Upper Keys Weekly 24-0620

Southern Shore

This modern coastal residence boasts an unobstructed 180-degree panorama of the Atlantic Ocean. This all concrete superior built residence spans 3,790 square feet of well appointed indoor living space and 2,580 square ft of exterior terraces for outdoor living. It offers four en-suite bedrooms, custom floor to ceiling kitchen cabinetry, sleek quartz countertops, state-of-the-art smart home infrastructure, custom-made closets, and the convenience of an elevator. This property delivers awe-inspiring ocean vistas from the bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchen, embodying the essence of a tropical paradise. Outdoor gatherings are elevated to new heights with a rooftop deck, multiple terraces and a pool area. The interior elements are curated by John Rudolph Designs. This estate provides the complete package, featuring a prime oversized oceanfront location, gated entry, secure dockage facilities, a boat lift and misting system, all situated on an expansive lot within the tranquil Plantation Key community.

89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2

Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

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On June 17, the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 to secure their 18th NBA title. It breaks a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history.

Members of

Jana Johnson, diver with the international group Diving With a Purpose, records the position of a shipwreck artifact at French Reef.

MATTHEW LAWRENCE/NOAA

GOP CANDIDATE SEEKING TO CHALLENGE INCUMBENT STATE REP. IS DISQUALIFIED

Three Republicans vie for county commission’s

Upper Keys seat

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Before a qualifying period concluded on June 14, Key Largo resident Jose Peixoto withdrew his name for the county commission’s District 5 seat to challenge Republican incumbent state Rep. Jim Mooney in the August primary.

Peixoto was shown as qualified for the District 120 race for a brief moment on the Florida Division of Elections website. By the time a noon deadline approached, Peixoto’s name was taken off the site as a candidate for District 120.

“We don’t know,” Peixoto told Keys Weekly on June 17. He said he became aware five minutes before the noon qualifying deadline.

“It’s some inside work, I think. We have lawyers looking at it, so I can’t say anything more at this time.”

Keys Weekly reached out to the state elections office regarding Peixoto’s disqualification. No official response was received as of press time.

Peixoto, who ran for county commission in 2020 and 2022, told Keys Weekly on June 14 he believes he had a better chance of winning Florida’s District 120 seat, which represents the Florida Keys and a portion of MiamiDade.

“I think I have a great chance, especially in South Miami-Dade because I’m Spanish. A great percentage of those voters are Spanish.”

Mooney was qualified as of noon Friday, according to the Florida Division of Elections. A former Islamorada mayor, Mooney is seeking a third term representing the Keys in Tallahassee. Mooney has served as Republican Committee whip for the past two sessions.

Democrat Michael “Erika Rose” Travis, of Key West, filed for candidacy last July. Travis is qualified and will face Mooney in the general election.

Even with Peixoto’s exit, the race for the county commission’s District 5 seat will see three Republicans vying for the seat in the August primary.

Incumbent Holly Raschein, the county mayor; Melissa Ptomey, Tavernier mother of two and local business owner; and Paul Wunderlich, Key Largo resident, have officially qualified. The winner will go on to take the seat with no challengers from other parties.

Voters throughout Monroe County vote for all county commissioners.

Raschein said the county is at a pivotal point amid the ongoing hurricane evacuation model talks, ROGO, transit and infrastructure, among other issues. She believes experience is important in the race.

“Right now, experience counts and we gotta keep moving in the right direction,” Raschein said. “I will spend the next two months sharing the vision and taking in thoughts and input from everybody.”

A former state representative who

served eight years, Raschein was appointed in 2021 by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the remainder of the late County Commissioner Mike Forster’s term. In 2022, she was elected to the board of county commissioners. Raschein, the government relations director for AshBritt, sits on a variety of boards including the Florida National Parks Association, Florida Association of Counties, Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition, and the Greater Miami and the Keys chapter of the American Red Cross.

The state of the coral reefs, the fisheries and economy are other bigticket items for Raschein.

“None of this works without a middle class. If you ask some people, the middle class is gone already. I can’t take that for an answer,” Raschein told Keys Weekly.

Ptomey officially announced her campaign for District 5 on June 14. She owns an environmental consulting firm and Island Music School on Plantation Key. She co-founded the Florida Keys Young Republican Club. She formerly worked at the county Planning and Environmental Resources Department.

LEGISLATIVE FOCUS

Islamorada council talks priorities for 2025 state session

Village Manager Rob Cole, pictured center, recaps the 2023-24 legislative session in Tallahassee and discusses priorities for the village moving into the 2024-25 session during a special June 11 workshop at the Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly

ZACK WOLTANSKI

www.keysweekly.com

The Islamorada Village Council hosted a workshop to go over legislative priorities for an upcoming 2025 state session in Tallahassee. Held June 11, the gathering served to establish a consensus surrounding key public policy issues to be expressed to lobbyists and the state Legislature, while also providing council members and the community a succinct overview of the legislative advocacy process.

The evening’s keynote speaker was Village Manager Rob Cole, who emphasized the importance of maintaining county-state relationships. Mayor Buddy Pinder emphasized the need for strong relationships between the local officials and state representatives.

“Building and maintaining relationships including with our state elected officials is central to success ... getting to know them, getting to know their staff, getting to have open lines of communication,” Cole said.

Cole continued with an overview of issues expected to affect the next legislative session. Those included concerns over use of private providers for building permits and its accompanying lengthy inspection times, exclusionary zoning practices, the business rent tax and its potential elimination, and the potential for eight-year term limits to be enforced at the municipal level.

Environmental issues were expected to be of particular note, as last year a historic 96% of contract revenue from the Seminole Gaming Corporation was pledged to environ-

ISLAMORADA AGREES TO EXPAND FREEBEE RIDE SERVICE

Founders Park breakwater restoration moves forward

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

mental causes — an effort expected to continue in the upcoming session.

Broader categories of legislation were outlined, along with potential council position statements. The village council agreed to support furthering environmental funding and protection, developing affordable and workforce housing and funding children and family services. They also prioritized more funding for Keys infrastructure and meaningful change to insurance policy, including changes to address the rising cost of flood insurance — a major concern, as flood insurance must now be carried by all Citizens policyholders, regardless of flood risk.

A discussion was also held over the importance of transportation development. The proposed policy statement was in favor of programs and legislation that would help cultivate a multimodal transportation network throughout the Florida Keys.

“We all know that the current level of service is terrible,” said Cole, who lamented the headache of Keys traffic and the lack of walking trails or sizable bike lanes. “Legislatively, maybe there’s programs that can help shift the car-driver activity into other modes, like busing. It has to be a viable transport alternative, and that’s going to take a lot of money.”

In July, the village council will meet with its completed legislative agenda. Early next year, Monroe’s legislative delegation will visit Tallahassee to meet with legislators in person, in time for the Florida Legislature’s regular session convening on March 4, 2025.

Arideshare operation will continue — and expand — in Islamorada, following the council’s unanimous support of a new agreement with Freebee.

Approval by the council during a June 11 meeting will allow Freebee to operate three vehicles all at once, while offering new, longer hours beginning July 1 throughout the village and portions of Tavernier. Three vehicles will transport visitors and locals to and from restaurants, shops, hotels and other destinations seven days a week from 7 a.m. to midnight.

Under a prior agreement, Freebee’s transportation service was staggered, with the first vehicle running from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the second vehicle operating from noon to 10 p.m. and the third vehicle running between 2 p.m. and midnight.

A rideshare expansion through Freebee is partially funded by a Florida Department of Transportation grant, which council members also approved on June 11. While annual costs for the Freebee program will increase from $342,504 to $553,330, a grant from FDOT — which funds half the expense — will reduce the village’s costs by $65,839.

The council initially approved a six-month trial run with Freebee in November 2018. The initial program saw Freebee using golf carts to transport locals and guests on Upper Matecumbe Key. By July 2019, the village agreed to expand the service villagewide by using two vans and a golf cart.

In 2021, service expanded beyond Tavernier Creek Bridge to places including Tavernier Towne Center, Good Health Clinic and Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. The golf cart servicing riders

Effective July 1, three Freebee vehicles will offer transportation services between 7 a.m. and midnight.

on Upper Matcumbe Key was replaced by a Tesla X.

Eventually, the village’s cost for Freebee could go to zero with Monroe County seeking to bring a uniform transportation service to the islands in the near future. In mid-May, the county commission approved an agreement with Freebee for transportation services to the Lower Keys. Five vehicles will run locals and guests in and around the Southernmost City and the neighboring Stock Island seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The county, too, received a FDOT grant to fund 50% of the expense.

“Frankly, they put a better proposal together than anybody,” Richard Clark, the county transportation director told council members at a May 7 meeting. “There’s a really good chance we’re in the same place as you guys are up here.”

Islamorada council members initially pumped the brakes on a Freebee expansion and sought public input on the service’s effectiveness. Eventually, the council agreed to send the service out to bid and form an evaluation committee composed of area leaders and residents to rate service providers interested in transporting people in Islamorada.

Freebee has transported locals and guests in Islamorada since a pilot program was launched in 2018. VILLAGE OF ISLAMORADA/Contributed

The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (KLWTD) and Islamorada, Village of Islands are at work before, during and after a storm to keep the central sewer collection system and processing plant fully operational.

KLWTD service area: Mile Marker 106 to the north end of the Tavernier Creek Bridge Islamorada service area: south of the Tavernier Creek Bridge to the south end of Lower Matecumbe Key

While the wastewater system is designed to operate during most significant storm events, there are a few conditions where service may be interrupted. It is important for our customers to understand these situations.

WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES MANDATORY EVACUATIONS and RECOVERY EXTREME WIND WITH RAIN FLOODING

Sewer facilities are on generator back-up and are regularly tested and prepared for power interruptions. If you have an on-site (grinder pump) system, you will need to conserve sewer usage until power is restored to your home.

Heavy rain with extreme winds (over 50 mph) can pose a threat to power generators. The system may be temporarily interrupted during these periods but will be restored immediately after.

Rising water above the in-home drains can allow for the infiltration of large amounts of water into the sewer system. During periods of flooding, portions of the collection system may be temporarily shut down to avoid overwhelming the system.

During periods of mandatory evacuations, service may be interrupted. The system will be restored, usually before re-entry is allowed to the general public.

"Reduce Usage" means: Water usage should be for essential sanitary purposes only. Minimize toilet flushing, avoid use of washing machines and dishwashers.

✔ Do not park or place debris on or next to air terminals, utility boxes or manhole covers.

✔ Notify your wastewater district of leaks or system failures.

✔ Never drain storm waters into the sewer system – it’s against the law.

✔ Follow us on Facebook for updates during extreme weather conditions.

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UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES GET EASY WINS

Keyswide, 20 people won office June 14 in uncontested races

GWEN FILOSA

gwen@keysweekly.com

Across the Florida Keys, 20 political races were settled outright on June 14, when the qualifying period for county and state races ended with no other opponents on the ballot. The uncontested races handed many Keyswide officials automatic victories.

Monroe County Commissioner Craig Cates of Key West won another term, as did school board member Mindy Conn.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, who enters his fourth term as sheriff, said he’s thankful he was unopposed.

“Coming out uncontested only shows a sign of support and confidence from the community and the work my team and I are doing to keep you safe and secure,” Ramsay said in a video posted on Facebook.

“I’m proud of this agency and this community, the men and women I work with and the people I work for,” Ramsay said.

COUNCIL FROM PAGE 4

Ptomey said her campaign will focus on curbing over-development and its numerous detrimental impacts, cutting annual county spending and promptly fixing citizens’ problems.

