emily Rosu won in doubles.

Two days prior, Coral Shores lost to LaSalle. Kai Redruello had the only win in girls action, taking the No. 4 singles match. Burga won the No. 1 singles match and teamed up with Aidan Althouse to win in doubles.

Macy Cakans. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

THE 2023-24 ALL-KEYS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

Coral Shores earns top record, but Keys rivals prevent a Monroe County sweep

This year, higher latitudes meant better records in girls basketball. Up in Tavernier, Coral Shores went 13-6, with six of those wins coming in a mid-season streak. The Lady ’Canes won their opening district game, but fell in the semis to South Homestead. While they will graduate two starters, the Hurricanes have plenty of talent left on their roster to come back for another winning season next year.

Marathon had an even 10-10 record, including a pair of wins against Key West and a split with Coral Shores. The Fins graduate just one senior this year, making for a potentially explosive 2024/25 season.

Key West had a challenging year, finishing with a 0-16 record. The Lady Conchs did prove they were on the right path, though; they came within 4 points of a win twice this season. Their closest games were against Marathon and Coral Shores, proving that when a rivalry game was on the line, they could rise to the challenge and give Conch fans a lot of hope for next season.

Described by the Coral Shores coaching staff as “a warrior,” Mandozzi battled through injuries as well as double and triple-team situations to score an incredible 19.6 points per game for the ’Canes. “She just found a way to make winning plays for us,” said head coach Jarrod Mandozzi. The relentless senior had a 61% field goal percentage and averaged 8.5 rebounds and 3.7 steals per game, making her a force to be reckoned with offensively and defensively.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger and Grace Andrew.

Brooke Mandozzi SENIOR | CSHS GUARD/FORWARD

MVP

SENIOR | CSHS GUARD

Averaging 6.4 points per game offensively plus 4.7 steals and 4.3 deflections per game defensively, Makayla Hann is capable of big things on both sides of the court. “She really came into her own and was our team leader in both steals and three-point percentage,” said coach Mandozzi of Hann’s skills.

21

Lilee Gage

Just a freshman, Lilee Gage tore up the court this season, putting other teams on notice that Key West girls basketball is most definitely on the upswing. The 5’10” power forward had multiple double-double games this year, and all indicators point to her becoming a powerhouse in the next few seasons.

41

Marti’Yana

Kilbourne

JUNIOR | MHS FORWARD

Marathon’s Marti’Yana

Kilbourne put in the work in the offseason to hone her skills for a strong junior campaign. Kilbourne was key in rebounding for the Fins, using her aggressive style and commanding strength to reclaim loose balls. Though only 5’6”, Kilbourne’s presence on the court is much larger.

30

Grace Leffler

JUNIOR

Hurricane hoopster Grace Leffler’s well-rounded play was key for Coral Shores throughout the season. The junior averaged 8.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game for the Lady ’Canes, making her a jack of all trades and giving her team a lot to look forward to during her senior season.

Elena Eubank

Eubank has been a staple on Marathon’s varsity lineup for four years, serving as a captain since she was a sophomore, and still has a season of eligibility to go. The talented junior uses her athleticism to outhustle opponents on both sides of the ball. Eubank is both physical and dependable, giving every game her all. 3

4 Olivia Gibson

SENIOR | KWHS CENTER/POWER FORWARD

Key West senior Olivia Gibson has been a rock for the Lady Conchs, serving as captain of a pair of very young teams the past two seasons. Gibson’s 5’11” height gave her the advantage in the paint, but her hustle and determination are what set her apart. Her leadership helped steady her teammates during a rebuilding season.