“As an environmental consultant and former research diver with thousands of dives, I’ve seen the Keys from the land, the sea and underwater, and I know these islands are in dire straits,” Ptomey said.

She was also critical of Raschein’s vote of support for the proposed Publix and workforce housing project in Tavernier.

“Raschein didn’t listen; instead, she voted to approve it,” Ptomey said. “Working with local residents and community organizations, we were able to get the Florida Department of Commerce to stop the commissioners’ plan.”

Raschein told Keys Weekly in February the project’s 86 new workforce housing units would have a huge effect on the Upper Keys.

“We’ve heard from all those entities, whether it’s the sheriff’s office, the school district and the hospital, that they’re able to hire good employees who are ready to hit the ground, but they end up not making it through the final process because there’s no affordable, safe space to live,” Raschein said.

Ptomey said she will be focusing on innovative workforce housing strategies.

“The county’s current efforts for affordable housing are a total failure,” she said. “We need a completely new approach, and I’ve got one.”

Peixoto told Keys Weekly that Ptomey’s entrance into the race to challenge Raschein also factored into his decision to withdraw from the race.

“I think she (Ptomey) has a better chance,” Peixoto said. “She’s a female. She knows a lot about the issues.”

Wunderlich, the Key Largo resident who recently launched his candidacy bid, didn’t immediately respond to comments regarding his campaign.

The only other contested race for county commission is between Democrat Chris Massicotte and Republican incumbent Jim Scholl for District 3, which covers the west part of Key West. As for Monroe County School Board, the only contested race is between Zach Bentley and Yvette Mira-Talbott for District 2.

All candidates for supervisor of elections are qualified. Republicans Sherri Hodies and Margaret Romero will face off in the Aug. 20 primary. The winner will go against Democrat Ron Saunders in the November general election.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board’s Jill Cranney-Black, Brandon Pinder and Dr. Stan Zuba will all return having seen no challengers. Nick Rodriguez and Phillip Schwartz will return to the Key Largo Wastewater District having garnered no additional candidates.

Property Appraiser Scott Russell, County Clerk Kevin Madok and Tax Collector Sam Steele will all return to their posts having gone unopposed.

Michael McDonald, a professor of political science at the University of Florida, said small jurisdictions are much less likely to hold contested elections than big cities.

“You’ve got people fairly satisfied with how local government is being run,” McDonald told Keys Weekly.

“Without controversy, you’re not going to get a lot of interest. Local elections aren’t particularly ideological. They’re not about abortion. They’re more about filling potholes. They’re not going to really rouse a lot of passions.”

— Jim McCarthy contributed to this report.

BRIEFLY

Community benefit for injured deputy

A community benefit for injured Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy Julian Garcia will be held on Sunday, June 23, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. Garcia was injured the evening of April 9, when he was conducting a traffic stop in Islamorada. According to the sheriff’s office, a drunk driver rammed into the back of Garcia’s cruiser, causing him to be pinned between his vehicle and the car he pulled over. His leg was amputated following more than eight surgeries.

The fundraiser for Garcia, organized by Islamorada Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, will include an antique car show and a dunk tank. There’s fun for the whole family with a bounce house, food, raffles and a silent auction. All proceeds will support Garcia as he continues his recovery. For more information, scan the QR code.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay went unopposed to secure his fourth term. Ramsay is pictured greeting crowds during the Key Largo Fourth of July parade last year. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

FLORIDA TO VOTE ON POTABORTION, & PARTISAN SCHOOL BOARDS

3 other ballot measures involve property values, hunting & campaign finance

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Should Florida legalize marijuana for people over 21? Should abortion be allowed up until fetal viability (usually around 23 weeks)? And should school board elections become partisan races as of 2026?

Those are three of the six questions that will appear on ballots from the Keys to the Panhandle in November. These questions are in addition to any local referendums placed on ballots by county or city governments. The measures would need 60% approval to pass.

Abortion access

Florida Amendment 4, Right to Abortion Initiative (2024) is a proposed change to the Florida constitution that would override the state’s current ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and guarantee the right to an abortion up until the point of fetal viability, when the fetus can survive outside the mother’s uterus.

The current six-week ban was enacted by the Florida Legislature, and the proposed initiative to allow abortions until viability was initiated by a group of citizens known as Floridians Protecting Freedom. The campaign to protect women’s access to abortion spent a year gathering the required number of signatures to put the proposed constitutional amendment on the 2024 ballot.. The group collected 996,512 signatures — more than 100,000 above the 891,523 that were needed by Feb. 1.

Marijuana legalization

If passed in November, then Florida Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2024) will legalize marijuana in Florida for people over 21.

According to Ballotpedia, “The initiative would legalize recreational

marijuana for adults 21 years old and older. Individuals would be allowed to possess up to three ounces of marijuana (about 85 grams), with up to five grams in the form of concentrate. Existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers would be authorized under the initiative to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. The Florida State Legislature could provide by state law for the licensure of entities other than existing Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to cultivate and sell marijuana products.

“Medical marijuana was adopted by Florida voters in 2016 by a vote of 71% to 29%.”

Partisan school board elections

Florida Amendment 1, Partisan School Board Elections Amendment (2024) would make school board elections partisan beginning in 2026, states Ballotpedia.com.

“Candidates would be nominated for the general election through partisan primaries and be featured on the ballot with partisan labels, such as Democrat and Republican.

Republican State Sen. Joe Gruters supports the amendment, saying, “There’s no such thing as a non-partisan race anymore. These races are partisan, and the only ones that aren’t informed are being tricked. And what happens is, there are games that are played all the time in these races. And what I’m trying to do is pull the bag off of the voters’ heads.”

On the other hand, Democratic State Rep. Angie Nixon has said, “I believe this bill is not about transparency at all. This bill is about making our school-board elections and our school boards more contentious, more like D.C., which (Republicans) honestly always try to oppose.”

See keysweekly.com for the full story.

BUDGET VETOES HIT ARTS & THEATER COMMUNITIES

Governor slashes almost $1 billion from legislatively-approved spending plan

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Several organizations in the Florida Keys will need to seek funds from another source following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ vetoes of almost a billion dollars from the state Legislature’s 2024-25 spending plan on June 12.

DeSantis signed a $116 billion budget and axed a long list of projects, ranging from education and homeless initiatives to sewer improvement projects and new facilities throughout Florida.

The arts community was especially shocked to see $26 million in grants cut from the budget.

Elizabeth Young, executive director for the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, said the funds go toward salaries, new exhibit programming and other operating expenses for local galleries and theaters. The nearly $26 million in slashed funds, from which the Florida Keys Council of the Arts was hoping to receive around $22,000, represented a tiny piece of the total budget.

Young said the veto has upset more than 650 cultural organizations throughout the state.

“It’s hard to quantify the loss of culture and arts in the community,” Young said. “It does speak to people having jobs in the state. For us, it’s jobs.”

State spending cuts hit 13 local organizations in the arts community to the tune of more than $1 million, including Red Barn Actor’s Studio, Key West Literary Seminar, the Studios of Key West, Bahama Village Music Program and Marathon Community Theater.

“Like most nonprofits, the Studios (of Key West) already operates with a lean budget, and a hit like this is a significant one for us all — especially coming with so little notice,” wrote Jed Dodds, executive director, to friends of the Studios.

A special meeting among organizations and individuals in the arts and theater communities is set for Monday, June 24 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The meeting will be hosted by the Florida Cultural Alliance, a nonprofit created in 1985 to

Disney princesses take to the stage for ‘Disenchanted’ at Marathon Community Theatre in March. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

develop a statewide, nonpartisan advocacy network among the arts and culture groups and policymakers at the local, state and federal levels.

“Once the governor vetoes it, it’s vetoed. We can’t change it,” Young said. “We’ll be advocating to other foundations and funders and philanthropists.”

DeSantis said the $949.6 million in cuts will result in a budget reserve of more than $17 billion.

The governor also vetoed $1.5 million for repairs to the San Carlos Institute in Key West, $300,000 for a marine emergency response vessel for Islamorada, $250,000 for the Good Health Clinic’s building project and $150,000 for the Monroe Association of ReMARCable Citizens for supported employment.

State Rep. Jim Mooney said he was a bit surprised by the governor’s veto of the marine vessel for Islamorada Fire Rescue. The appropriation request was made by fellow state Rep. Lauren Melo, of Naples, to mitigate tragedies on the Florida Keys waters.

As for San Carlos Institute, Mooney said litigation issues over the building’s ownership — the Cuban government claims it’s theirs — may have deterred the governor.

“I’m not sure the governor was in a position to throw a million at the project, although they (San Carlos Institute) needed it,” he said.

HELP WANTED: NEW TDC PRESIDENT/CEO

Keys tourism agency begins looking for new boss

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

The Florida Keys is hiring for a brand-new position leading Monroe County’s multimillion-dollar tourism agency: president and CEO of the Tourist Development Council.

It pays $210,000 to $250,000, but this job comes with pages filled with duties and responsibilities, high expectations and a new public scrutiny created after the fallout from failed audits.

Just a few duties listed in the job description assembled by the executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global include: preparing the budget, managing invoices and expenditures, developing marketing strategies, media relations, recruiting employees, working with the chambers of commerce Keyswide and “oversight of every aspect of the organization’s operations.”

Also, the TDC president/CEO must handle crises from “hurricanes, health-related incidents, environment-related incidents, social unrest, mass shootings or policy-generated travel boycotts, among others,” the job description reads.

What’s not in the glossy, 8-page job ad prepared by SearchWide Global is that the last TDC director was fired amid a series of scathing audits.

In the first TDC audit released Oct. 31, 2023, County Clerk Kevin Madok’s office found instances of questionable spending, noncompliance with policy and failures in following financial protocols.

Under pressure from the Board of County Commissioners, the TDC board in March fired marketing director Stacey Mitchell by a unanimous vote.

Mitchell’s attorney, Zachary Z. Zermay, told Keys Weekly he’s putting together a wrongful termination lawsuit against Visit Florida Keys, the nonprofit charged with handling the use of the tourism development taxes on lodging and hotel rooms, known locally as the “bed tax.”

The TDC’s millions come from taxes paid by overnight tourists who stay at all lodging establishments in the county.

Searchwide Global has not yet provided the county search committee with the names of any candidates or applicants.

“They’re receiving résumés,” said Roman Gastesi, the former county administrator who serves on the selection committee. “The job has evolved, it’s grown.”

County commissioner Jim Scholl, of Key West, chairs the selection committee. Other members are Daniel Samess, Laura Ciampa, Jodi Weinhofer, Joshua Tomai and Diane Schmidt.

They next meet on Friday, June 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center. There will also be a Zoom option to join and watch the meeting.

“I want to see them all, every applicant’s résumé,” Gastesi said.

Gastesi, who has worked in Monroe County government for 15 years and recently retired as county administrator, said the TDC outgrew the top-boss marketing director job that Mitchell held.

“When I started they had about $13-$14 million in revenues annually,” he said. “After (the COVID pandemic shutdown) they’re probably going to level off in the $60-$70 million range.

“It’s tough to find one person with a marketing background who can also run a $60 million operation,” Gastesi said.

“That’s where it was unfair for Stacey,” Gastesi said of Mitchell. “She’s a good marketer. She had never run a $60-$70 million operation. That was totally unfair. It outgrew her.”

Minimum qualifications for the president/CEO job start with a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years’ experience at the executive level.

At the moment, the TDC president/CEO is the only position being advertised. But Gastesi said the agency needs at least one more executive to focus on the financial side.

“If they try to combine the two, they’re going to have the same problem,” Gastesi said. “They’re going to need a leader – an executive director – and probably going to need a CFO.”

The committee’s selection of Circuit over Freebee, however, was deemed “fatally flawed” by theninterim manager Kimberly Matthews. Formation of a new committee was expected to consider and review a new set of proposals. The group was never convened, leading councilman Henry Rosenthal to question why.

“I believe we should form that second committee. I don’t know how it was flawed. No one took the time or had the guts to tell us what the flaw was,” Rosenthal said.

Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, who spearheaded the effort to evaluate Freebee’s service, was a member of the evaluation committee. Mahoney told fellow council members the group wasn’t given the right rules by staff.

“After they (the committee) voted and were told the correct way to do things, they re-voted. That’s what made it illegal; they’re not allowed to re-vote,” Mahoney said.

Despite all the work to evaluate rideshare in the village, Mahoney acknowledged transportation services should be turned over to Monroe County.

“We have no business in transportation and no business in wastewater. I’m sorry, we’re not big enough to be dabbling in those two things,” Mahoney said.

Breakwater restoration

In other news, council members chose Tavernier-based Adventure Environmental to conduct a $1.8 million breakwater restoration project at Founders Park. Constructed in the 1960s, the breakwater protects park marina infrastructure and vessels from flooding and wave events. It’s weathered two major storms, Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Ten companies sent proposals to the village. A three-person evaluation committee ranked Earth Tech Enterprises as the top firm to conduct the work. Peter Frezza, environmental resources manager, said Earth Tech, based out of Fort Myers, performed several jobs in Monroe County, including stabilization repair work at the West Martello jetty in Key West.

“Earth Tech is extremely qualified. I’ve never seen such congruence in the committee’s evaluation scoring,” Frezza said.

Council members elected to go with the local company, however, in Adventure Environmental.

“I want to look at people who’ve done a lot of work in this county for years. Adventure did tens of millions of work for Monroe County after Irma,” Mayor Buddy Pinder said.

Costs for the breakwater restoration are covered through a Resilient Florida grant administered by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Founders Park master plan

during a game against professional

players.

Council members unanimously approved a resolution selecting the park-planning firm Miller Legg to create a master plan at Founders Park. In March, the village solicited proposals to evaluate facilities and elements of the park. By conducting public meetings, the firm will eventually provide a draft master plan presenting various alternatives for council’s review.

Maria Bagiotti, park director, said the village received four proposals from firms. An evaluation committee ranked Miller Legg as No. 1.

“All firms were qualified but we really felt Miller Legg had the best approach to the plan,” she said. “They had a lot of similar projects and the qualifications were high. They had experience in master plans throughout the whole state of Florida.”

Before the council’s approval, councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin wanted to get the thoughts from Miller Legg representatives regarding the growing popularity of pickleball. At Founders, the three courts in the dedicated pickleball area are always busy. Two more have been added to the basketball courts, but players say it’s not enough.

“It’s been discussed many times with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. There’s a pretty big request for that,” Bagiotti said.

Mike Kroll, president of Miller Legg, said pickleball is a growing trend. He said there are two approaches to pickleball. One is through multipurpose courts for pickleball and other sports. The other is a standalone facility for pickleball players.

“There really needs to be a balance that allows us to facilitate regular play while also accommodating other court sports,” Kroll said.

The breakwater at Founders Park. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

Russell Hubartt prepares to spike the ball

pickleball

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

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FEELING GOOD INSIDE AND OUT

Local pilates studio has new ownership duo

MELINDA VAN FLEET

www.keysweekly.com

“The more pilates you do, the more pilates you want to do,” said Pilates in Paradise owner Christi Allen Franchini.

“It doesn’t weigh you down; you will leave here feeling energized and stronger than when you came in,” added new co-owner Michelle Pope.

Pilates in Paradise is celebrating 22 years in business this month with locations in Tavernier and Ocean Reef. The new ownership duo also has plans up their sleeve for future growth and expansion.

Pilates was developed by German Joseph Pilates, whose inspiration for this low-impact mind-body exercise method came to him during World War I. He was being held at the Knockaloe internment camp on the Isle of Man and he believed that his method, called contrology, would activate brain

cells to stimulate the mind and affect the body.

Romana Kryzanowska, who passed away in 2013, was a student of Joseph Pilates and started Romana’s Pilates International (or Romana), the premiere school for the Pilates Method. Pilates in Paradise’s owners Franchini and Pope have trained through Romana and are part of their lineage and global organization. Franchini came across “mat pilates” while working as a personal trainer at a gym in Orlando in 1999. After a serious injury that shattered her left leg, she started using pilates as a rehabilitation tool. She then taught it as a substitute teacher at the gym. In 2001, she moved to the Keys and landed a job as a pilates instructor at Ocean Reef Club. Through one of the club members sharing some feed-

back, she started researching more, learned about Romana and became certified in Romana pilates. As fate would have it, one thing led to another, and after a few twists and turns, she solidified her business as Pilates in Paradise on June 7, 2002.

This past March, Pilates in Paradise welcomed longtime client and friend Michelle Pope as co-owner. Pope became certified in pilates in 2008.

“Pilates changed my body. After having a child, your body goes, and the regular workouts that you were doing before just don’t work,” she said. “I’m a smaller person, so weights don’t do well for me. When I was doing pilates, I got lean muscle, stronger core and value.

“There’s a mindset to it, not just ‘do the exercises and leave.’ The mind part of it makes you think. I am a person who needs to be challenged,” Pope continued. “I thoroughly enjoy being in a learning teaching center, exercises being taught to you and the person teaching it has a passion. While I was doing it and watching my body change, that’s what gave me the idea to be an instructor too, as it was something I could study on the side.”

Like Franchini, Pope also had a personal injury story. After taking a break from 2010 to 2017, she came back to pilates.

“I knew the only thing that could fix my body was Christi and Pilates. And

when I came back, I realized I missed it,” Pope said. “My body got fixed, and I became an instructor in 2020.”

They initially discussed being business partners in 2010, but Pope had some life changes that led her to not move forward with Franchini. When they went to the British Virgin Islands together in June 2022, Pope told Franchini, “One of the biggest regrets I have was not going into business with you.”

Just a month later, Franchini had another accident. This severe head injury opened the door to further conversation with Pope. In March 2024, they finalized their partnership to merge their strengths and skill sets. Franchini is the fearless visionary, and Pope brings the systems and organization to the business. They are both great with people and enjoy being part of the community.

One change is the Pilates Introductory Pack.

“It’s now a month long — four lessons instead of three. (It includes an) initial evaluation and a personal programming session, which gives you exercises specifically for you — so you can put into practice on your own,” Franchini explains. “The studio is a training center, and we have created a learning environment and taken it a step further because self-practice is one of the most important pieces of pilates.

Pilates in Paradise owners Christi Allen Franchini and Michelle Pope are longtime friends and pilates instructors. In March 2024, Franchini welcomed Pope as coowner. CONTRIBUTED

“Our studio has open studio classes where clients can come and use the studio like a gym,” Franchini continued. “That initial month is the foundation training. Then, being able to come and put it into practice, they can use the gym, which also allows for a lot more flexibility for their schedule.”

“And it allows our clients to come into the studio more often,” Pope said.

Pilates in Paradise specializes in private and semi-private sessions in an open studio. Members have unlimited access with their membership. They sign up for the days and times they wish to come in. There are different tiers for membership based on how often they wish to come to the studio and what works for them, with options from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Franchini is also now a Romana Pilates Level 3 Teacher Trainer, or a senior teacher trainer. Franchini has been a teacher trainer since 2019.

“There are only 27 of us globally in our organization who have this level 3 as a teacher trainer,” Franchini

said. “Being able to support the passions of people who wish to become instructors has been a major reason for the growth in our business.”

“And we encourage others. If you have a passion for fitness, I would love to have you on as an instructor. Come in and go through our certification program. The more pilates we can offer in our community, the better,” Franchini added.

Pope said she and Franchini both have a passion for making other people feel better.

“The business has grown 125% in the past five years and there is so much to running a business that will make us sustainable for years to come,” Franchini said.

An open house is set for Friday, June 28 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate Pilates in Paradise anniversary and the new ownership duo.

Call Pilates in Paradise at 305942-0808 to schedule a free 30-minute session on June 28. Visit www. pilatesinparadise.net, or follow Pilates in Paradise on Facebook and Instagram (@pilatesinparadiseflkeys).

SENIOR | KWHS RHP

Anthony Lariz proved he had what it takes to join the ranks of legendary Conch pitchers. His 1.63 ERA was the best on the team. Lariz also led Key West in strikeouts, fanning 89 batters, and earned 2 shutouts. He pitched 3 complete games, earning 5 wins and 1 save in a dozen starts. He also proved he could hit, collecting 12 hits and 12 RBI. When Lariz was handed the ball, Key West had a boost in confidence. Lariz will continue his career in-state, at the University of Central Florida.

21 Jacob Burnham

SENIOR | KWHS LHP

Key West’s Jacob Burnham gave the Conchs six of their wins this season, adding a save, a shutout and a pair of complete games to his stats. Burnham struck out 71 batters and boasted a 1.97 ERA. Offensively, Burnham had an impressive .723 on-base percentage in his 42 plate appearances, collecting 6 hits and 4 RBI. Burnham’s endless talent is already spreading; he committed to Boston College, where he will pitch for the Eagles.

MEET THE 2024 ALL-KEYS BASEBALL TEAM

All three Keys teams enjoyed double-digit wins this season, with one team capturing a district championship and another winning their conference. Coral Shores ended the season with a 10-12 record, which included a win against county rival Marathon in an epic Battle of the Keys. The ‘Canes’ season ended in the FHSAA 3A District 16 semifinals, putting them at 5-1 in district action this year. They lost six talented seniors to graduation, but return another 16 athletes in 2025.

Marathon finished 18-6, making it to the district semifinals where, like Coral Shores, their season ended. But the Fins, who participate in the South Florida Baseball Conference in addition to districts, captured their first conference championship with a win over Riviera Prep. Marathon split their district wins and losses at 2-2 this season and will return to action in 2025 with the majority of their roster intact, losing just four seniors to graduation.

Key West struggled with arguably one of the most challenging schedules in the country early in the season. Playing the perennial powerhouses of both the east and west coasts gave the Conchs the experience needed to cruise to a district championship and make it all the way to the FHSAA 4A Region 4 semifinal game, where they lost by a single run to the eventual state champions. Key West’s roster was loaded with talent, and despite losing six athletes to graduation, they look formidable for 2025.

Anthony Lariz Gabriel Leal

18

Dylan Ziels

18 20

SENIOR | MHS FORWARD/GUARD

Marathon’s ace was 7-1 this season, with a 0.93 ERA during his senior campaign. Ziels delivered 96 strikeouts over 61 innings pitched. Offensively, he hit .387 at the plate, collecting 24 hits, 20 RBI and a home run to cap off a stellar career for the Fins. Ziels is off to Palm Beach State College to continue his baseball career.

JUNIOR | MHS CATCHER/RHP

Leal represented a full battery for Marathon, often playing both pitcher and catcher in the same game. Defensively, he protected the plate with perfect accuracy. On the mound, he was 4-2 with a 2.60 ERA. Offensively, he amassed 34 hits including 8 doubles, a triple and 30 RBI with a .423 batting average to lead the Fins in almost every hitting statistic.

3

Jack Chapman Mason Thornton

6

JUNIOR | MHS 1B/RHP

Junior Mason Thornton was perfect in the field this season, both at first base and on the mound. The 6’5’’ righty fanned 38 batters, going 3-2 in his pitching duties for the Fins. Offensively, Thornton batted .339, collecting 21 hits and 21 RBI.