JUNIOR | MHS POINT GUARD

FRESHMAN | KWHS POWER FORWARD/CENTER

| CSHS GUARD/FORWARD

Makayla Hann

MARATHON ATHLETES HAVE STRONG SHOWING AT PACE

Keys teams to compete locally this week

On March 27, Marathon made the trip to Pace in Miami to participate in a meet against multiple South Florida schools. Mikail Marshall beat a field of 30 in the 100-meter dash, crossing the line in 11.17 seconds and setting a new school record in the process. Marshall also won the 200-meter race in 22.83 seconds. Vance Bursa, who has been picking up speed as he comes off an injury, was first in the mile run, finishing in 4:45.98. His younger brother, Tony, finished second in the mile, then took first in the two-mile, finishing in 11:33.07 with teammate Allan Taylor right behind in second place. Mason Buxton’s 135’ 04.57” javelin toss was another first-place win for the Fins.

On the girls team, Mikkel Ross was first in the two-mile run, crossing the finish line in 14:18.80, then claimed second place in the mile. Rebecca Merryman finished fourth in the mile. Hurdlers Caylie Globe and Cami Wrinn had a good showing. Globe finished fourth in the 100-meter hurdles while Wrinn took second place in the 400-meter hurdles. Justice Lee had success in the throwing events, with a second-place discus throw that surpassed the school record. Lee also took second place in javelin and fourth place in shot put. Marathon’s next competition will be at its home meet on Monday, April 8.

Up the road, Coral Shores coach Herbert James and a small group of athletes attended the South Florida Invitational at Southridge on March 30. There, a pair of Hurricanes, both seniors, finished in the top 10. Ethan Marguet was third and Cody Roberts finished 10th in the 800-meter run.

Key West was off last week, but will be busy this week. The Conchs will be at Coral Shores on April 4 and in Marathon on April 8. District events are approaching quickly, with the ’Canes and Conchs set to travel to Tropical Park on April 24 for the 2A championships. Marathon will compete at Palmer on May 1 in the 1A competition.

Left: Coral Shores senior Cody Roberts finished 10th in the 800-meter run in the South Florida Invitational on March 30. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

Right: Marathon senior Mason Buxton won the javelin competition at Pace on March 27. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

Far right: Justice Lee placed in all three throwing events at Pace last week.

TOUGH WEEK FOR KEYS LAX

Districts begin in one week

There were no winners in Monroe County lacrosse last week, with Keys teams taking on tougher opponents at the end of the regular season to prepare for the higher-caliber competition they will likely see in the upcoming postseason.

Key West’s 7-3 boys team has not played a game since its March 15 loss to Menendez of St. Augustine. The team has the chance to put its wins into double digits with three regular season games left on the schedule. The Conchs’ record and strength of schedule should give them the No. 2 seed in their district, which could mean a playoff home game as long as they beat Westminster Christian on Saturday, April 6.

Coral Shores was dealt a pair of losses, the first coming at St. Brendan School on March 27, where the ’Canes lost 11-10. Two nights later, Coral Shores hosted NSU University School and lost 10-2. The 1-9 Hurricanes will have a chance to clinch the No. 4 seed

From top:

in the district with a win against Westminster Christian and despite their record, the ’Canes are a talented team with the potential to upset a higher-ranked squad.

The Lady ’Canes and Lady Conchs each played one game last week. The Hurricanes were at Lourdes Academy on March 26, where they fell to the Royal Lions 15-6. Key West fell to the highlyranked St. Thomas Aquinas on March 28, losing to the Raiders 15-1.

Coral Shores and Key West both have an opportunity to host a game for the opening round of district play. Their six-team district will likely have the No. 1 and No. 2 spots claimed by Westminster and Ransom, leaving the third seed up for grabs. The Conchs are currently the higher-ranked team, which would give them the home-team advantage in their quarterfinal game. A Key West/Coral Shores game is a strong possibility for round one, which begins for all districts on Wednesday, April 10.

The Key West boys lacrosse team has three regular-season games left on the schedule. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

The Key West girls lacrosse team fell to the highly-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas on March 28. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

The Coral Shores boys lacrosse team faced a pair of losses on March 27 and 29, playing tougher teams in preparation for the postseason. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of FLORIDA KEYS BABY APPAREL CO., located at 35 Hibiscus Lane, Monroe County in the City of Key Largo, Florida 330374570, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Key Largo, Florida this 29th day of March, 2024.