8TH GRADE | MHS INFIELDER

Though still a middle schooler, Marathon’s Jack Chapman earned a starting spot in the Fins’ rotation this season, batting .340 with 18 hits, including 6 doubles and a triple. Chapman batted in 16 runners for Marathon and showed maturity and athleticism beyond his years.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden and Joy Smith.

Coral Shores’ Zeke Myers earned the top spot for the ’Canes offensively with a .478 batting average and .561 onbase percentage. The senior catcher also led the team in home runs with two, boosting his slugging percentage to .783. Myers batted in 18 runners this season, and his defensive play at the plate was on point. Myers has signed his letter of intent to play at the collegiate level with Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee.

| KWHS

In his first year with the Conchs, Auggy Davila proved to be an asset on both sides of the plate. Offensively, he had 9 hits, crossing the plate eight times for Key West and batting in 5 runs, but defensively was where he truly shone. Davila was .946 in the field, turning 6 double plays and collecting 27 putouts at shortstop.

Hurricane hurler Grayden

Ross had a solid season on the mound with 33 strikeouts and a 4.67 ERA, yet his greatest contribution to his team was his leadership. Ross’ undaunted work ethic and willingness to do what it takes to improve set a model for others to follow, making him an asset the ’Canes will surely miss next year. As for next year, Ross will be busy playing ball at Columbia International University in South Carolina.

SENIOR | KWHS

In his first season with the Conchs, senior Steel Mientkiewicz made an immediate impact with his bat. Hitting .295, he collected 26 hits, 11 RBI and scored 13 runs this season. Defensively, he was .937 in the field, turning 6 double plays and collecting 32 putouts in his senior campaign. Mientkiewicz will be taking his talent to Georgia Highlands College next season.

Equally talented defensively and offensively, Coral Shores’ Campbell Lavoie is an all-around fantastic ballplayer. Batting .431 with an on-base percentage of .529, Lavoie earned a .638 slugging percentage with the help of 5 doubles, a pair of triples and a home run this year. On the mound, he had a 2.27 ERA with 3 wins this season.

FRESHMAN | KWHS

Roman Garcia led the Conchs in multiple offensive stats this season, and he is just a freshman. The first baseman had an impressive .353 batting average, .422 on-base percentage and led his team in slugging at .470. Garcia crossed the plate 10 times, batting in 14 runs while he collected 30 hits, which included 7 doubles and a home run. Defensively, he led Key West in double plays, turning eight this season.

Coral Shores’ leadoff hitter averaged .274 this season with a .387 on-base percentage. Putetti was deadliest rounding the bases, using his athleticism and hustle to steal 13 of them this season. He used the same hustle in the outfield, holding down center field with a .920 fielding percentage.

FRESHMAN | KWHS

Another member of Key West’s highly-talented freshman class, Nelson Ong was the team’s top batter, hitting .385 this season with a .524 on-base percentage, boosted by 14 walks and 8 bases from being struck by pitches. Ong racked up 30 hits, scored 17 runs, batted in 13 and was 7 for 7 on stolen bases. On defense, he did not make a single error this season.

Key Wester recalls local impact of 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Florida Keys residents were paying particularly close attention to news reports last week that showed Russian warships in Havana Harbor, just 90 miles from Key West.

The four Russian ships, which include a nuclear-powered submarine and a frigate, reportedly passed offshore of Key Largo while en route to the communist island nation, which has long been a key Russian ally. The Associated Press reported that the ships arrived in Havana on June 12 and departed on June 17.

The news prompted vivid memories of historical parallels for some longtime Key West residents who recalled the nail-biting tension during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when the U.S. and Russia were on the brink of a nuclear war that could have started in Cuba.

“I was in second or third grade at the time, and I remember convoys of Army trucks rolling down Flagler Avenue,” recalled resident Kurt Lewin, whose father, Kermit, was a former Key West mayor. “The Army took over Key West. There were Hawk missiles and barbed wire at the beaches. Soldiers in Army tents were set up all over Wickers Field and military aircraft were leaving from Boca Chica 24 hours a day.”

Lewin remembers the nuns at his Catholic grade school leading his class in daily duck-andcover drills.

“It was an interesting time,” he added. “It was all-consuming in a way, because the presence of the Army was so undeniable, but I was too young to be afraid, and life went on. We still went to school every day. The bars downtown were doing a booming business, with people being so worried. But I probably think about those days now more than I did back then, even though I know my

parents were scared to death.”

The U.S. and Russian governments both made public statements last week downplaying any risk or aggression the ships’ visit represents, saying the Russian presence in Cuba was part of a planned five-day military exercise that may next take them to Venezuela.

But tensions between the two countries have been precariously high since February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, which has received support from the U.S. to aid in its defense.

“Based upon the international principles of freedom of navigation, we don’t anticipate any impact or influence on Coast Guard District Seven’s operations related to the presence of any allied or foreign vessels in the joint operating area,” Lt. Cmdr. John William Beal, public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard District Seven, told the Keys Weekly on June 12. “The U.S. Coast Guard, in conjunction with our Department of Defense partners and other government agencies, constantly monitors the activity of foreign vessels operating near U.S. territorial waters in support of national defense and homeland security efforts.”

In a statement to the Keys Weekly, Cubanborn U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, whose South Florida district includes the Florida Keys, tied the presence of the Russian ships to the oppressive communist regime that has been in place in Cuba since Fidel Castro took over the country in 1959.

“Make no mistake, the murderous military regime in Havana poses a direct national security threat to America,” Gimenez said. “Our community understands this firsthand being only 90 miles away from the shores of the very same dictatorship that supports Putin’s barbaric, illegal invasion of Ukraine. Instead of granting concession after concession to the Castro regime in Cuba, which is actively inviting Russian warships to our seas, President Biden must impose consequences on Communist Cuba to curb this pathetic, dangerous behavior.”

Despite the Russian ships’ nuclear war capability, the Russian government said none of the

ships are currently carrying nuclear weapons, according to a BBC News report.

“We of course take it seriously, but these exercises don’t pose a threat to the United States,” the Pentagon said, according to the BBC.

“‘The Russian moves were consistent with routine naval visits that we’ve seen under different administrations,” press secretary Sabrina Singh added.

“Russia has sent warships to Cuba in the past and the two nations are long-standing allies — but the timing of these particular exercises stands out. Coming amid growing tensions over Russia’s fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the operation is being interpreted by some as saber-rattling by Moscow,” states the BBC story.

Keys Weekly’s Jim McCarthy contributed to this report.

1. A Hawk missile on the beach in 1962. WRIGHT LANGLEY COLLECTION/Contributed. 2. Hotel Casa Marina as Army headquarters for the Hawk Missile Battalion during October 1962. MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY COLLECTION/Contributed. 3. Russia’s Admiral Gorshkov frigate, shown here in 2018, is one of the Russian warships positioned in Havana Harbor, 90 miles from Key West, until June 17. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed. 4. Russia’s nuclear-powered Kazan submarine, seen here in Russia in 2021, was 90 miles from Key West in Havana, Cuba, until it departed June 17. WIKIPEDIA/Contributed

BRIEFLY

AAA: Gas prices fall 5 cents

Florida gas prices have declined the past three consecutive weeks, falling to the lowest level since midFebruary.

On June 16, the state average was $3.25 per gallon. That’s 5 cents less than a week ago, 25 cents less than last month, and 19 cents less than this time last year.

“Summertime road trips have become less expensive thanks to falling crude oil and gasoline futures prices,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “However, oil prices did regain some strength last week, which could cause the plunge at the pump to stall.”

The U.S. price for crude oil rose nearly $3 per barrel (4%) last week. Oil analysts attribute the gains to expectations that voluntary production cuts, agreed to by OPEC and its allies, would contribute to tightness in the oil market.

Performer Patty Shukla to visit Keys libraries

Patty Shukla, of Patty’s Primary Songs, will be appearing at every county library branch as part of the system’s Summer Reading program. A songwriter and performer, Shukla has more than 2 million followers on her YouTube channel, @pattyshukla. Shukla brings out the rhythm and fun in early childhood learning. This multitalented American artist is an expert in educational-interactive music, seamlessly blending it into an adventure filled with singing, dancing, and learning. Shukla will be at the following libraries at the following times:

• Key Largo library branch, 101485 Overseas Highway, on Thursday, June 20, 10:30 a.m.

• Islamorada library branch, 81830 Overseas Highway, on Thursday, June 20, 4:30 p.m.

• Marathon library branch, 3490 Overseas Highway, on Friday, June 21, 11 a.m.

More information about Patty Shukla is at pattysprimarysongs.com and at her YouTube channel, youtube.com/@pattyshukla

More information about summer reading programs at the Monroe County Public Library is at keyslibraries.org/summer-reading-2024. If you have questions, visit or call your local branch or email info@keyslibraries. org.

Workshop scheduled to detect invasive pests

UF/ IFAS Monroe County Extension Service Florida First Detector aims to increase the role of volunteer network and residents in early detection of invasive pests of agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. A workshop set for Wednesday, July 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marathon library, includes presentations on invasive insect pests and plant diseases, sample submission instructions to UF Insect ID Lab and Plant Diagnostic Center, and other collection tools. There will be lots of hands-on activities as well.

The cost of the workshop is $20. To sign up, email Monroe@ifas.ufl. edu or call 305-292-4501.

Sheriff: Cocaine package found in the water

Mariners in a private vessel found a package containing approximately 21 individually wrapped kilograms of suspected cocaine in the water about seven miles, oceanside, off Islamorada at about noon on June 15. The suspected drugs were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.

Fleeing motorist arrested on Siesta Key

An 18-year-old Miami man was arrested on June 15 after reportedly fleeing from sheriff’s deputies on U.S. 1. Luis Miguel Sosa was charged with fleeing and eluding and reckless driving.

According to deputies, Sosa was speeding in a Dodge sedan near MM 80 at about 3:30 p.m. when he fled from the sheriff’s office. The pursuit was canceled due to safety reasons. The vehicle was then found on Siesta Key.

The investigation showed Sosa recently posted a video on social media driving recklessly in the same vehicle in the Keys. More charges may be pending.

Funds for a new task force headquarters

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez announced the securing of $70 million for a new headquarters for the Joint Interagency Task Force South. This new HQ will strengthen the U.S. efforts in its fight against drugs and the growing threat of Communist China and Castro’s Cuban Regime, he said.

LOWER KEYS UNDERWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL TO ‘MAKE WAVES’ FOR REEF PROTECTION JULY 13

The Lower Florida Keys ocean realm will become a one-ofa-kind concert venue on Saturday, July 13, when divers and snorkelers immerse themselves in an undersea musical adventure that promotes environmentally responsible diving and coral reef preservation.

The 40th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary about 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. The sanctuary protects the waters surrounding the entire Florida Keys island chain, including the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef.

The Underwater Music Festival will be staged from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday by the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce and Keys radio station US1 104.1 FM. While swimming among Looe Key’s vivid marine life, participants can listen to music broadcast by the station and piped underwater via speakers suspended from boats.

The playlist typically features marine melodies ranging from Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at 40” and “Fins” to the Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” and the theme from “The Little Mermaid” film.

Those planning to submerge

themselves in the festival can learn about reef restoration Friday, July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m., during a free welcome gathering at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, 24244 Overseas Highway on Summerland Key. Representatives will lead tours of the facility and showcase Mote’s coral cultivation and restoration efforts.

During Saturday’s aquatic experience, the music will be interspersed with messages about ways to minimize environmental impacts on the world’s reefs, whose rich biodiversity has led them to be called the rainforests of the sea.

As well as colorful reef fish and other marine life, divers and snorkelers might even spot “mermaids” and other costumed characters beneath the waves – some adding to the concert component by “playing” musical instruments during an underwater jam session.

Those interested in participating in the experience can reserve space on boats run by Lower Keys dive operators or launch their own boats from public ramps and marinas in the area. More information is at lowerkeyschamber.com/ chamber-events.

— Contributed

An undersea ‘band’ plays aquatic tunes while promoting marine conservation at the 2022 Underwater Music Festival. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/ Contributed

Alex (H&R Block Key Largo) with Alexandra (UPS Key Largo)

GEORGIA TEAM HURRICANE II WINS DOLPHIN TOURNAMENT

A total of 278 anglers compete for prizes

The Hurricane II reeled in 41.1 lbs of dolphin to win more than $27,900 at the 10th annual Skippers Dolphin Tournament on June 2. The team consisted of Capt. Skye Stanley and anglers Matthew Carlton and Josh Hufstetler.

Hosted at Skippers Dockside, the three-day event consisted of 73 teams made up of 278 anglers competing for over $100,000 in cash and trophies from King Sailfish Mounts. Anglers were allowed to weigh two fish on June 1 and June 2, but winners were determined by the combined weight of three fish.

Finishing second in the tournament was Shaka Kai captained by Joshua Holmes. The team caught a combined weight of 39.5 pounds to win $15,985, with fish that weighed in at 20.3, 15, and 4.2 pounds.

Third place went to the Crazyfish, with anglers Per, Sebastian and Kent Pederson, alongside Alec Ramoski. Their catches totaled 36 pounds for the $5,000 prize.

Prizes were also given for each day’s largest fish. The largest fish overall was a 29.9-pound dolphin caught by Josh Hufstetler on the Hurricane II, which won the team $8,485 on June 1.

The event also saw junior anglers competing within their younger age division. Brock Stocky took first place with his 7.3-pound fish.

Jill Paglia, of Ocala, was the top female angler with a 13.6-pound fish aboard the Executive Decision.

The largest fish winners in the other species categories each took home King Sailfish trophies and $750. Winners were Michael Born with a 10-pound kingfish, Lindsay Nara with a 13.7-pound wahoo and Jessie Hall with a 16.9-pound tuna.

Skippers Dockside resort also provided a kick-off party and an awards ceremony and dinner to conclude the three-day event. More information and a complete list of results are at skipperstournaments. com. — Contributed

SHELF HELP

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

What: “The Girl Who Was Taken” by Charlie Donlea

Why: Nic and Megan are two high-school seniors who have been abducted in North Carolina during a beach party. While Megan is lauded as a hero for defying all odds and escaping her captors, Nic’s case goes unsolved. One year later, Megan has authored a book about her harrowing experience while Nic’s sister Liv – dissatisfied with the investigation and now a forensic pathology fellow – uses her skills to follow clues to uncover the twisted details about the girls’ abductions. Shifting between several points of view, readers follow the mystery to uncover just what really happened the day Nic and Megan were abducted, and where the grisly path of their stories ended ... or rather, where they didn’t.

Where: You can get this book from the Monroe County Public Library system in regular and large print.

How: You can request books, including e-books and e-audiobooks, online by logging in to your account at 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: Amanda Howard, library associate, Marathon library branch See

Anglers on the Hurricane II show off their 29.9-pound mahi. The team went on to win the 10th Skippers Dolphin Tournament on June 2. MARY D GRIFFIN PHOTOGRAPHY/ Contributed

Second-place Shaka Kai caught three fish totaling 39.5 pounds.

Jill Paglia took the top prize for largest fish caught by female anglers.

Brock Stocky took first place with his 7.3-pound fish.

NATURE’S MATCHMAKERS

Pollinators crucial for environment and economy

Pis the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension coordinator.

ollinator Week is an annual event celebrated globally to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and their role in maintaining ecosystems and food security. It goes through June 23, and aims to highlight the threats facing pollinators, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and diseases. It promotes actions to protect them and serves as a platform for advocating for policies and practices that support pollinator conservation.

Florida is privileged to harbor a diverse range of pollinators including honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, other insects, hummingbirds, and even mammals like bats. In the Florida Keys, there are dozens of different types of vital pollinators. Their diversity reflects the rich variety of flora and habitats found in the Keys, maintaining the health and balance of our unique ecosystem.

Some examples of these magnificent pollinators are the gold green sweat bee, delta flower beetle, leaf cutter bee, southern carpenter bee, honeybee, mangrove skipper butterfly, gulf fritillary butterfly, cassius blue butterfly, monarch butterfly, tantalus sphinx moth, hummingbirds and various moths and flies.

Pollinators play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health by facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants, ensuring genetic diversity, resilience and stability. Their contribution to biodiversity is vital, enabling the reproduction of a wide array of plant species essential for ecosystem functioning. Moreover, pollinators are indispensable for food production, pollinating numerous crops like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds crucial for human sustenance.

Economically, pollinators are also invaluable, contributing billions to the global economy annually, sustaining industries like agriculture and beekeeping. Additionally, pollinators are essential for the reproduction of

OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2024 AT 1:00 P.M.

FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM

medicinal plants, supporting pharmaceuticals. They also provide wildlife habitat and food, indirectly supporting diverse animal populations. Through pollination, they enable fertilization and seed production which are crucial for plant reproduction. Culturally, pollinators hold significance worldwide, celebrated in art, literature and religious ceremonies, symbolizing the harmony between nature and humanity.

There are many different threats to native pollinators in the Keys. Habitat loss from invasive plant introduction, urban development (roads, lawns and nonnative gardens), increased use and misuse of weed killers and pesticides, and climate change. However, we can make a difference and protect these vital creatures in many ways.

Try planting a pollinator garden with lots of diverse native plants that will provide pollen sources and nectar. You can also provide nesting sites for pollinators by planting native trees, tall grasses, shrubs and even providing bee nesting blocks in your yard. Try to avoid or limit your usage of pesticides. You can do this by encouraging beneficial insects, accepting some damage to your plants, hand removing pests with gloves or a strong water spray and by choosing the least toxic pesticides for your plants, such as neem oil.

Through our collective efforts, we can contribute to the preservation and conservation of these delicate yet powerful contributors to our natural and unique ecosystem. Pollinator Week plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of pollinators and inspiring action to protect them for the health of ecosystems and food systems worldwide. More information on starting a pollinator garden or safe pest management is available from Monroe County Extension Services at 305-292-4501.

A long established business, Key Largo Flowers & Gi s is under new ownership as of June 2023. Partners Shari Carlquist and Dawn Drake aim to bring spectacular floral and gi options to the Keys. They o er flowers and gi s for all occasions, wedding and event decorations, home goods, candles, jewelry and more. In addition, shoppers will find charcuterie boards, serving trays and pickleball equipment.

"It is our priority to provide good customer service and ensure that we keep new and fresh items in stock so there is always something new to see," said Dawn. "We pride ourselves on being reliable and reasonable. We carry items locals tell us they love and we happily make deliveries from Ocean Reef through Islamorada."

The shop is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday closed.

99551 Overseas Highway (on the side of the Bank of America building) 305.451-3702 keyargoflowersandgi s@gmail.com

BRYNN MOREY

A cassius blue butterfly. BYRNN MOREY/ Contributed

ARTIFACT FINDING

dive group examines shipwreck off Key Largo

1. Diving with a Purpose advocate Linsay Rousseau swims over a shipwreck artifact. MATTHEW LAWRENCE/NOAA. 2. Diving with a Purpose archaeological advocates and FKNMS staff assembled on the back of the Rainbow Reef Dive Charter. DIVING WITH A PURPOSE/Contributed. 3. Archaeologist Ayana Flewellen and advocate Maxwell Bjork team up to document a coral covered artifact. MATTHEW LAWRENCE/NOAA. 4. Advocate Maxwell Bjork hovers while taking an artifact measurement. 5. Lead instructor Kamau Sadiki and advocate McCellus Mays closely examine an artifact.

Amapped shipwreck roughly seven miles off the Key Largo coast had little archaeological interest, until recently. On June 13, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) teamed up with Diving with a Purpose (DWP) to examine several artifacts and key findings to give context to the ship’s place in Keys history.

Eighteen divers with DWP, including international participants from Benin and South Africa, gathered in Key Largo to investigate the French Reef wreck. An international organization, DWP provides support for submerged heritage preservation and conservation projects with a focus on the African Diaspora.

Many divers had little experience in underwater mapping and were provided with a day of instruction at the Key Largo library before setting off for a three-day underwater investigation at the French Reef site. The shipwreck is 20 feet underwater and its remains are scattered along a 250-foot area.

“The shipwreck’s remains primarily consist of the metal fittings used in its construction,” said

NOAA researcher Matthew Lawrence. “It appears to be a wooden-hulled vessel, but the wooden hull is not present on the site due to deterioration and the way it broke apart following the shipwreck event in the decades afterward.”

The divers, divided into teams focusing on different areas of the wreck, measured and sketched artifacts deemed important to the ship’s identification. The team completed hundreds of measurements and sketches, which they transformed into scale drawings back at the library.

Upon comparing their findings to that of other locally wrecked ships, including the French Reef’s Star of the Sea wreck, the team came to a tentative conclusion regarding its identification.

“The artifacts most closely matched what would be found on a late 19th to early 20th century large schooner,” Lawrence said.

Further findings and developments are expected to arrive in the coming months, and draughtspersons with DWP will be assembling a full shipwreck site plan from the provided drawings.

Diving With A Purpose has worked with the sanctuary for more than a decade to train divers in archaeology and explore and uncover the undersea history of the Florida Keys.

ARMY’S 10TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP WINS COMBAT DIVER CONTEST

Events included memorial dedication for soldiers who died in training

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The Army’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at Fleming Key hosted the second annual Best Combat Diver Competition June 10-12. But before the grueling competition among the military’s most elite forces began, all branches paused to honor the eight soldiers who have died during the high-risk training program since the Fleming Key compound opened in 1964. The most recent death was in 2021.

“To build the best skilled maritime operators for such dangerous missions, the training these soldiers undergo is inherently dangerous,” Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jim Dougherty of the Special Forces Underwater Operations (SFUWO) said at the ceremony. “Until now, no memorial existed to honor the memory of the brave soldiers who took their last breath.”

Following the dedication and an opening ceremony, the competition began.

Twelve two-man teams from across U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations, and U.S. Air Force Special Operations competed in a 10-event, multiple-day and night competition to demonstrate skill and capability through performance.

included underwater swims in the pool, a helicopter jump into Key West Harbor to test their navigation skills, a 4-mile run and other challenges.

The competition included rigorous tactical underwater events, boat movements and airborne insertion related to real-world combat dive operations, states an Army release.

The 1st Marine Raider Battalion took second place.

More information about the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in Key West is at swcs.mil.

Susana Leal-Khouri MD, FAAD

Ann John, MD, FAAD

Mae Gutierrez MD, FAAFP

Rene A. Valiente MHS, PA-C

Events

The Army’s Special Forces Underwater Operations School at Fleming Key hosted the second annual Best Combat Diver Competition June 10-12. Two-person teams from the most elite forces of each military branch competed in 10 grueling events. K. KASSENS/U.S. Army

The combat diver team from the Army’s 10th Special Forces Group won this year’s contest.

Jackson with a young Reef the fox during a visit three years ago.