By: Angelica Marie Blanco

Publish: April 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of TROPHY HUNTER SPORTFISHING located at 3635 Seaside Drive, Apt 312, Monroe County in the City of Key West, Florida 33040-5304, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated at Key West, Florida this 29th day of March, 2024.

By: Michael Weinhofer

Publish: April 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

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

2LNHM82W88X654258 2008

LINC

Publish: April 4 & 11, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE WHEATON’S SERVICE

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

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

1FTVF14585NA05196 2005

FORD

Publish: April 4 & 11, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

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

May 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM

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

1994 CTY CTYD0011I495

$9,055.52

Owners: Cincinnati Financial Corp

Publish: April 4 & 11, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805/83.506, Upper Keys Commerce Center, 97300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 will sell or otherwise dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All contents in:

Unit 28 – Jeremy Vallies Sale of all goods will be 4/15/24 at 10:00 am at , 97300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037.

Upper Keys Commerce Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/all bids.

Publish:

March 28 & April 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council will hold their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. The Visit Florida Keys Corporation will also convene during this meeting. All Tourist Development Council Meetings are open to the public, and one or more County Commissioners may be in attendance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, they will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

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

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

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

The Weekly Newspapers

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the Monroe County Administrator’s Office, by phoning 305-292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting. If you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”.

Publish:

April 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on April 17, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the following: ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO SOUTHERNMOST MEDICAL TRANSPORT FOR THE OPERATION OF A CLASS A ALS AND BLS AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICE WITHIN MONROE COUNTY, FOR THE PERIOD APRIL 18, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 17, 2026. The public can participate in the April 17, 2024 meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

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 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voiceimpaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

DATED at Key West, Florida, this 4th day of April, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish: April 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be held by the Board of County Commissioners (the "Board") of Monroe County, Florida (the "County") on April17, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, in the Board meeting room of the Marathon Government Center - BOCC, 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd Floor, Marathon, Florida, for the purpose of receiving comments and hearing discussion concerning the County's proposed additional draws of not to exceed $1,340,000 in aggregate principal amount against the Monroe County, Florida Tax-Exempt Master Airport Revenue Note (PNC Bank, National Association Line of Credit), Series 2024 (AMT) (the "Master Note"), pursuant to a resolution to be considered for adoption by the Board on April 17, 2024, as supplemented. Draws against the Master Note will be applied to: finance and refinance the costs of certain capital improvements to the Key West International Airport

(the "Airport"), including the development, construction and equipping of a new second-level concourse of approximately 48,805 square feet ("Concourse A") consisting of:(1) seven gates all fitted with passenger boarding bridges, holdroom areas, passenger circulation space, concession areas, restrooms, a nursing room, a pet relief area, building support areas, including mechanical rooms, IT/ Communication rooms, an electrical room, elevator, storage, janitors closet, and stair areas and (2) a ground (apron) level below Concourse A to support a new baggage make-up area and device(s), tug lanes, airline ramp space, ramp equipment storage and circulation space (collectively the "Project"). The Project will be located at Key West International Airport, 3491 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, Florida. The County will own and operate the Project which will be part of the Airport. All interested persons are invited to attend said hearing and to, either personally or through their representatives, present oral or written comments and discussion concerning the proposed plan of finance. Written comments may also be submitted prior to the hearing at the Office of the County Attorney, 1111 12th Street, Suite 408, Key West, Florida 33040, Attention: County Attorney. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding should 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”.