PAWSITIVE BEGINNINGS/Contributed

REEF THE FOX

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

Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” I have some really exciting news to share with all of my loyal readers. First, a little backstory. Almost exactly three years ago, I had the chance to meet an amazing young boy named Jackson. I was just a wee baby, only about 8 weeks old. Jackson and his family were visiting Key Largo as part of his Make-A-Wish trip. My mom met Jackson when they went out on the glass-bottom boat she works on. Mom struck up a conversation with Jackson’s parents and asked if by chance they would want to meet a fox. That’s where I come in. The next day mom packed me up in my little travel bassinet and we headed to Jackson’s hotel to surprise him. Boy, was he surprised. Back then I was a wild young lad, not much different from how I am today really, but much more prone to be unpredictable and maybe a little bitey. But I could sense that Jackson was an amazing young man, and he had such a sweet energy about him, that I matched that energy and laid in his lap so he could

WISH GRANTED

Pawsitive Beginnings has a big new partnership

GRAYSON

Grayson is an 11 month-old, 60-pound shepherd mix. His veteran dad lost his housing recently and foster parents took him in. However, they aren’t able to keep him much longer. MarrVelous Pet Rescues sponsored his shots and neuter, hoping someone would be interested in him. Grayson loves to be in the water and thinks he’d make a boat captain very happy. He needs a foster or an adopter as soon as possible.

Please contact MPR at 305-453-1315 if you’d like to get to know Grayson.

pet me. I didn’t even pee on anything in their hotel room. Since that day, I know my mom, Pawsitive Beginnings founder Nicole Navarro, has been thinking about approaching the Make-A-Wish foundation on partnering with them to give other children the opportunity to meet us foxes here at Pawsitive Beginnings. With the success of our animalassisted therapy program, seeing how we have the power to heal and inspire hope and have documented success with our interactions and partnerships with the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter and Kinder in the Keys, mom thought it was just the right time to reach out to Make-AWish to propose a partnership.

Well, I am beyond excited to let you all know that as of June 10, Pawsitive Beginnings is now an official Make-A-Wish partner and we will be helping to grant wishes to children who want to meet a fox. Young Jackson planted the seed for so many amazing things coming here at Pawsitive Beginnings years ago.

My mom still keeps in touch with his family to this day, and in case anyone is wondering, Jackson is living his best life still and overcomes challenges that come his way.

Anywho, that’s all for this week. Stay up to date with all things fox by following our social media channels. You can find links to those on our website at pawsitivebeginnings.org

Until next time, Reef, over and out!

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, June 20

• Art Walk pre-party at the Hale Gallery from 5 to 6 p.m.

• Public art festival Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. with latenight gallery openings at the Taylor Hale Studio and Gallery, Morada Way Clay and the Jessica Ann Gallery.

• “Start Up, Start Right” virtual business webinar with FIU business school and speakers Bonnie Barnes and Christine Chaloupka, 6 to 7 p.m. Register at go.fiu.edu/startup.

• “Make Your Own Suncatcher with Cassandra” class at Jellyfish Daydreams, beginning at 6 p.m. Supplies are included and registration is $45.

Friday, June 21

• Summer reading event “We’re Crazy for Coconuts” from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Key Largo library, with recommended ages of 6-11.

Saturday, June 22

• Summer Saturdays volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, with shifts from 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m. Sign up at habitatupperkeys.org.

• Class on Adobe Lightroom basics with Derek Waksmunski at Jellyfish Daydreams, beginning at 6 p.m. Registration is $45.

Sunday, June 23

• Fundraiser for Officer Julian Garcia, noon to 6 p.m. at the Islander Resort. Includes a silent auction, an antique car show, food vendors and a dunk tank.

Tuesday, June 25

• Learn about skyscrapers and build one of your own, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Key Largo library, with recommended ages of 6-11.

• Books on Tap discussion of “The Art Thief” by Michael Finkel, 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Keys Meads.

• Gemstone clasp bracelet class with Casandra, 6 p.m. at Jellyfish Daydreams. Supplies are included and registration is $45.

• “Trashy Tuesday” cleanup at Harry Harris park, from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. The meeting point will be to the left of the boat park.

Wednesday, June 26

• JOY classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church, MM 87.5, bayside, Islamorada. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a full list of activities.

• “Sunken Treasures” summer youth program, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center. Ages are 6-12 and registration is $35 per child. Scan the QR code here for registration.

• Free legal help for low-income residents of Monroe County from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Key Largo library. Call 866-686-2760 or pre-register online legalservicesmiami.org.

Cement-filled pickle barrels near Pickles Reef. Archaeologists suspect the barrels can be dated much later than the 1860s. FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY/ Contributed

WRESTLING WITH WRITING

Pickles Reef’s cement barrels pique interest

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.

Iattended graduate school in my 30s. It was a vastly different experience than what I expected, but managing expectations has been a long-standing effort. I did not attend a history program at the University of Miami; my master’s degree is in creative writing. While in the university’s writing program, I experienced several eye-opening moments. I was excited to be surrounded by like-minded people who loved to write, and it was weird to learn that many of the people in the program did not write every day. The group often met for drinks at the Coral Gables watering hole, The Bar. Not infrequently, someone in the group would announce that they needed to get home and write something for class the next day. I spent weeks crafting the short stories I presented for the workshop.

During a workshop, the writer sits quietly while everyone around the table critiques the work and tells the writer everything wrong with it, and the bits and pieces they liked. One professor in particular, Lester Goran, routinely savaged my work. Once, when he attacked my story, he asked, “Do you think you’re God? Do you think you can just do anything you want?”

He did not treat the other writers in the program or the work they presented with the same vigor. Either I was an exceptionally sh*tty writer, or another issue was at play. So, I sat down with the department head and voiced my concerns. At the end of the first year, all of the graduating writers performed a reading on campus. Afterward, the writers and the professors went to the T.G.I. Friday’s across from campus; we

stood around the bar and drank as we talked. The department head, a poet named Fred something, was there, and we found ourselves standing next to each other at the bar. He was drinking a scotch on the rocks, and I was drinking a bottle of beer.

It wasn’t my first drink, and it wasn’t his first drink that late afternoon. He said, “No one here likes you.”

I looked at him and said, “Well, I know you don’t.”

In year two, Goran, the head of the creative writing program and the professor I had complained about, sat me down in his office and said, “No one wanted you in the program. Everyone thought your writing was weird.”

And then, he said something I have never believed. “I was the only one who wanted you here.”

Also, in the last month of the two-year program, Goran did two extraordinary things.

After I turned in my final story, he left a note in my English Department mailbox. It read, “Congratulations; this version of your story is everything the last was not.”

The following week, Goran and the class workshopped the story. Goran began the proceedings by standing up and addressing me directly. “How could you do this?” he asked. “How could you turn the previous version into this? I have been harder on you than anyone in all my years with the program, and you do this? You are the one, son. You are the one who is going to make it.”

It is a powerful memory. Goran went on to say glowing things about the story, a scene from my as-yet unfinished novel, “Wrestling Alligators.” After graduation, when I moved to Plantation Key in 2001, I intended to finish my novel. It is now 2024; I still plan to finish it.

One thing I’ve learned since moving to the Florida Keys is that writers are as common as Key lime pie. They come to live in paradise and write their poems, plays and novels. Rarely do they

move to the islands, abandon their fiction and their stories, and write about the local history — which makes me a bit of a unicorn.

While I have hardly “made it” as a writer, my love for the act has never waned, and it serves the local history well. There is a particular subject that initially piqued my interest. While researching my first book, “Snorkeling Florida” (University Press of Florida), I was introduced to Pickles Reef. The relatively shallow spur and groove reef is found southeast of Key Largo (24 59.26N/080 24.84W). Dive captains, divers and locals had several stories about the origin of the name — as did travel writers and Wikipedia: “The name comes from cement-filled pickle barrels sunk here during the Civil War.”

During the event, the load of barrels sank to the Atlantic floor, where the cement mixed with the water and hardened. Over time, the barrels’ wooden staves rotted away, leaving only the barrel-shaped forms behind. As many as 50 barrel-shaped features have been identified around the reef.

Archaeologists suspect the barrels can be dated much later than the 1860s. It has been suggested the cement had been destined for construction projects associated with the building of the Over-Sea Railway. It has also been posited that the barrels were to have been used in the construction of what would become the Red Cross or hurricane houses built in response to the 1935 Labor Day Storm.

In the end, it does not matter so much when the barrels sank at that particular reef as it does that they settled on the bottom at that site. First, the name Pickles Reef appears in historical records dating back to the late 1820s. Second, and perhaps the more exciting factoid regarding any of the thousands of individual reefs that make up the Florida Reef, the odds that a bunch of barrels that may or may not have once held pickles and sank at a reef already called Pickles Reef have to be staggering.

YOU ‘FETA’ BELIEVE IT

Try this stress-free recipe

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

Iam an avid cook, and although I love nothing more than deep diving into a multiplepage recipe, life doesn’t always afford time for that.

On days that seem a little chaotic with the dinner hour looming around the corner, I always bust out this ridiculously easy, go-to recipe for roasted feta pasta.

Unopened feta has a substantial shelf life, so I always try to keep some in the fridge along with the other key ingredient, tomatoes. Although I’ve been making this recipe for years, the younger crowd might be familiar with it as well since it’s taken the internet by storm. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting yet effortless and with little to no mess.

This dish is incredibly simple but also impressively flavorful. The rich, creamy texture of the roasted feta combined with the burst of cherry tomatoes creates a sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It is vibrant with a Mediterranean taste that will transport you to a coastal paradise, or at least keep you sane on a last-minute dinner night.

Below I will walk through what you need for the bare-bones, basic version of this stress-free recipe; however, the options are unlimited. For example, you could go the healthy route and switch out your pasta for chickpea pasta like the brand Banza and swap out traditional full fat feta for reduced fat feta.

As far as the ingredients go, the term “the more the merrier” applies here. If you feel like you have extra time and energy, add in some chopped garlic, roasted red pepper flakes, herbs, spinach, basil or really any vegetable or seasoning you fancy, as all of them will blend beautifully into this recipe. Just the other night I added about a half cup of Chardonnay to the casserole dish

REEL RECS

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

What: “The Third Man” (1949)

before popping it into the oven and it came out fantastic, so get creative.

Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven and give it a try. It’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation or save you on certain nights. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver big on taste with minimal effort. Enjoy every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 8-ounce block of feta cheese

• 2 pints of cherry tomatoes (rinsed)

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or more as needed)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 10 ounces (or so) pasta of your choice (I prefer cavatappi)

• Zest of 1 lemon

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-proof baking dish with the lemon

zest and drizzle heavily with olive oil. Mix to combine.

In the middle of the tomatoes make a little space and place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle the feta generously with olive oil. Sprinkle everything with salt and pepper.

Bake for 40 minutes or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and melty. When the oven has about 15 minutes left, boil the water and salt it. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the box. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Remove the baking dish from the oven. With a fork, mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together until they form a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash at a time of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy feta-tomato sauce.

Why: Celebrating its 75th anniversary, this has all the elements of a perfect film noir: Oscar-winning cinematography of postwar Vienna bathed in rich shadows, a plot with more twists than a Chubby Checker song, delightfully droll one-liners, and an enticingly magnetic supporting performance from Orson Welles. Even with its psychologically dark elements, there’s a cheekiness to it found in the best Hitchcock films – no surprise, given that this is actually a British production rather than Hollywood. If none of that is enough to entice you, it’s worth pointing out the zither-infused score directly inspired the music for “Spongebob Squarepants.” Where: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. 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: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library branch.

SAMANTHA DELLILO

Cherry tomatoes and feta cheese ready to head into the oven. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly

ALMANAC | June 20

On this day: In 1967, boxer Muha ad Ali was convicted of viola ng Selec ve Service laws by refusing to be inducted into the armed forces. The Supreme Court overturned his convic on in 1971.

In The Bleachers

The last four years have brought about 700 reports of orcas a acking boats. On May 12, in the Strait of Gibraltar, a 49-f t-long ve el ca ed Alboran Cognac sank a er repeated blows from a group of orcas, Reuters reported. The yacht ca ied two people, who felt the shocks before water started s ping in. They alerted rescue services, and a nearby oil tanker t k them in.

Adam

Brevity

Brevity

Nancy

News of the Weird

TODAY’S HISTORY

In 1863, West Virginia was admi ed as the 35th U.S. state.

TODAY’S QUOTE

"Since when do we have to agr with people to defend them from injus ce?"

— Li ian He man

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS

Li ian He man (1905-1984), playwright; E ol Fly (19091959), actor; Chet Atkins (19242001), singer-songwriter; Audie Murphy (1925-1971), war hero/ actor; Mar n Landau (19282017), actor; Brian Wilson (1942), musician/singer-songwriter; A e Mu ay (1945- ), singer; Bob Vila (1946- ), handyman/TV personality; Lionel Richie (1949- ), singer-songwriter; John G dman (1952- ), actor; Nicole Kidman (1967- ), actre ; Robert Rodriguez (1968- ), l aker; Christopher Mintz-Pla e (1989- ), actor.

Adam

Nancy

Founded by Betty Debnam

Homes Under Water

Have you ever hunted for seashells at the beach? Did you know that they were once the homes of animals from a watery world?

This week, The Mini Page learns more about our world’s beautiful seashells.

A big family

Sea animals with shells belong to a group known as mollusks (MAH-lusks). Mollusks also include some animals with no shells, such as the octopus.

Protection

Shells help protect animals with soft bodies and no backbones, or vertebrae (VER-tuhbray). Soft-bodied animals with no backbone are called invertebrates (in-VER-tuh-brits). Most animals are invertebrates.

Seashells protect invertebrate sea animals. These marine animals, or creatures living in the water, build shell homes and live inside them. Some animals move into the shells of other animals after the original owner dies.

Building a home

Shells are made of a rocklike material formed from calcium and other minerals, like our bones are. Sea animals get these minerals from the water.

Shelled marine animals have a special skinlike covering over their bodies. This is called a mantle. The mantle secretes (siKREETS), or produces and spreads, the material for the shell all around the animal’s body.

Sea animals build their shells over time, layer by layer. You can tell how old a shellfish was by counting the layers spreading out

ECO NOTE

over the shell, much like counting the rings of a tree. Shellfish don’t build their shells at a steady rate. They have growth spurts.

Colors

The beautiful colors on the shell vary depending on the animals’ diets and how fast they are secreting the shell material.

Shellfish in warmer waters, where there is a big variety of food, will usually have many more colors than shellfish in colder waters.

How many shells?

Animals such as snails build single shells to live in. Sea snails such as the conch or whelk usually build shells in a spiral shape.

Other mollusks, such as clams and oysters, have two shells joined together with a kind of hinge. This type of shellfish is called a bivalve (BY-valve).

Have you noticed that you usually find only one half of a shell? When the animal dies or is eaten, the hinge usually breaks, and the two halves of the shell separate.

Record-breaking ocean heat of the past year appears to have caused a never-before-seen decline in phytoplankton, algae and bacteria, which many marine species depend upon for food. A study examined 21 years of satellite data and found that by April 2023, there had been a 22% drop in the microorganisms compared to the 21-year average. The study found that almost three-quarters of the global ocean surface saw such a decline. While marine ecosystems can sometimes recover, one scientists called these results “very concerning.”

SHELLFISH LIFE

Shellfish have a strawlike organ called a siphon (SY-fun) that they use to pull water across their gills. They breathe and feed with their gills. They get their oxygen and food from the water.

Some shellfish also have a type of tiny plant called algae (AL- jee) living with them. The algae can make energy from sunlight and nutrients they get from the water. They share this energy with the shellfish.

Bivalves open their shells when they are eating or breathing. They close their shells when they feel threatened.

Shellfish that live in areas close to the coast may close their shells during low tide. This keeps the animal from drying out. When the tide comes back in, the animal opens up its house and lets the water in.

Collecting shells

Never take a shell that is home to a living animal. All living things are important to the environment.

Some living shellfish can sting you. The nose area of some cone shellfish has a kind of harpoon. They inject their prey with venom to paralyze it, then they eat it. Sometimes people can have serious reactions to the stings.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPmollusks

At the library:

• “Seashells: More Than a Home” by Melissa Stewart

• “Seashells and Beachcombing for Kids” by Stephanie Panlasigui and Erika Zambello

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Mini Fact: The giant clam is the largest bivalve on Earth. It can weigh up to 500 pounds.

Sinuous whelk

photo courtesy of NOAA

TRY ’N’ FIND

Words that remind us of seashells are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

ALGAE, ANIMAL, BEACH, BIVALVE, CALCIUM, COLOR, HOME, INVERTEBRATE, LAYER, MANTLE, MOLLUSK, SEA, SECRETE, SHELL, SIPHON, SPIRAL, STING, VERTEBRAE.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI

Notice is hereby given that on July 8th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: |103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Yasser Mesa - 1158 $599.25

Dean Todd - 1332 $587.75

Alex Murgas - 1580 $528.40

Sharon Pele - 1200 $425.45| Anthony Atty - 1577 $731.80

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING:

MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING

BOARD

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it may concern, that on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida scheduled to commence at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff. The Monroe County Contractors Examining

Board (“CEB”) will review Certificate of Competency Trade applications and the Industry Input Section. All public participation in this meeting may be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform, during the scheduled meeting. Meeting Agenda and Zoom Webinar information is available 7 days prior to meeting date on the Monroe County Web Calendar and the Contractors Examining Board webpage: www. monroecounty-fl.gov

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she 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.

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

NOTICE:  It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to have an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language. Rick Griffin, Building Official/

INVITATION TO BID

Board Secretary Jamie Gross, Senior Contractor Licensing Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: June 20, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Parking Lot Management Services at Key West International Airport Monroe County, Florida

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than

The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed bids by July 25th, 2024, no later than 9:30 am, for the following project. WRF UV CONTACT TANK REHABILITATION ITB 2024-02

THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF: Temporary tankage with associated components to allow bypassing of the City’s existing UV Contact Tank (design, procurement, installation, and demolition/removal of system by contractor and contractor’s engineer of record); existing UV Contact Tank removal; construction of replacement UV Contact Tank with interior and exterior coatings; replacement of all existing control systems (ultrasonic level detector, transducers, floats, etc.); miscellaneous restoration; and other improvements.

All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope to City Clerk Silvia Gransee at 600 W. Ocean, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 (mailing address PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051), no later than July 25th, 2024 at 9:30 am clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB 2024-02’ along with the name of your firm. The bid manual, requirements, and specifications are available on DemandStar at www.Demandstar.com.

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS ITB 2024-02

06-18-2024 Release Solicitation

07-08-2024 10:00 am Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Site Visit (600 N. 8th Street, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051)

07-11-2024 4:00 pm

07-18-2024 4:00 pm

07-25-2024 9:30 am

08-08-2024 9:30 am

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

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MANDATORY IN-PERSON, ONSITE PRE-BID MEETING:

(Prospective bidders failing to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting shall forfeit their opportunity to respond to the solicitation.)

Date: July 9, 2024

Time: 2:00 P.M. Location: 3491 S. Roosevelt Blvd., (2nd Floor Airport Administration Conference Room, above Baggage Claim), Key West, Florida Publish: June 20, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-CA-320-P KENNETH STEVENS and CLIFFORD BROWN, Plaintiffs, -v.WOLF CAPITAL FUNDING, LLC, LEOPOLD BALESTRIERI, POOL TECH OF MIAMI, INC., EL MAMEYAL NURSERY, INC., CLOSET PROS, INC., ISLAMORADA VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, CHARLES VIRGIL ROGERS, ONLY AUTHENTICS, LLC, and, AMERICAN ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS, INC., Defendants.

________________/ FIRST AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: LEOPOLD BALESTRIERI

By: Daniella Lafontant Deputy Clerk Publish: June 20 & 27, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 23-CA-320-P KENNETH STEVENS and CLIFFORD BROWN, Plaintiffs, -v.WOLF CAPITAL FUNDING, LLC, LEOPOLD BALESTRIERI, POOL TECH OF MIAMI, INC., EL MAMEYAL NURSERY, INC., CLOSET PROS, INC., ISLAMORADA VILLAGE OF ISLANDS, CHARLES VIRGIL ROGERS, ONLY AUTHENTICS, LLC, and, AMERICAN ENGINEERS & CONTRACTORS, INC., Defendants.

________________/ FIRST AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION TO: WOLF CAPITAL FUNDING, LLC

Last Known Address: 101 N. Clematis Street, Suite #306 West Palm Beach, FL 33401

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action seeking the foreclosure of a mortgage upon the real property located at 81975 Old Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard A. Malafy, of the law firm of Campbell & Malafy, Plaintiffs’ attorney, whose address is 10887 Overseas Highway, Suite #201, Marathon, Florida 33050, on or before July 15, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiffs’ attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Dated on: May 21st, 2024 KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Court By: Daniella Lafontant Deputy Clerk Publish: June 20 & 27, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

Dated: June 13th, 2024

Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Leslie Rodriguez

Deputy Clerk

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

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

NOTICE OF ACTION (NOTICE BY PUBLICATION) TO: DANIEL COUCH Last known address of: 213 ANGLERS DR. S., APT. 1 MARATHON, FL 33050

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

Unit A 102, Week 01

$2,219.69

Unit A 102, Week 02

$2,219.69

Cure My Mommy’s Breast Cancer C/O Ellen Schreiber 9 Endo Blvd, # FL 1

Garden City, NY 11530-6748

Unit D 102, Week 36

$3,571.14

Edward Daniel and Mary Daniel P.O. Box 351853 Miami, FL 33135 Unit E 102, Week 36

$4,580.62

Jennifer Edwards f/k/a

Jennifer Leanna and Zachary Edwards 2688 Whispering Drive Largo, FL 33771 Unit E 202, Week 39

$6,702.41 Unit B 202, Week 47

$6,702.41

Maria George 3215 N 65th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85033-5216 Unit D 102, Week 50

$3,585.74

Lowell Higgins and Janine Sanders-Higgins 64 Kilworth PK Drive RR #5 Komoka, ON N0L 1R0 Canada Unit A 102, Week 47

$6,705.00

Bid Due & Opening (Open to Public – 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051) Last Day for submission of written questions to the City Last day for the City to post answers to questions

Recommendation to Award Utility Board Meeting

08-15-2024 9:30 am City Commission meeting

Award of Bid

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

Last Known Address: 10055 Yamato Road, Suite 110 Boca Raton, FL 33498 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action seeking the foreclosure of a mortgage upon the real property located at 81975 Old Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Richard A. Malafy, of the law firm of Campbell & Malafy, Plaintiffs’ attorney, whose address is 10887 Overseas Highway, Suite #201, Marathon, Florida 33050, on or before July 15, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiffs’ attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