Live Closed Captioning is available at our web portal @ http://monroecountyfl. iqm2.com/Citizens/Default. aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Any person deciding to appeal any decision made by the County after the hearing will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

The public hearing is required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Subsequent to the public hearing, the Board will consider whether to approve the issuance of the Master Note as required by Section 147(f) of the Code. Any person interested in the issuance of the Master Note or the location or nature of the Project may appear and be heard. By order of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida. MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Holly Merrill Raschein, Mayor Board of County Commissioners

Publish: April 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH NOTICE OF CODE

AMENDMENT HEARING

SECOND/FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2024-489

The proposed Ordinance to be heard by the City Commission is [ORDINANCE NO. 2024-489], entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF KEY COLONY BEACH FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCE ARTICLE

VI – FINANCE, SECTION 2-75, TO INCREASE THE DISCRETIONARY SPENDING THRESHOLD; AMENDING THE LANGUAGE CONTAINING SCRIVENER’S ERROR, REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.”

The Business Impact Statement is available for review on the City of Key Colony Beach’s website at www.keycolonybeach.net and at City Hall at 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance are available for inspection at the City Hall of Key Colony Beach.

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Key Colony Beach City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the Code Amendment Hearing, that person will need a record of the proceeding and for such purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing on Thursday, April 18th, 2024, but wish to comment, please direct correspondence to: City Commission, P.O. Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051, and your comments will be entered into the record.

To be published: On or before April 8th, 2024

City Clerk City of Key Colony Beach, Florida Publish: April 4, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will hold the following Public Hearing to hear amendments to the City’s Code of Ordinances. DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 18th, 2024, 9:35 am OR at the conclusion of the Public Hearing LOCATION: City of Key Colony Beach, Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000139-PK IN RE: ESTATE OF PAUL F. OBRECHT, JR. Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of PAUL F. OBRECHT, JR., deceased, whose date of death was January 26, 2024; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 24-CP-000139-PK, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: MARCH 28, 2024. Personal Representative: PAUL F. OBRECHT, III 10525 Stevenson Road Stevenson, MD 21153 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 Turner & Lynn, P.A. 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: March 28 & April 4, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

CASE

24-CP-143-K IN

ESTATE OF

RITA HAWXHURST, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of SUSAN RITA HAWXHURST, deceased, whose date of death was March 8, 2024, Case: 24-CP-143-K, is pending in the Circuit Court, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s

AUTOS WANTED

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

BOATS FOR SALE

2008 Precision 165 Sailboat for sale. Length: 16.5’ Beam 7’2” Draft 1’9” Fiberglass w/ two 6’8” berths. Trailer and 1.5 hp Honda outboard. $6,500. Located on Summerland Key. Call Kyle 928-231-0442

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

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

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

CAMPING SITES

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

COMMERCIAL SPACE

FOR SALE OR LEASE

COMMERCIAL OFFICE/ RETAIL SPACE For Sale or Lease, Middle of Marathon. Excellent Highway Exposure, 1,900 + sq. ft. Available May 1st. Call or text 305731-6021

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

Joseph Molinaro

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

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

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

City of Marathon

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

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/evening hours Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time dishwasher. Private club, friendly atmosphere, flexible afternoon/ evening hours available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID and social security card or passport. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com

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

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housing Choice Voucher Asst., PT Receptionist, Housing ManagerMiddle Keys, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker). To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug 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

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call

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

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

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

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

FLORIDA BAY FOREVER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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

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

RV LOT FOR RENT

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

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

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

YARD SALES

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

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

Interior Designer

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

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

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

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

Salary: $60,000.

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

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

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS

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

DOCKHANDS

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

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

NOW HIRING ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE HELP

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

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

DIRECT CARE STAFF/DRIVER (FT/PT)

KEY WEST OFFICE

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

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

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

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

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Prevention Specialist (any location)

Advocate (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)

Case Manager (Adult, Forensic)

MARATHON

Admission Specialist Care Coordinator (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

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

Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians

3 shifts (also Per Diem)

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

Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice

(Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Staff Photographer

(Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Visual Communications Coordinator

(Full-Time, Permanent)

Trainer (Full-Time, Permanent)

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers

CDL Drivers

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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

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