Dated on: May 21st, 2024 KEVIN MADOK, CPA, Clerk Clerk of the Court

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2022-CA-239-M HAWKS NEST BOARD OF TRUSTEES President, GARY TUCKER, Plaintiff, vs. NON-VOTING GROUP OF HAWKS NEST, Defendants. ___________________/ NOTICE OF ACTION TO: NON-VOTING MEMBERS OF HAWKS NEST BALLOT TO REBUILD DESTROYED CONDOMINIUM

Lots 9 & 10, KNIGHTS KEY VILLAGE, as recorded in Plat Book 5, at Page 84, of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action seeking the partition upon real property located at 1 Kyle Way South, Marathon FL 33050, has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on James J Dorl, Esquire of the law firm James J Dorl PA, Plaintiffs’ attorney whose address is 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 12, Marathon FL 33050, on or before July 15th, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiffs’ attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

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

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

Angela E. Noble, Clerk United States District Court Southern District of Florida By: Ketly Pierre Deputy Clerk

Publish: May 30, June 6, 13 & 20, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF ACTION RE: MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC MONROE County, Florida NON-JUDICIAL TIMESHARE FORECLOSURE PROCESS TO: Unit Owner(s) Last Known Address Unit Week(s)

Amount due:

Robert A Bradley and Stefane B Bradley 1303 Chestnut Street Murray, KY 42071 Unit E 202, Week 48

$6,703.35

Marion Canty and Remelda Canty 26521 SW 124 Avenue Naranja, FL 33032 Unit E 102, Week 50

$4,601.12

Richard Chosid and Cherie Chosid 3110 NE 48th Street

Dewane L Hose Greystone House Lockton, N Yorkshire YO187QB United Kingdom Unit D 102, Week 42 $3,585.74

Charles Khoury 7343 Brisbane Hills Street Las Vegas, NV 89166 Unit B 102, Week 46

$7,225.00 Unit B 102, Week 47

$7,225.00

Gehard Jacob, Anneliese Bentjerodt & Arquiyecto Eusebio Celi 5150 Comuna Vitacura Santiago Chile Unit C 201, Week 44

$3,585.74

Mary E McHenry, Michael B McHenry & Tina M McHenry 46 Hodgson Avenue Pittsburg, PA 15205 Unit A 102, Week 40

$4,601.12 Unit A 102, Week 41 $4,601.12

Lee M Purcifull 18406 Turning Point Drive Lutz, FL 33549 Unit A 202, Week 36

$6,675.25 Shaki Rehman 11711 SW 130 Avenue Miami, FL 33186 Unit B 201, Week 42

$6,701.46

Jane Rosenthal 444 E 75th Street, Apt #3-B New York, NY 10021 Unit E 101, Week 48 $5,597.15 Unit E 102, Week 48 $5,597.15

Vincent T Salvato and Angela Salvato 4700 Casswell Drive New Port Richey, FL 34652 Unit A 101, Week 43

$3,585.74

Frank Schultz, Trustee of the Frank Schultz Living Trust Agreement Dated March 24, 2000 1751 Beach Road, Apt 202 Englewood, FL 34223 Unit D 202, Week 49

$3,585.74

Frank Stewart and Jeanne C Stewart 3101 82nd Way North St Petersburg, FL 33710 Unit B 202, Week 40 $7,698.79 Chelsa Aran Taggart 1841 E 9th Street, Apt 2 Duluth, MN 55812 Unit D 102, Week 21 $5,619.22 Penny Weiss and Lynne Arnault 105 Kensington Road Syracuse,

Canada Unit B 101, Week 46

$3,585.74

Unit B 101, Week 47

$3,585.74

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED of an action for non-judicial foreclosure of timeshare units on the Claim of Lien on the following described real property, located in MONROE County, Florida, to-wit: Unit Numbers and Annual Timeshare Use Periods (as set forth above) in MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB CONDOMINIUM II, and all appurtenances thereto, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof, as recorded in Official Records Book 859, Page 786 of the Public Records of Monroe County, Florida and all amendments and exhibits thereto. has been filed against you. If you fail to cure the default as set forth in this notice or take other appropriate action with regard to this foreclosure matter, you risk losing ownership of your timeshare interest through the trustee foreclosure procedure established in Section 721.855, Florida Statutes. You may choose to sign and send to the trustee an objection form, exercising your right to object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure. If you would like an Objection form, you should contact the undersigned Trustee, Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, in writing. Upon the trustee’s receipt of your signed objection form, the foreclosure of the lien with respect to the default specified in this notice shall be subject to the judicial foreclosure procedure only. You have the right to cure your default in the manner set forth in this notice at any time before the trustee’s sale of your timeshare interest. Objections must be made in writing to:

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire

TRUSTEE FOR MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC 201 Fletcher Avenue, Second Floor Sarasota, FL 34237 within 30 days of the first date of publication of this Notice. If you do not object to the use of the trustee foreclosure procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment even if the proceeds from the sale of your timeshare interest are insufficient to offset the amounts secured by the lien.

Dated this 3rd day of JUNE, 2024.

Thomas L Avrutis, Esquire, TRUSTEE TRUSTEE for MARATHON KEY BEACH CLUB II ASSOCIATION, INC

Publish: June 13 & 20, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-275-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DORIS LAW

A/K/A DORIS B. LAW, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of DORIS LAW A/K/A DORIS B. LAW, deceased, whose date of death was March 5, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been

served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 20, 2024. Personal Representative: RICHARD LAW 111 East Ridgewood Avenue, Apt. 1A Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Attorney for Personal Representative: THOMAS R. WALSER, ESQ.

E-mail Addresses: trwalser@ floridaprobatefirm.com

Florida Bar No. 116596

Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC 6751 N. Federal Highway, Ste. 101 Boca Raton, FL 33487

Telephone: (561) 210-5500

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-272-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARIE F. COTTON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARIE F. COTTON, deceased, whose date of death was April 16, 2024, File Number 24-CP-272-P is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Plantation Key Government Center, 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: June 20, 2024. Personal Representative: CHARLES R. MCWHIRTER 253 Sunset Drive Islamorada, FL 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOE A. CATARINEAU

Florida Bar Number: 0517291

91750 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-4833

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000299-PK

IN RE: ESTATE OF ANN PARKER FLYNNLAMPMAN

Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ANN PARKER FLYNNLAMPMAN, deceased, whose date of death was April 28, 2024; is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; File Number 24-CP-000299-PK, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and who have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS: JUNE 20, 2024.

Personal Representative: MARK PARKER 44 Sea Meadow Drive Little Egg Harbor, NJ 08087 Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN MICHAEL LYNN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0147273 Turner & Lynn, P.A. 7 Barracuda Lane Key Largo, Florida 33037 Telephone: (305) 367-0911 turnerlynnpa@gmail.com Publish: June 20 & 27, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-000247-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND H. LEWIS, JR. Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Raymond H. Lewis, Jr. deceased, whose date of death was January 30, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division; the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, Plantation Key, Florida 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME

OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is June 20, 2024.

Personal Representative: John C. Lewis 831 SE 13 CT Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Attorney for Personal Representative: Nicholas W. Mulick

E-mail Address: reception@ mulicklaw.com

Florida Bar No. 337757

Nicholas W. Mulick P.A. 91645 Overseas Highway Tavernier, Florida 33070

Telephone: (305) 852-9292

Publish:

June 20 & 27, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

AUTOS WANTED

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

2004 Chevy 2500 4X4 LT, 110k miles, original owner. Truck is located in Marathon. $9,500 305-481-4838

Place your AUTO FOR SALE ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 BOATS FOR SALE Rampage 25X10 Diesel Center Console. Charter fish rigged. 20 Rods & Reels + equip. Located in Marathon. 305-619-5282

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

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

Marathon: Looking for 2 College Students interested in 2-3 hours of work for 1 day restoring a Trawler Boat. May lead to additional hours. Cleaning, sanding, staining, scraping and painting outside of Boat $25.00 an hour. Contact a Friend and apply together. Call (508) 566-3538

Seeking full-time dedicated experienced inhome caregiver to provide care to our loved one in a comfortable home environment in Marathon. Please send resume to dale@marathonlumber. com or contact 305-7433688 and ask for Dale or Tricia for more information.

SKILLED PLUMBERS Full Service & Construction. Immediate Openings in Upper Keys. Full-time & Part-time. Motivated - Great Mechanical & Problem Solving Skills – Read & Speak EnglishClean driving record. Pay Rate based on experience, ownership of working tools, and transportation. E-mail: PlumbersinParadise@ outlook.com for application.

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

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/ evening hours Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub.com.

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

Saturday front desk office person needed to answer phones and greet walk in customers at Big Pine Real Estate Office. Call Frank 561-2839969 or DD 305-289-6486

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.

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

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

PRIVATE COLLECTOR

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

Available for 1 person. 2 1/2 rooms + 8' X 22' screened porch. All utilities incl. wifi, satellite TV, washer/dryer. 2nd house from ocean. Off-street parking. Private & quiet. MM 96 Key Largo. $1,950/ month F/L/S 305-853-3779

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

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

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

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

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

RV SITE FOR RENT

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

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

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

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. SweetCarolineSeaport.com

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

Coast Guard Exchange

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

The job has diverse duties caring for 4 cottages and our boat program. These include business management, grounds maintenance, customer service, and supervising the boating program. Please visit INDEED or the CGX Careers page and search “Lodge Host 5661”.

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

NOW HIRING

LEAD MARINE MECHANIC

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

ADMIN/OFFICE HELP

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

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

IS HIRING

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

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

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

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

our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org

WE ARE HIRING!

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

KEY WEST

This position is available at our Adult Day program. This position provided direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. *

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT COACH FT  KEY WEST

Responsible for development, implementation and documentation of supported employment strategies, interaction with co-workers, vocational rehab and supervision and any miscellaneous training and/or counseling that is needed for clients to acquire and maintain employment. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. *

PLANT STORE MANAGER FT  KEY WEST

MARC is looking for a 40-hr/wk. manager. Good social/business skills, above average computer skills required (knowledge of POS a plus). Knowledge of tropical plants is helpful. Requires a lot of manual labor and must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Must be able to work weekends and evenings as the season requires.*

IN HOME SUPPORT FT  KEY WEST

MARC is seeking a full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/ Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 am then 3-9 pm. We can be flexible. This is a rewarding position for the right person. *

CLIENT MEDICAL SERVICES ASSISTANT

Full-time assisting our clients with dental, medical and transpor-tation appts. Act as liaison between clients, families and support staff. Requires some on-call responsibility. Min. requirement Florida certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. *

*ALSO REQUIRED FOR ALL POSITIONS:

Fluent in English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Level 2 background screening and valid Florida driver’s license.

Come join our family! EOE

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

NOW HIRING IN ISLAMORADA

MARINA CASHIERS

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

DOCKHANDS

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

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

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

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

LIVE IN PARADISE AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!

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

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

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

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

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

COME JOIN THE FAMILY!

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL

Teaching... Learning... Caring

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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 Advocate (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult) Case Manager (Adult, Child) Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist

MARATHON Care Coordinator (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child) RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (PT/Per Diem) Peer Support Specialist

*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT)

*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN

- Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Marathon, FT

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- Cook, Per Diem

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

- Exercise Physiologist, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

- Group Exercise Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

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

- Manager Wellness Center, FT

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

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Performance Improvement Nurse, FT

- Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem

- Registered Nurse, Cardiac Rehab, Per Diem

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

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

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

- Yoga Instructor, Mariners Wellness Center, Per Diem

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Acute Care Tech, Emergency Department, FT

- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience, FL

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

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

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

- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, Per Diem

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, Per Diem

- Security Of cer, Per Diem

available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

APPLY AND LEARN MORE

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We are now hiring for the following positions:

Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon