Upper Key Weekly 24-0718

3

4

5

Enjoy daily sunrise & sunset views

Welcome to a unique point of land on Florida Bay, offering two lots with almost an acre of land and a quarter of an acre of bay bottom. This stunning property features over 200 ft of waterfront, a remodeled multi-story concrete home, a resort-style pool, dockage for multiple boats, a sandy beach with sea oats and palm trees creating an idyllic setting for enjoying the parade of boats and marine wildlife meandering by. The remodeled home is on the southernmost lot, while the resort-style pool, framed by palm trees, is on the northern lot. A gated entry and driveway lead guests to panoramic open water views across the pool and from the two-story four bedroom, two bathroom home on two living levels. The main living level includes a kitchen, dining area, two guest bedrooms, a full bathroom, and three sets of French doors opening to an outside covered entertaining area. Interior stairs lead to the second living level with vaulted tongue-and-groove open beam ceiling, a living/media room, a side sitting parlor, 3rd guest bedroom, a primary suite, and an expansive upper deck for an even greater bird’s-eye view of the bay. The waterfront area includes a concrete seawall, two concrete piers, a cut-in boat slip/basin for added protection, a large Chickee Hut complete with a picnic table, two smaller boat ramps for launching paddle boards or kayaks, a sandy beach complete with sea oats and a myriad of mature palms framing the home and pool. Enjoy the lighted palms at night as they sway in the tropical breeze, providing the ultimate backdrop for your personal resort. A one-of-a-kind point of land on the island of Key Largo is perfectly situated to not only enjoy the most colorful sunsets by night but also the captivating early morning sunrises. Enjoy your beachfront paradise today or let your creativity flow by designing a larger waterfront estate. The choice is yours!

$1B

89240 Overseas Hwy. Suite 2

Tavernier, FL 33070

Office: 305.363.2957 www.keysweekly.com

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Editor / Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com

Business Development

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Account Executive

Oliver Allison oliver@keysweekly.com

Staff Writers

Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Production Manager

Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator

Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Comptroller / Sarah Simcic sarah@keysweekly.com

Design / Pre-Press

Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

Ashley Hobart ashley@overseasmediagroup.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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

APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.

Postmaster

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

News Deadline

Monday Noon

Advertising Deadline

Tuesday 2 p.m.

On July 11, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that a 2023 initiative to collect past-due tax debt from high-income, high-wealth individuals has reached a major milestone, with more than $1 billion recovered.

Members of

A bug catcher shows off her lobster during the mini-season in 2021. The regular mini-season is slated for Wednesday July 24 through Thursday, July 25. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

DEVELOPMENT SAGA CONTINUES

Group files appeal to FloridaCommerce’s decision change on Tavernier Publix project

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Arecent decision by FloridaCommerce to approve a county ordinance to help pave the way for developers to build a supermarket and workforce housing in Tavernier has led to an appeal by a group concerned about the large project.

On July 16, the Tavernier Community Association announced it filed an application for an administrative hearing to appeal FloridaCommerce’s June 26 order, which stated the county commission’s approval of a Tavernier Key Commercial Overlay District via 4-1 vote in February was indeed consistent with the Monroe County comprehensive plan and development guidelines within an area of critical state concern. The decision was a flip from a prior order FloridaCommerce handed down on May 16, when it stated the county-approved ordinance was in conflict with the comprehensive plan and development principles. Specifically, the county ordinance allows developers to build a commercial structure larger than the 10,000-square-foot limit on property located at MM 92.5, oceanside in Tavernier. The decision by county commissioners went against recommendations by county planning staff, which provided a report stating no

amendment should be approved “which will result in an adverse community change to the planning area in which the proposed development is located.” The Monroe County Planning Commission voted 3-2 in late April to recommend county commissioners deny the developer’s request for an overlay in order to build a grocery store.

Developers with Blackstone-Group Tavernier 925 LLC are seeking to purchase the 19-acre CEMEX property, which houses a now-defunct concrete production facility. The group plans to build a 47,240-square-foot Publix and 2,100-square-foot liquor store, as well as 86 units of housing for workers who make 70% of their income in Monroe County.

Per the petition, FloridaCommerce’s reversal came with no notice to the public or substantially affected individuals, like residents living adjacent to the property at MM 92.5. The petitioners in the Tavernier Community Association and more than 15 residents are asking the department to quash the amended order of approval and reinstate the original order of rejection. Drawn up by attorney Andy Tobin, the appeal states the petitions and their family members will suffer adverse impacts from the project.

“The proposed development will also materially change the community character of Tavernier and is likely to

serve as a precedent to further erode the community character of the Tavernier Planning Area,” the petition states.

Rick Barreto, Taverner Community Association president, said the organization remains confident that justice will prevail.

FloridaCommerce explains reasoning

A change in decision by FloridaCommerce to approve the county’s ordinance for a Tavernier Key Commercial Overlay District on June 26 was a surprise to many who believed the May 16 order of rejection would stand. The state department is required to approve or turn down proposals related to land development regulations, which range from zoning and building to regulations which control development, as adopted by local governments in an area of critical state concern.

FloridaCommerce’s latest order, however, didn’t outline details as to why the department flipped from its original rejection of the overlay district.

Following the recent order, the Keys Weekly reached out to FloridaCommerce to ask what led the department to change its decision on the county ordinance. On July 15, a response was received from Emily Hetherington, FloridaCommerce deputy director of communications and external affairs.

“The merits of the application were never in doubt; rather, our questions were solely matters of law. After receiving additional input from representatives of the county and the proposed development, upon further legal and historical analysis, it was clear that the proposed comprehensive plan change was legally sufficient and based on historical precedent,” she stated. “Furthermore, this regulation does not appear to create a new commercial district but rather an overlay of existing uses.”

Additionally, Hetherington said FloridaCommerce always recognized the proposed comprehensive plan change was based on noble purposes, from beautifying what is currently an unattractive commercial property in order to visually match the character of the surrounding community, to creating jobs and simultaneously increasing the availability of workforce housing.

Property at MM 92.5, oceanside, in Tavernier once housed a concrete production facility. Developers are seeking to build a supermarket, liquor store and workforce housing. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

MADE 2 ORDER MADE A DIFFERENCE

Beloved local eatery closes after 16 years in business

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

When Hurricane Irma barreled into the Upper Keys in September 2017, David Fulmer’s canal-front breakfast and lunch eatery, Made 2 Order, was right in its path. As was the case with many waterfront properties, the damage was extensive.

Three feet of water poured into the restaurant, drenching everything in sight. The ceiling dropped and the sign blew off the top. Fulmer worked nonstop over the next three weeks to reopen his doors and return to serving the community.

Hurricane Irma was one of several challenges the restaurateur faced and survived over the years. Especially trying was the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. When restaurants were forced to close, Fulmer pivoted and started offering food delivery service, almost immediately.

“Anybody that was working here that had a car was delivering food,” recalled Fulmer’s friend of 20 years, Jeffrey Killian.

Fast forward almost four-and-a-half years later and Killian, who now lives in Clearwater, was back at Made 2 Order, this time helping his friend shutter up the restaurant for good.

The two friends spent several days breaking down tables and carrying out chairs to be taken to a storage facility. Most of the kitchen equipment had already been sold. Made 2 Order, a popular brunch and lunch spot, is now permanently closed.

Father’s Day was the last day meals were served at Made 2 Order, located on the Creekside Inn property at MM 90 along the Old Highway in Islamorada.

Fulmer did not want to elaborate as to why the restaurant closed down, but through public records, this is what is known about the proposed changes to the Creekside Inn property, which housed Made 2 Order.

On June 10, an attorney representing Creekside Inn, which is owned by the same company as the Islander Resort, went before the Village of Islamorada Local Planning Agency asking members to approve a zoning change that would allow it convert all 50 Creekside Inn motel rooms into a multifamily affordable workforce housing development with roughly 12 units. Under the proposal, the rights to Creekside’s 50 motel/hotel units would be transferred to the Islander Resort in Upper Matecumbe.

During the meeting on June 10, when asked about the future of the restaurant building itself, the attorney petitioning for the zoning amendment said he did not know of any intent for the restaurant.

Fulmer says he has no regrets.

“We had a good run,” he said of Made 2 Order’s 16 years in business. “The community has been here with us the whole time and it’s just been a blessing,” he added.

Fulmer credits his mother for much of his success. When his daughter was just an infant, his mother moved from Pennsylvania to the Keys to help care for his daughter, giving him the ability to work

Father’s Day, June 16, was the last day of business for Made 2 Order. The popular breakfast and lunch spot in Islamorada has closed its doors for good after being in business for 16 years. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

Chef and owner David Fulmer (left) stands on the empty patio with former employee Jack Owens (right). Owens started working at Made 2 Order when he was 15 years old.

the required long restaurant hours and grow his business.

The chef’s fondest memories come from working with all of the high school students who passed through the doors and grew with the restaurant.

“The kids that came through here, that’s the best part,” recalled Fulmer.

Jack Owens started working at Made 2 Order when he was 15 years old. He worked every single weekend and once in college, would work at the restaurant during the summer.

Owens is now 24 and lives in Orlando. On a recent trip back home to Islamorada he received a call from his former boss, a call he was not expecting.

“I got a phone call and he was like, ‘yeah, I’m closing down the restaurant,’” recalled Owens.

“I knew eventually it might happen, but it was not the phone call I was expecting to answer right now,” he added. Owens quickly rolled up his sleeves and helped Fulmer move the last pieces of furniture from the restaurant.

As for Fulmer, he plans to move back to his hometown of Pittsburgh. His 14-year-old daughter will be starting high school in the fall and he wants to enjoy that time with her.

Down the road, Fulmer plans to open a food truck and is not ruling out a return to the Florida Keys. Being a chef is his passion.

“It was fun, it was a good time,” said Fulmer of his time owning Made 2 Order. “One of the best things about being a chef, if you’re passionate about it, and you really love it, just like any other job, it never seems like work.”

SHERIFF: NO MAJOR CASES DURING SPECIAL LOBSTER MINISEASON DAY

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reports it had no major incidents on the water or on U.S. 1 during the extra day of lobster mini-season on July 14.

There were two reports of two Florida men who were cited for possessing undersized lobsters. According to the sheriff’s office, Shane David Sawyer, 24, of Jupiter, was given a mandatory notice to appear in court for possessing an undersized lobster while fishing near MM 82 on the bayside at 11:01 a.m. Sawyer was cited by Islamorada Marine Deputy Nelson Sanchez, who was conducting resource/safety checks throughout the day.

Gabriel Robert Dasilva, 18, of Boca Raton, was given a mandatory notice to appear in court for possessing three undersized and speared lobsters while fishing near MM 68 on the bayside at about 2:40 p.m. Dasilva was cited by Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra, who was conducting resource/safety checks throughout the day.

During a June 19 press conference at Marathon’s Dockside Boot Key Harbor, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced July 14 as an extra day for Floridians to catch lobsters. The regular mini-season is set for Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25. The regular spiny lobster season begins Aug. 6 and runs through March 31 each year. For wildlife regulations go to www.myfwc. com.

Monroe County Sheriff’s marine deputy Willie Guer ra holds an undersized lobster during a resource inspection at MM 68 during the extra day of lobster mini-season on July 14. MCSO/Contributed

COUNTY BUDGET MAY GROW BY $48M

Increase comes mostly from sources other than property tax, officials say

GWEN FILOSA

gwen@keysweekly.com

Monroe County officials met July 16 to work on the proposed $715.7 million budget for the coming fiscal year.

The proposed budget funds the operations of the Board of County Commissioners, the constitutional officers — sheriff, tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections and clerk of court — and other appropriations for the Tourist Development Council, capital (construction) projects and reserve funding.

“While there is an increase of $48.4 million in this year’s budget, it is important to point out that only 5% of the Board of County Commissioners’ operating budget increase is supported by property taxes,” Kevin Wilson, the county’s acting administrator, said in a statement after presenting the proposed budget with finance director Tina Boan. “The majority of the other budget increases are paid primarily by other funding sources and not out of your property taxes.”

Using average property values in the county, the proposed budget would mean that owners of a homesteaded residential property valued around $500,000 would see a $2.54 monthly increase in their county property tax bill for fiscal 2025, bringing the annual total county tax bill for homesteaded properties to $1,348, county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood said.

About 20% of residential properties in Monroe County are homesteaded, meaning they are primary residences, limited in the amount their taxable value can increase each year.

Non-homesteaded residential properties make up about 59% of taxable property in the county; commercial property, 17%; and vacant land, 4%.

The owners of a non-homesteaded residence with an average value of about $923,000 would see a $17 per month county tax increase.

Of the total budget, $156 million comes from property taxes, which fund most of what it takes to run the county — personnel, law enforcement, fire rescue, parks and beach improvements, services for children, seniors and veterans, trash collection and more.

“The rest of the budget is funded by sales tax, state shared revenues, license and permit fees, fines and forfeitures and service charges,” Wilson said.

Budget highlights:

• County property values have doubled in the past eight years, and rose by 10.6% since last year. The taxable value of all property in the county is about $46.2 billion, a historical high.

• The proposed budget reflects continued investment in roads and bridges, sea level rise resiliency, facilities and public safety, including three new Trauma Star helicopters (spread out over several years), the new emergency operations center, 24 firefighters’ salaries who were paid through a grant for the past three years, a new Sugarloaf fire station, a replacement fire truck, ambulance and two fire rescue boats.

• The budget covers increasing prices for vendor contracts, fuel, materials, utilities, property insurance and personnel.

• The proposed budget provides more than $2.2 million for 30 community-based nonprofit organizations.

• A dozen full-time vacant staff positions were eliminated from the budget, a savings of $1.3 million.

• Sixteen capital projects, with a total cost of $110 million, will receive $66 million in grant funding.

What’s next

The first hearing for the tentative budget and millage rate is Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 5:05 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center in Key West.

The final hearing is Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 5:05 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo.

4 FINALISTS REMAIN FOR NEW TDC PRESIDENT JOB

County to bring candidates to Key West for interviews next week

GWEN FILOSA

gwen@keysweekly.com

Monroe County’s search for a president/CEO for the Keys’ multimilliondollar tourism agency is down to four people, who are scheduled to arrive in Key West for in-person interviews July 25-26.

“The president/CEO provides the vision and leadership required to sustain the Florida Keys & Key West as Florida’s premier travel destination and the county’s economic welfare,” the new job description reads on the website of SearchWide Global, the recruiting firm the county hired for the search.

The Monroe County Tourist Development Council’s volunteer board operates independently of the county commission and is funded by a 4-cent tax on every dollar spent in Keys hotels, vacation rentals and other overnight lodging establishments.

Having narrowed the field, a county-appointed committee is handling the interviews, which will include:

• Joseph Boschulte, commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.

• Laura Chmielewski, vice president, marketing and communications at Team San Jose/Visit San Jose.

• Kara Franker, CEO in Estes Park, Colorado.

• Nerissa Okiye, director of tourism for Martin County, Florida.

The hiring committee includes Roman Gastesi, the county administrator who took a retirement break and is set to return to the job this fall, and Jodi Weinhofer, president of the Lodging Association of the Florida Keys and Key West.

The newly reconfigured president/CEO position will pay a salary between $210,000 and $250,000.

Committee members made short work of narrowing the field of candidates. SearchWide Global received a total of 24 applicants after advertising the job to those with

destination marketing organization, or DMO, experience. In other words, the position isn’t made for someone to get on-the-job training.

Many applicants impressed the recruiters, but the committee tossed them without going further once they saw they hadn’t run a DMO.

SearchWide chose 14 people for the search committee to review. None were Keys residents, although one owns a home in Key West. That’s Jim Werner, a self-employed strategic consultant, who lives half of the year in Key West, and the rest in Philadelphia. He was formerly the chief tourism officer for Philadelphia.

This job search comes three months after the TDC board unanimously fired veteran Keys marketing leader Stacey Mitchell, after a series of audits from the county clerk ripped the agency for failing to maintain financial protocols.

For several years, Mitchell was charged with leading the TDC’s marketing strategy, staff and overseeing all the financials.

Gastesi has said it wasn’t fair, in retrospect, to leave one person at the top to carry the entire workload.

The TDC needs at least a CEO and a chief financial officer, which the agency has never had before, Gastesi has said.

Weinhofer has also stuck up for Mitchell’s work.

“We promoted somebody who was your marketing director right to a position of CEO,” Weinhofer said. “We took something that was $11 or $15 million, grew it to $60 million, and didn’t increase the staff, and didn’t give them what they needed to make it work.”

Mitchell, whose attorney told Keys Weekly she plans to sue for wrongful termination, was promoted to director of marketing when the Keys were grappling with recovery from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Then came COVID-19.

The pandemic’s shutdowns left Florida as one of the only destinations for tourists, sending an unprecedented number of visitors to the island chain for fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22 and generating a $25 million revenue surplus for the TDC.

The TDC uses bed tax revenues to advertise the Florida Keys and its five individual regions, to promote events that bring people to town and to fund large capital, or construction, projects that enhance tourism.

The Old Seven Mile Bridge, pictured to the right of the contemporary Seven Mile Bridge, is an iconic Keys landmark. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

ISLAMORADA COULD CONSIDER ANOTHER VESSEL-EXCLUSION ZONE

Complaints arise over party boats near an oceanside community

A picture sent to the village of Islamorada shows a line of boats anchored not far from a beach near Sunset Drive on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. CONTRIBUTED

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Ideal conditions during two recent holidays brought many boaters to a shallow sandy patch not far from Sunset Drive on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. For residents whose properties look out at a beach and the oceanside, the proliferation in party vessels brought everything from trash and unleashed dogs to loud music and other unruly behavior.

“You’re literally held hostage in your house where you can’t go out. And that’s a terrible feeling to come to,” Sunset Drive resident Hugh Casiano told council members at a recent Islamorada Village Council meeting.

Before commenters relayed their positions on the situation during the July 9 meeting, Pete Frezza, village environmental resources manager, presented a potential buoy layout for a section of nearshore water near the Sunset Drive beach. Complaints were first heard during a June meeting, when residents Roland Moore and Chuck Mcwhirter explained the issues while showing a picture of boats anchored in shallow waters near the beach. Council members subsequently tasked staff to come up with recommendations on the possible creation of a vessel-exclusion and swim zone.

Florida law allows boating-restricted areas, including restrictions

of vessel speeds, on waters so long as it isn’t established for private use or shoreline protection. Frezza showed a proposal for a vessel-exclusion and swim zone 300 feet from the mean high water line. The idea is similar to one a previous council approved in 2020 off Port Antigua and White Marlin Beach.

“The way we justified the Port Antigua and White Marlin beach swim zone was for public safety, a swimming issue,” Frezza told council members, adding the village cannot create ordinance for a zone due to people being loud and disturbing residents.

For residents, the move resulted in less trash, noise and boater trespassing on private property. The new zone has also allowed the environment to recover at Port Antigua and White Marlin Beach.

“It’s come back five times over,” said Port Antigua resident Dave Petkovich. “When I’m out in the water, we see turtles on 20% of our rides. The seagrass and the amount of species coming in there is just amazing.”

Vessel zones like the one on Port Antigua and White Marlin beach also exclude paddleboards and kayaks.

Casiano told council members the issues are progressively worsening on his property and along the beach. Casiano said he moved to the Keys from Arizona three years ago and is raising kids ages 5 and 9.

Not all were in favor of closing off a section of beach and nearshore water

off Sunset Drive. Brad Daughtery said the picture of boats lining the shore isn’t indicative of what’s happening in the area “99.9% of the time.”

“I don’t think it’s right for our community legislative body to be denying the public access to waters they’ve been going to since time immortal,” Daughtery told council members.

Frezza said a potential vessel-exclusion and swim zone off Sunset Drive beach could push boats further north to another shallow section.

“We may have boats anchoring near Sea Oats Beach and along the highway, creating another potential issue like we have on the 18-Mile Stretch,” he said.

Frezza also expressed possible challenges installing buoys into the hard surface on the oceanside, which could affect benthic resources like seagrass and coral.

“Permitting agencies are always looking for alternatives. This would be a significant permitting challenge,” Frezza said. “Five agencies would have to review this. It is sovereign, submerged land, so we’d need state land lease as well.”

Costs could range between $80,000 to $100,000 to establish a vessel-exclusion zone off Sunset Drive. The council didn’t make a decision at the July 9 meeting. Public input and more council discussion are expected before any review of an ordinance for a new vessel-exclusion and swim zone.

COUNCIL SETS MILLAGE RATE CEILING AHEAD OF BUDGET TALKS

ing that council members wouldn’t exceed, said the village’s new finance director, Lisa Lynch.

Rising property valuations in Islamorada and increased insurance costs await village council members as they prepare to discuss a 2024-25 spending plan and millage rate next month. During a July 9 meeting, council members unanimously agreed they wouldn’t set a final millage rate beyond 3.000, or $300 per $100,000 of a property’s assessed value. With budget workshops getting underway Aug. 20-22, the proposed millage rate appearing on TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices to property owners is a ceil-

A 3.000 mills rate would increase tax revenue by 18.59%. It’s due to another rise in the village’s taxable value, from $5.8 billion last year to $6.4 billion as of June 28, 2024.

Last year, the council agreed on a 2.7992 millage rate to generate a little more than $16 million in property taxes for operating expenses. The current year rolled-back rate, which wouldn’t increase taxes, is 2.5297, or $253 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Residents who voiced their opinions during the July 9 meeting hope

the village council will keep the millage rate low.

“If you have more taxable value, I don’t understand why our taxes have to be going up as well,” said village resident Joe Wischmeier. “The more money that you have to bring in, I would think it would at least keep it the same or lower our taxes.”

“I hope that you all consider taking it a little easier on the taxpayers this year,” resident Van Cadenhead told council members.

Councilman Henry Rosenthal said he’d like to take the millage rate lower than the approved 2.7992 rate last year.

“I want to go down to the bottom

of the barrel,” he said.

Lynch was hired in June by Village Manager Rob Cole following the departure of Maria Bassett in April. Lynch told council members the village is facing insurance increases. Also, a three-year SAFER grant that allowed the village to hire six new firefighters is ending. Lynch said the village would need to foot $600,000 if the council wants to keep the positions.

Three budget workshops will take place Aug. 21-23 at 3 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center. Budget hearings are scheduled for Sept. 5 and Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

WHO WILL BE CROWNED BIG KAHUNA?

Fundraiser helps a community in need of health care

Good Health Clinic’s 12th annual Big Kahuna contest is underway in an effort to raise crucial funds and awareness for its mission of providing health care to uninsured residents in the Florida Keys.

This competitive fundraising event spans three months and concludes with the annual Luau for Health on Oct. 12 at Founders Park Beach, where the Big Kahuna winner will be announced and all contestants and supporters celebrated.

This year, 10 individuals or couples have been selected as contestants, honoring their supportive and generous contributions to the community. The contestant who raises the most money will not only be honored with the Big Kahuna title, but will also hold the prestigious Kahuna trophy for one year. The reigning Big Kahuna duo, Emily Strain and Heather Pabotoy of Coldwell Banker, raised $40,631 in last year’s competition.

The lineup of contestants reflects the growing community support for Good Health Clinic and underscores significant changes within the organization. Although the organization is a private, grassroot nonprofit, eligibility criteria for those who may receive services is influenced by state law.

Recently, Florida legislation has increased the income thresholds for eligi-

Bennett is an Ohio native who spent her childhood vacations in Islamorada. After pursuing her teaching career in Tennessee, she knew the blue waters of the Florida Keys was where she truly belonged. In 2006 she made the move, and began working at a busy real estate office specializing in vacation rentals.

In 2010, Bennett became a thirdgeneration real estate agent and is now working with Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys.

In addition, she’s a busy mom of three, a teacher and an interior designer.

She has helped to raise nearly a million dollars for research and awareness for her daughters’ rare condition of Rett Syndrome. As a parent to a special-needs daughter, she has seen firsthand the strains medical expenses can put on a family.

“We are blessed to live in such a beautiful location with many service workers who place priority on keeping

bility to receive services at the clinic by 50%. This legislative update recognizes the rising cost of living and health care premiums, aiming to make health care accessible to more working families. Now, individuals earning up to $45,000 annually and families of three earning up to $75,000 annually can seek services at the clinic. Kate Banick, the executive director, expressed full support for this legislative decision, emphasizing the clinic’s commitment to providing health care access to all residents in need.

New and existing clinic supporters are encouraged to contribute to their favorite kahuna contestants by donating directly to them, dropping off donations at the clinic or donating online through the Good Health Clinic’s website. Every donation plays a crucial role in sustaining the clinic’s mission of delivering essential healthcare services to uninsured and income-constrained individuals in the Florida Keys.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Good Health Clinic has facilitated nearly $100 million in donated medical services and medications since its inception. More information is at thegoodhealthclinic.org or 305-853-1788.

The contestants in this year’s Big Kahuna are:

our locals and tourists happy, as well as our booming economy. However, in that passion to serve others we place our own needs on the back burner,” Bennett said.

Suzanne and Lance Holmquist live in Key Largo and have been married for 20 years. They are proud parents of three children and together manage a thriving charter operation in Key Largo and Key West. They restored the famous African Queen in 2011 and have operated her ever since.

Lance moved to Key Largo in 1988 and has been a vibrant part of the community. Before settling in Key Largo, he spent many years surfing around the globe and ran dive businesses on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Suzanne, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, began her career as a television editor before moving to Florida. She is a former board member of Treasure Village Montessori and has been actively involved in the Key Largo community.

“We accepted the Big Kahuna challenge because we believe that access to health care is a fundamental human right. We want to support an organization that provides health care to the uninsured while upholding their dignity and acknowledging their value in our beautiful community,” the Holmquists said.

JAMI HORVAT

Helping people is Horvat’s passion. She has been a registered nurse for 29 years, of which many were in the emergency department. She became a nurse practitioner 10 years ago so she could help her patients. She lived and worked in Miami for most of her life but three years ago Horvat and her husband decided to move to Key Largo full-time. One year ago, she became a primary care provider in the Upper Keys and serve the patients in the community.

“I learned about the Good Health Clinic and what it offers patients in our community when I was the manager of the Emergency Department at Mariners Hospital,” she said. ”I was so

impressed with the care they provided for those in need in the Upper Keys. I am honored to raise money to benefit such an amazing cause.”

Originally from Avon Park, Florida, Houston moved to the Keys in 2013 and established herself as a respected figure in the insurance industry. With a career spanning back to 2002, Houston is the owner of Houston Insurance Agency in Tavernier, a venture made possible with the steadfast support of her husband Rex Houston, owner of Rex Air.

Beyond her professional achievements, Houston is committed to her roles as a mother, wife and influential business leader. Her dedication to community service is evident through her board membership at Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe and her active involvement as an ambassador in the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving as a trustee for the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce.

“I decided to be a part of the Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna because it

MICHELLE BENNETT

SUZANNE AND LANCE HOLMQUIST

MARY HOUSTON

embodies my belief that community health is the foundation of a thriving society,” Houston said. “Together, we can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare.”

JAMIE AND JOSHUA MCNEW

Joshua and Jamie McNew are two local hairdressers who established the Islamorada-based J-Kindred salon in 2017 after Hurricane Irma. They’re both passionate about their Keys community they’ve called home for over 18 years.

Joshua and Jamie are parents to four amazing Keys kids in Davis, Adelynn, Scotland and Levi; and are a beautiful blended family. They love supporting other locals and spending lots of time on their J-Kindred boat with good friends and family.

“We are honored to be nominated for the Big Kahuna. There is no other group of incredible humans like the ones in this community,” the McNews said. “They are always there for one another and never skip a beat to help out their Keys brothers and sisters. It truly is like one big family.”

MELISSA AND LUKE PTOMEY

Melissa Ptomey has been a Keys resident since she moved here the day after graduating college in 2005. She is a marine scientist and research diver with thousands of dives, who knows the Keys reefs very well. She has helped with coral disease monitoring, damage response, restoration and coral spawning gamete collection. She owns two businesses: BioBenthic (land use planning/envi-

ronmental consulting firm) and Island Music School in the Upper Keys.

Luke is a true Conch and the son of retired Monroe County Judge Regan Ptomey and Susie Ptomey, assistant to the-late Monroe County Commissioner Sylvia Murphy. After graduating Coral Shores High School in 2006, Ptomey went on to study professional music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Ptomey was awarded Islamorada Community Entertainment music scholarships to help with college costs. While working on finishing his degree, he joined Endangered Speeches, a touring and recording band, and was a studio musician for many other bands/artists.

“We are humbled to be nominated for such an awesome cause and to raise money for the Good Health Clinic. Thank you for the nomination; now let’s get to work,” the Ptomeys said.

Nick Rodriguez, his wife Christi, and his children Henry and Alex have called the Upper Keys home for more than 10 years. A longtime restaurant manager, Rodriguez is a territory manager for U.S. Foods in Monroe County, bringing his passions for food and people together up and down the highway, from Key West to Key Largo. His other passions include local politics and youth sports, where he has coached and refereed soccer and basketball since 2016. He is the chairman of the Key Largo Wastewater District, vice chairman of the Mark Sorenson Youth Sailing Program and a member of Leadership Monroe’s Class XXIX. Rodriguez is honored to participate in the Big Kahuna event and looks forward to raising money and awareness for the health of vulnerable and underserved communities in Monroe Country.

“The greatest wealth is health,” Rodriguez said. “It is an honor to be nominated to be a Big Kahuna and support the Good Health Clinic in their mission to provide medical services to those in need.”

BROOKE VEGA

Born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Vega developed an appreciation for community, hard work and the value of home. At 16, she started a new chapter by moving to the Keys. She completed her education at Coral Shores High School.

Her professional journey began at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC), where she worked for 18 years and held various roles that honed her skills in leadership, teamwork and problem-solving.

In 2006, she ventured into the real estate industry, drawn to the excitement of helping individuals and families find their homes. Her focus shifted temporarily as she prioritized providing for her family with excellent health benefits. In 2022, Brooke returned to her real estate work, eager to again assist clients in achieving their homeownership dreams.

“In addition to my real estate work, I am deeply invested in giving back to my community. One cause that is particularly close to my heart is the Good Health Clinic,” Vega said. “I believe access to quality health care is a fundamental right, and I am honored to support the clinic in their mission to ensure everyone in our community can receive the care they deserve.”

Since 2007, Wahba has owned and operated Key Lime Products in Key Largo. Before that, she ran a local restaurant and met many locals who became friends. Wahba has also dedi-

cated her time to volunteering for Key Largo School. Wahba has been an insurance agent, a resort manager and real estate agent.

In 2021, Wahba became a Rotarian with the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club to assist the community — a passion near and dear to her. She’s also a member of the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women organization.

Wahba currently runs her home and garden gift shops, Marathon Port Nautical, while waiting for Key Lime Products’ building to be completed.

Outside of these commitments, she is passionate in supporting the elderly at Oasis Nursing Home on Plantation Key, MarrVelous Pet Rescue and the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.

“I am running for the Big Kahuna because I have lived in this community for a long time and have seen the work Good Health Clinic does to help the uninsured members of this community,” Wahba said. “I am looking forward to raising as much money as I can for this great cause.”

Five years ago, Wolfe moved from Wisconsin to Marathon to take over the administrative laboratory position at Baptist Health South Florida’s Fishermen’s Community Hospital. He came with his wife, Samantha, and two daughters, Autumn and Aubree. They are saved Christians and are active members of Marathon Baptist Church. Samantha is also serving the community as an oncology nurse at Fishermen’s. The Wolfe family have grown to love Marathon and the Keys as a whole and enjoy serving our community.

“I believe in the Good Health Clinic’s mission and want to help give back to this wonderful community,” Wolfe said.

— Contributed

NICOLAS RODRIGUEZ

VIOLET WAHBA

KENNETH WOLFE

THE LOBSTER LOWDOWN

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Want an all-in-one primer as you get ready to hit the water for mini-season on July 24 and 25? Unsure of what rules apply for the new July 14 ‘mini-mini-season?’ The Keys Weekly has you covered.

THE FINE PRINT MATTERS WHEN HUNTING

• Recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license with a current spiny lobster permit. They can be purchased online at gooutdoorsflorida. com/ or by calling 1-888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356).

• Spiny lobster must have a minimum carapace length greater than 3 inches, and the measurement must take place in the water. The carapace is measured beginning at the forward edge between the rostral horns, excluding soft tissue and proceeding along the middle to the rear edge of the carapace. If a lobster gauge can fit over the end of the carapace, the lobster is TOO SHORT. All recreationally harvested lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea.

• Egg-bearing (berried) spiny lobster must be released unharmed. Stripping egg-bearing females of eggs, and possession of spiny lobster tails from which eggs have been removed, is prohibited. Eggs are orange, yellow, brown or red masses found covering the underside of the lobster’s tail.

• During mini-season, bully netting is the only legal way to harvest lobster at night, defined as one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Night diving is permitted during the regular season, but NOT during mini-season. Possession of bully nets or hoop nets are prohibited in Everglades National Park.

• It is a felony to molest, damage or take lobster from commercial traps.

• It is illegal to intentionally create “artificial habitat” for lobsters using items like cement blocks, pipes and other debris. It’s also illegal to harvest lobster from artificial habitat in state waters.

• Recreational trapping is prohibited.

LET’S TALK LIMITS

• The bag limit is six lobsters per active, licensed harvester per day in Monroe County, period. Making multiple trips to harvest the bag limit each

time is ILLEGAL.

• Possession limits apply both on and off the water. The possession limit, even when off the water, is six lobsters per licensed harvester on July 14 and July 24, or 12 lobsters per licensed harvester on July 25 (six harvested per day of mini-season).

• Gear that could puncture, penetrate or crush the shell of the lobster is prohibited. It is illegal to spearfish lobster.

STAY AWAY

Most Keys cities have invoked special rules to cut down on neighboron-neighbor – and especially residenton-visitor – “turf wars.” Essentially, local rules establish a “no-go” zone to keep lobster hunters away from private property. In the following areas, there is no diving or snorkeling within 300 feet of enhanced residential or commercial shoreline, any man-made or private canal, or any public or private marina.

In Islamorada, Key West and unincorporated Monroe County, the rule applies during the three days prior to the sport season (July 21-23 in 2024), the entirety of the sport season (July 24-25) and the first five days of the regular season (Aug. 6-10). In Marathon, the rule only applies during sport season, and in Key Colony Beach, it applies from the four days preceding sport season through 10 days after the opening of regular season. The city of Layton has a prohibition on harvesting

CARIBEE BOAT SALES AND MARINA

A legal size lobster, measured correctly.

If a lobster gauge can fit over the end of a carapace, the lobster is too short.

lobster any time from waters within city limits.

DON’T GO THERE…

While there are many spots to catch a sizable lobster, there are also many areas protected by a special set of rules. Know where you’re going before you head out.

Don’t lobster in these areas:

Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs)

Carysfort Reef, The Elbow, Key Largo Dry Rocks, Grecian Rocks, French Reef, Molasses Reef, Conch Reef, Davis Reef, Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Alligator Reef, Coffins Patch, Sombrero Key, Newfound Harbor Key, Looe Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, Rock Key, Sand Key.

Ecological Reserves

Western Sambo, Tortugas Ecological Reserve

THE SEASONS

• Sport season/“miniseason”: the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, beginning at 12:01 a.m. on day one and ending at midnight on day two (July 24-25 in 2024).

• Regular season: Aug. 6 through March 31.

Special-Use Research Only Areas (No Entry)

Conch Reef, Tennessee Reef, Looe Key Patch Reef, Eastern Sambo Other Closed Areas (Year-Round)

Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, Biscayne National Park Coral Reef Protection Areas, City of Layton, John Pennekamp State Park Lobster Exclusion Zones

DIVE FLAG DETAILS

Divers and snorkelers in the water must display a diver-down flag. The flag must measure 12x12” if flown from a buoy or float, or 20x24” if flown from a vessel or other structure. Flags must be flown from a vessel’s highest point and must be visible from all directions. Divers should stay within 100 feet of their dive flags in channels, or within 100 yards of their flags in open water. Vessels inside these distances must fully slow down to idle speed.

KILL LIONFISH, GET MORE LOBSTER

Recreational lobster hunters can up their bag limits during each of the sport season days by two lobsters per person per day through successful completion of FWC’s annual Lionfish Challenge. All information, including detailed instructions to submit proof of the minimum 25 harvested lionfish, is at fwcreefrangers. com.

• Increased bag limits ONLY apply to harvesters who complete the challenge, submit their tails, and receive a 2024 Challenge Coin.

• The increased bag limit applies ONLY to the harvester who completes the challenge, not all divers aboard a vessel.

Lobsters bearing eggs, as seen on the underside of the tail, must be released unharmed. MONROE COUNTY TDC/Contributed

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IS A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR AMY POPE

CAROLYN DEPAULA www.keysweekly.com

MAmy Pope is religious education director at San Pedro Catholic Church on Plantation Key. CONTRIBUTED

any in the public do not realize the myriad of duties and effort it takes to accomplish what each person does to serve, produce, persuade, write, repair, advocate for, document, research, fundraise or build.

The third “Mile Maker” is Amy Pope, the religious education director at San Pedro Catholic Church on Plantation Key. She’s served in the role for the past eight years.

How did you decide to become a Catholic religious education director? It is a role my mother held for almost 30 years in the small town where I grew up in Texas. After my mother’s sudden and unexpected passing, my family and I moved to the Florida Keys. I went to the parish office at San Pedro to have a Mass said for my mother. During that visit, a conversation began that led to me taking on the role at San Pedro.

What are your connections to the Florida

Keys? My husband, Billy Pope, grew up in the Keys; his family members have been parishioners at San Pedro for more than 50 years. The church holds a very special meaning to Billy as well.

What does your role as religious education director entail? At San Pedro Catholic Church, the role of the religious education director is not just a position — it’s a vocation dedicated to nurturing the faith of our youngest Catholic parishioners and strengthening the spiritual fabric of our community. I am privileged to lead our efforts in providing a robust program that fosters a deep and lasting relationship with God for both the children and their families.

What is an aspect of your vocation that others may not think of? One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is guiding children through the preparation for sacraments such as first Communion, reconciliation and confirmation. These milestones are pivotal in their spiritual development. Working closely with dedicated catechists, we ensure that each child is well-prepared and understands the significance of these sacraments. The joy and reverence displayed by the children during these ceremonies are truly heartwarming and affirm the importance of our work.

In your opinion, what makes your role important? Religious education at San Pedro is not just about the children; it is a family affair. We strive to create an inclusive environment where parents and guardians are actively involved in their child’s faith formation. This community-centric approach helps to reinforce the values and teachings children receive in class, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the church walls.

What is most rewarding about being the San Pedro Catholic Church’s religious education director? Witnessing the growth of our

students’ faith, seeing them develop a closer relationship with God and knowing that I play a small part in shaping their spiritual journey is profoundly fulfilling. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, and I am continually inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of our students and their families and especially that of our teachers. The religious education program at San Pedro is part of an important mission of our church community, providing children and their families with the tools and knowledge to grow in their faith and live out their Christian values. It is an honor to lead this program, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the spiritual development of our parish.

More information about San Pedro Catholic Church and its programs is at www.sanpedroparish. org. To serve or volunteer, call 305-852-5372.

RELAX & REJUVENATE

MELINDA VAN FLEET

www.keysweekly.com

Alack of ladies’ fashion retail in the Keys, especially Marathon and Key Largo, prompted local owners Candace and David Robison to open RR Island Boutique in June 2022. Their whole goal is serving the community at a reasonable price.

Formerly a salon, the RR Island Boutique is located at Pink Plaza at MM 103.4 in Key Largo. Walking into RR, patrons view the variety of flattering and fun chic clothing perfect for the day or an evening out.

Candace said “RR” stands for relaxed and rejuvenated.

“(There’s) no pressure coming in; we want everyone to feel relaxed and welcome,” Candace said. “We also strive to keep things affordable. You can walk out of here with a whole outfit for $100.”

Candace’s background and current profession are as a national RN-certified wound care specialist, specifically diabetic ulcers and pressure injuries. She’s been doing this work for 30 years, either consulting or working with companies in leadership roles.

“Seeing the outcomes of helping people is important; it’s rewarding,” she said.

Robison’s husband, David, was a Florida Fish & Wildlife officer in the Keys. He has retired from the FWC but has a side business helping people learn how to drive their boats. From the beginning, he has

played an integral role in setting up and managing the boutique full-time while his wife is still employed.

“I didn’t know what really went into it and had to figure it out. When we were getting ready, we had everything coming in — inventory, racks for the inventory, training for the POS (point of sale) system,” he said.

Since hiring full-time associate Sharon Gibson, David’s role has transitioned to more operations (social media, inventory ordering and online) and Gibson handles more of the store displays, client interaction and sales.

Gibson, who used to work at Wear with All, was a perfect fit for RR Island Boutique.

“I waited on Candace a few times at Wear with All,” Gibson said.” I noticed there was a new boutique, and I lived close by, and I was like, ‘I don’t like the way the window looks.’ I walked in and introduced myself, knowing my employer was closing. While Wear with All was still open, I worked there and here.”

“Sharon was coming to me, and I was going to find her, so it worked out,” Candace said.

Gibson said she enjoys fashion and working with the Robisons.

“I like making people feel good,” she said. “I like when a woman walks out and feels good about herself. When she walked in, she didn’t have confidence. Then she can walk out the door and get a lot of compliments, and she does. I tell our customers, ‘All of us have something wrong; nothing is perfect. So, don’t

ever feel bad about yourself.’”

Locals entering the boutique can see new products, with popular brands including Clara Sunwoo, Tyche, Judy Blue, Kancan jeans, Ariella and Lovestitch. RR also carries sunglasses, hats, fashion jewelry and sandals. There’s also a signature scent called “Across the Keys.”

“We developed it based on a scent we like, and we sell candles, oil and diffusers,” Candace said. The Robisons travel to the LA Fashion District for unique styles and also consider customer requests. Their customers range from the mid-30s to 70s, and they understand the importance of tourism but, more importantly, cater to the locals.

“We have a lot of local support, so just listening to them and keeping a variety of everything like rompers, dresses and jumpsuits,” Candace said. “And we also offer a locals’ discount.”

“People should be comfortable walking in here and not feel pushed. We aim to build a rapport,” Gibson said. “We want someone to walk in, feel good, feel happy and be a nice experience for people. And the Robisons truly care about the people who walk in the door.”

RR Island Boutique is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Follow the boutique on Instagram (@rr_island_boutique) and Facebook (RR Island Boutique). People can also shop online at www.rrislandboutique.com.

From left, Candace Robison, RR Island Boutique co-owner; Sharon Gibson, store associate and David Robison, boutique co-owner.

RR Island Boutique opened in June 2022 under owners Candace and David Robison. CONTRIBUTED

‘GRANTS FOR GOOD’

First Horizon donates to Key Largo’s MarineLab

A $10,000 grant was recently issued to MarineLab by the First Horizon Foundation. From left, Kim Gregory, MarineLab director of development, Ginette Hughes, MarineLab CEO, and Dwight Hill, First Horizon market president of the Florida Keys. CONTRIBUTED

MarineLab was selected as a recipient of a $10,000 donation by First Horizon Foundation as part of its “Grants for Good” campaign.

In celebration of First Horizon’s 160th anniversary, the foundation distributed 160 grants of $10,000 each across 12 states where they operate, including Florida. It amounts to a total of $1.6 million awarded to non-profit organizations.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to receive this $10,000 grant,” said Ginette Hughes, CEO of MarineLab. “The funds will be allocated to our Art Mitchell Scholarship Fund, enabling more Florida students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to participate in MarineLab programs at little to no cost.”

Dwight Hill, First Horizon market president for the Florida Keys, em-

‘LAST DOLLAR’ SCHOLARSHIP

Funds support students attending college’s Upper Keys Center

The College of the Florida Keys Foundation recently received $100,000 from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF) to fund the ORCF Building Bridges Scholarship.

phasized that the selection of grant recipients was made at the national level, with local recommendations playing a vital role. MarineLab was a standout choice, meeting two out of three criteria for the foundation’s supported initiatives: environment and education.

“It is truly impressive to witness the impactful work that MarineLab carries out, offering hands-on immersive marine education to thousands of students annually across the United States,” Hill said. “MarineLab’s operations here in Key Largo are a testament to their commitment to our marine environment and marine education.”

MarineLab is the environmental education arm of Marine Resources Development Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in 1970 to promote marine education, research and collaboration.

— Contributed

This financial aid opportunity is available exclusively to students attending the College’s Upper Keys Center, starting this upcoming fall semester. Designed as a “last dollar” scholarship, it covers remaining expenses after federal, state and other aid are disbursed. Funds can be applied to tuition, lab fees and certain course-required expenses. Priority consideration will be given to students pursuing credentials in career technical education and professional skills programs.

“The goal for the Ocean Reef Community Foundation is to uncover opportunities that allow residents in the Upper Keys, Florida City and Homestead to grow both personally and professionally. We have a strong belief that the primary way to achieve that goal is through education,” said Richard Weinstein, president and chief operating officer for ORCF. Weinstein is also a board of trustees member for CFK.

The scholarship expands on ORCF’s investment in CFK efforts for more education opportunities in the Upper Keys. The foundation previously contributed to the construction of the college’s Upper Keys Center in Key Largo, which opened in 2021, and provided a

grant to purchase equipment for its testing center.

“The Ocean Reef Community Foundation Board unanimously agreed to provide $100,000 scholarship funding, focused on the Upper Keys Center, for the 2024-2025 school year as part of our transformational impact funding for major projects. We look forward to seeing this support both the college and the many students who will benefit from the life changing opportunity this educational opportunity provides,” Weinstein said.

Details, criteria and the application for the ORCF Building Bridges Scholarship can be found at www. cfk.edu/discover/cfk-foundation/ scholarship-info/. The initial deadline to apply for the fall 2024 opportunity is Thursday, July 25. The college will hold scholarship application workshops at the CFK Upper Keys Center library on Monday, July 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. For assistance with scholarships, contact Shania Duarte-Vera, CFK coordinator of alumni and donor relations, at 305-809-3153 or foundation@cfk.edu. The college may reopen an additional application period after the initial deadline.

For more information about donating to the college, contact Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president of advancement and CFK foundation director, at 305-809-3214 or foundation@cfk.edu. Gifts to the CFK Foundation are tax-deductible.

Contributed

From left, William J. Nutt, Ocean Reef Community Foundation chairman and CEO; Yurianna Mikolay, ORCF executive director; Jonathan Gueverra, College of the Florida Keys president; Lana Gaspari, CFK vice president of advancement; and Richard Weinstein, CFK trustee and ORCF president and chief operating officer. CONTRIBUTED

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

UPCYCLING A TURTLE MASTERPIECE

servation projects.

In the months before World Oceans Week in early June, Keys resident Tiffany Duong worked in collaboration with Islamorada sponsors, as well as New York students and artists, to complete “Trash Turtle.” The art installation reflects universal environmental concerns and is partially inspired by her Upper Keys upbringing.

Exhibited in New York City during the first weeks of June, the “artivism” project, consisting of a turtle sculpture made from found marine debris, was a collaborative effort involving students from New York Harbor School, artists Nikki Riddy, Jenny Marketou, Ben von Wuong and former Keys resident Vic Cassar. Panamanian biologist Callie Veelenturf and sponsors Eye Catcher Signs, SFDS Design House and NOAA fisheries were also involved in the project.

The design is modeled after the leatherback sea turtle and was made in support of Callie Veelenturf’s con-

“Leatherback sea turtles eat nearly their weight in jellyfish daily, playing a crucial role in maintaining balanced marine ecosystems,” said Veelenturf, who founded conservation nonprofit The Leatherback Project. “Plastic bags often resemble jellyfish in the oceans and can be consumed by sea turtles — threatening their survival.”

Proposed in November 2023, with the assembly process lasting from February to June, the project was built by New York high school students working under the guidance of Marketou, Riddy and Duong. The work was “created by an entire community of people who love the ocean, Duong said.

Marketou, an artist with experience working in unusual materials, guided the four students in sculpting with donated marine debris. The life-sized turtle, measuring nearly 6 feet tall with a 9-foot wingspan, was built around a wooden frame that was covered with upcycled boat vinyl donated by Islamorada’s Eye Catcher Signs and decorated with upcycled

household plastics and marine debris, including plastic bags found by New York Harbor.

“Tiffany asked if I had any materials that I would like to donate for the project. I said, ‘Yes, of course, it sounds like a great event,’” said TJ Hayes, Keys resident and owner of Eye Catcher Signs. “Tiffany is always involved in something fun, so I was happy to help her and her team.”

Displayed at New York’s Explorers Club throughout World Oceans Week, the work provided an urgent environmentalist message in highlighting the leatherback and its near-extinction as a result of pollution.

“(The piece) showcases the threat that marine debris and plastic pollution pose to sea turtles,” Duong said. “Underlying the piece is, of course, the suggestion of shoreline cleanups, upcycling, diversion and other sustainability measures used in the turtle’s construction as potential ways to combat the marine debris problem currently facing our oceans.”

With its activist approach, the

New York City artists and high school students team up with Keys resident Tiffany Duong to produce a turtle made out of plastic and marine debris during World Oceans Week in early June. It will remain on display at New York Harbor School. TIFFANY DUONG/ Contributed

project falls in line with many of the recurrent themes of Jenny Marketou’s artistic oeuvre.

“I believe art should bring awareness about the environment, about the climate crisis, about all issues that could concern us,” Marketou said.

The work is also informed by Indigenous Panamanian mythology. Leatherbacks, a species on the pathway to extinction, are considered sacred by the Guna people, something Veelenturf and Marketou stressed in the making of their work.

“The turtle is the literal being for them,” said Marketou, who is inspired by native beliefs in the interconnectedness of humans and nature. “As westerners it’s important to learn about aboriginal and native knowledge and know about their histories.”

The work was exhibited publicly until June 11 at the Explorers Club, and will remain on permanent exhibit at the New York Harbor School, in appreciation of their generous support of the project.

HEALTHY HAPPENINGS

Event in Key Largo brings screenings and giveaways

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) is hosting a free “Health To You” community event on Thursday, July 25, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Murray Nelson Government & Cultural Center in Key Largo.

All attendees will receive a $10 food gift card for their participation while supplies last.

“We are excited to bring ‘Health To You’ back to Key Largo to make it easier for the people living and working in the Upper Keys to gain access to the many free products and services we offer at DOH-Monroe,” said Dr. Carla Fry, administrator and health officer for DOH-Monroe. “This

Complimentary tours through dive history

The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada will have complimentary guided tours with an admission ticket on Saturday, July 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. These tours will coincide with PADI Women’s Dive Day, and will have a special focus on notable women in diving history.

In addition, museum patrons can enjoy an in-depth look at the new featured exhibit, “Salvaging the Deep.” This display delves into some of the deepest wrecks in the world and what it took to get there. People will also hear about important military operations, including the first rescue of men trapped underwater in a submarine and other heroic salvage operations.

Kids can also enjoy a scavenger hunt, free bookmarks and take home activity guides. As part of the Blue Star Museums program, active duty members of the military along with up to five family members are free, as well as History of Diving Museum members. All locals of the Florida Keys receive a discount.

Miami boat rally to cruise the Keys

Over 50 recreational boats will follow a course filled with enjoyable activities and stops from Miami to

is going to be a fun event with a lot of free giveaways associated with the back-to-school season and breastfeeding month.”

DOH-Monroe staff members will be on hand to provide the following services, all free of charge. No health insurance or registration is required. There will be a school supplies giveaway, breastfeeding giveaways, health screenings, blood pressure and glucose/sugar testing, free bike helmet fittings and Narcan nasal spray.

In addition, many other Monroe County community organizations will be there to share information about their available services. There will also be a raffle for door prizes. — Contributed

LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE WITH LOCAL FACES

Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon during the Miami Boat Rally’s annual Florida Keys Rendezvous. The familyfriendly event is set for Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 1-4. The nautical challenge brings boaters to the Keys for a competition, with points earned based on timing of arrivals and departures at scheduled locations, as well as sporting activities including paddleboarding, a treasure hunt, a costume contest and more.

Three categories of boats will participate – sport line boats, cabin cruisers and high-performance craft.

A captain’s meeting is set for Thursday, Aug. 1.

On Friday, Aug. 2, participating boats will travel from Miami’s Biscayne Bay with stops at Gilbert’s Resort in Key Largo and Islamorada’s sandbar. Boaters are scheduled to depart the sandbar at 5 p.m. and travel to Marathon’s Faro Blanco Resort and Yacht Club. On Saturday, Aug. 3, rally boaters will head to a sandbar in the Grassy Key area for a costume contest. The rally’s closing and award ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Faro Blanco.

Registration is $200 per boat for up to four participants, with additional participants at $75 each. Visit miamiboatrally.com for more information.

Established in 1972 by the Hill family, the new ownership of Key Largo Fisheries continues staying true to the original mission of providing high-quality, fresh, locally-caught seafood daily.

A working waterfront, it is a must-see must-eat destination when visiting the Upper Keys. Enjoy dining at the waterside for lunch or dinner, purchase all the needed ingredients for your home seafood feast (including dessert) or come to the marina to find the best bait available.

While visiting Key Largo Fisheries, you’ll experience how generations have earned a living o the sea and children can delight in the experience of feeding the fish in the marina or shooing away pelicans.

“It is impossible not to be drawn into this authentic working waterfront,” said owner Robert Charney. “Local captains bring in their catches of the day, the sta process and package everything on site, and locals and visitors come to eat and shop.”

With a sta of nearly 100 working in one location, Key Largo Fisheries is one of the largest locally owned businesses in the Upper Keys. Overnight shipping within the continental U.S. is available Monday through Thursdays and orders can be done online at www.keylargofisheries.com.

305-451-3782

BRIEFLY

MISS HARRIET FINDS NEW HOME

Dog found with multiple masses rescued from overcrowded shelter

Harriet was rescued from a rough situation in Miami-Dade County. She now lives at Pawsitive Beginnings in Key Largo. 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.”

We had a new canine join us here two weeks ago. I would like to officially introduce you all to Miss Harriet.

Harriet perfectly sums up the situation in Miami right now. Another victim of severe neglect, she cried in pain the whole way home from the shelter when my friend, Alex Woodsum, who runs Jet Wag Animal Rescue, picked her up.

She almost lost her life because the Miami Dade animal shelters are overcrowded. She had multiple ulcerated mammary masses because she was never spayed and never cared for as they got bigger and bigger. She was underweight and who knows how long she had been on her own. She was found as a stray because somebody decided to just get rid of her when she got older instead of being there for their loyal dog until the end.

Harriet received the surgeries she needed to remove the masses.

OLIVER

We believe she is around 10 years old and is just the sweetest little old lady. Mom had been following her journey since she arrived at Jet Wag and could not stop thinking about her, so she picked her up on July 2 and Harriet is officially a member of the domestic animal household.

South Florida has too many situations involving stray and dumped dogs. Maybe one day, elected officials in Miami will start to care about the animal abuse, dumping and neglect running rampant. But until then, I am grateful to have such amazing friends who always do what they can to rescue these babies that oftentimes get overlooked.

Next up I would like to make it known that Jasper and Penny fox celebrated four whole years of freedom here at Pawsitive Beginnings. On July 17, 2020 they touched solid ground here in Key Largo for the first time after spending years trapped on a fur farm. Those who follow our social media pages know what a miraculous journey to health Jasper has had. Thanks to his amazing personal veterinarian, Dr. Geraldine DiethelmMader, who visits him once a month here for acupuncture and red laser therapy treatments. From a fur farm to freedom in the Florida Keys. What foxes have it better? None I can think of.

Anywho that’s all for this week. Until next time, Reef, over and out!

Does your heart skip a beat when you see a senior dog in need? If so, you need to meet Oliver. The owner of this 8-year-old neutered maltese had to go into a nursing home. Oliver is housetrained, friendly, calm and good with other dogs and children. Please think about fostering or adopting Oliver. He desperately needs a place to live out his senior years while his owner can be assured that he will be safe and loved. Please apply at www.MPRescues.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Thursday, July 18

• “Creating Talent Pipelines: Apprenticeship and Internship Opportunities” presentation by Bonnie Barnes & Nancy Hull of Florida SBDC at FIU, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. Register at go.fiu.edu/florida keys.

• Celebrate local fine artists on Morada Way while visiting artists and enjoying live music from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

Friday, July 19

• A summer reading event, DIY dreamcatcher, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Key Largo library. For ages 6-11, explore the usefulness of weaving and everyone will make a dreamcatcher to take home. All supplies provided.

Saturday, July 20

• 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.

Tuesday, July 23

• STEM project, Street Sailing Rev, at 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. Using the physics of wind science, build a sail and put it to the wind test on a toy car. All supplies provided. For ages 6-11.

• Trashy Tuesday Cleanup from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at Harry Harris Park, Tavernier.

• Books on Tap from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Keys Meads. Discussion will be on “Charlotte’s Story: A Florida Keys diary, 1934 & 1935” by Charlotte Niedhauk. Borrow the book from the Monroe County libraries.

Wednesday, July 24

• JOY classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Monroe County Plantation Key Community Center. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a full list of activities.

Miss

THE ALBURYS & AN OLD CONCH HOME

FLORIDA

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

REEF building contains much history, maybe a spirit

The Reef Environmental and Education Foundation (REEF) invited me to give a talk for their “Fish and Friends” lecture series. A talk about the local history is not the usual subject for their lecture series, as it tends to focus on things like Florida Bay, seagrass, coral and fish. Local history is important to share, too, especially when REEF’s headquarters is housed in one of the oldest structures in the Florida Keys outside of Key West. When exactly the house was built is up for debate. Who built it is not. According to an interview conducted with Beauregard Albury at his Tavernier home in March 1967, he built the house in 1910 with a carpenter who was paid $50 plus room and board for the six weeks the home took to build. Beauregard was the son of William Dunham and Mary Jane Albury from Cherokee Sound, Bahamas. Like so many Bahamian families, Albury first moved to Key West. Mary and he relocated to the small Key Largo community of Newport. When Mary was

pregnant with their first child, she went back to Key West for the birth. William Beauregard Albury arrived on July 16, 1886. At 3 weeks old, Mary and her baby moved back to the family home in the oceanside community of Newport.

Now largely forgotten, Newport would have been at the Atlantic’s edge near MM 101 and is the namesake of the Newport Village Apartments. According to the 1967 Albury interview, the largest island in the Florida Keys supported two communities in 1886. The more developed of the two was Planter, a precursor to modern Tavernier. Where Newport was home to four or five families, Planter had a church, a school and eventually a post office.

By the time Beauregard began attending school, he knew how to fish and handle a boat. To attend classes, the children of Newport arrived in Planter by boat unless the conditions were unfavorable and students had to walk along a path through the hammock and underbrush that connected the two communities.

It would have been a long walk, seven or eight miles each way. In the early 1950s, students looking to graduate from the Coral Shores School traveled to Key West to complete the 12th grade. Often, they stayed with Key West families or friends during the week and returned home to the Middle and Upper Keys on the weekend. Perhaps the Newport children spent the school days in Planter and the weekend back home.

As a boy, Beauregard helped his father fish. During the years the railroad was under construction, William Albury was contracted to provide fish for the workers in 12 to 15 of the railroad camps. According to Beauregard, “We used to fish a lot, too. I caught from 1,200 to 1,500 pounds per day on a hand line. Sold them for five cents a pound to the railroad. They would furnish the ice and pay the freight. We packed the fish in burlap bags with ice for each railroad camp and marked the sack with the camp number. This was during the building of the railroad. We spent eight years fishing every day except Sunday. They would buy any kind of fish except sting rays and sharks. I caught jewfish weighing up to 300 pounds.”

It was during the railroad years that Beauregard Albury married Mary

Mamie Pinder.

Their knot was tied on July 2, 1910. In the interview with Albury, he stated that the house was built in 1910, shortly after they married. Other sources indicate that the home was built in 1913. While 50-year-old memories can be confused, the fact that the building of the house was tied to the date of their marriage is a pretty solid memory marker.

Once upon a time, the Alburys owned all the land, ocean to bay, from about MM 97.5 to MM 100. After the Florida East Coast Railway made the decision to build their Key West Extension, the elder Albury sold some of the land to the Model Land Company for a reported $30 an acre. At least some of that land was used for the railroad right-of-way.

Beauregard and Mamie Albury lived in the home for 44 years. During that time, Beauregard worked as a sponge fisherman, commercial fisherman and charter boat fishing guide. He also did a little farming on his two family farms. There was a 14-acre farm near his home with a 10-acre grove of Key lime trees. The other farmland consisted of 37 acres closer to MM 100 that produced bananas, tomatoes, watermelons and other crops.

Because his two farms were a couple of miles apart, Beauregard brought a car to the island. It arrived circa 1920, years before State Road 4A, the first version of the Overseas Highway, was created. According to his story, the Model T Ford was the island’s first car. The “road” or trail between his two fields paralleled the railroad tracks now marked by the two southbound lanes of the Overseas Highway.

When I gave my talk at REEF headquarters, 98300 Overseas Highway, I shared those stories and more about one of the oldest structures in the Florida Keys outside of Key West. As it turns out, some people think that Beauregard might still be living at his old house. Things have gone bump, and mysterious footsteps have been heard upstairs when no one was on the second floor. Once, a pair of shoes appeared like a mirage. When I started my talk, I invited Beauregard to join us and tap the back of my head if I misrepresented some aspect of his life. Whether or not he was listening, I don’t know. I hope he was and realizes that his family’s memory lives on.

KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

Beauregard and Mamie Albury. JERRY WILKINSON COLLECTION/Contributed

BIG COOKIES ARRIVE ON SMALL ISLAND

SAMANTHA DELLILO

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

Are you a Keys bum?

Growing up down here, that term could swing from a slight jab to a badge of honor, depending on the context. Now, thanks to the opening of Keys Bums Bakery, it’s definitely something to celebrate. A couple of months ago both my personal and professional social media feeds were flooded with rave reviews about these absolutely massive cookies. Unbeknownst to me, Keys Bums Bakery had officially launched and made their first delivery. I reached out to learn more and secure a box for myself.

Here’s how it works: Step one, check their latest cookie flavors (they change frequently). Step two, visit Keysbums.com to place your order. Step three, receive notification of the pickup location and date. If the timing doesn’t suit you, they’ll arrange an alternative pickup. Step four, as their Instagram puts it, “Share your cookies with friends and family. Or keep them all to yourself.”

Keys Bums was dreamed up by Bryan Peixoto and his fiancée, Andreina Yoria. When Peixoto’s mom, Bianca Peixoto, joined the team with her extensive baking history, they knew they were ready to rock ’n’ roll.

If these names ring a bell, you might be familiar with Cupacabana, the charming pink coffee truck in Key Largo owned by Luana Peixoto — a talented family to say the least. Having enjoyed Bianca’s baking at numerous gatherings, I can vouch that she knows what she is doing. It’s no surprise this gift has been inherited by her children and soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

The popularity of oversized cookies has been growing, with Night Owl cookies and Crumbl cookies recently making waves on the mainland. So, you can imagine my delight in seeing the Keys join the trend. What makes it even sweeter is that Keys Bums Bakery is locally owned and operated and not part of a corporate chain.

When asked about the inspiration behind the name Keys Bums, Bryan and Andreina explained, “The name was just something we’ve all heard growing up down here. Keys Bum, which I think was always meant to be a derogatory thing, to me felt more like a lot of us take pride in being from down here and wanting to stay here.”

Upon opening the box of cookies, two things struck me; they’re gorgeous and I need a knife. They’re so large that in our household we slice the cookies so we can sample each flavor. The array of options is wild, featuring choices like tiramisu, white chocolate raspberry, Andes mint chocolate chip, lucky charms, glazed lemon, red velvet and s’mores, just to name a few. The texture of these cookies is completely up to you. At room temperature out of the box they are pleasantly soft yet hold together well. Pop them in the oven to warm them up slightly — you’re going to get a gooey melt-in-yourmouth experience. Put them in the fridge to get a firm, almost crunchy cookie, which is my preference and also ideal for milk dipping.

I think Keys Bum Bakery is such a fun addition to the Upper Keys and is capable of bringing friends and families together to gather around and try something new. The fact that the flavors rotate often gives the perfect excuse to order time and time again. Remember to indulge responsibly; after all, a balanced diet means a cookie in each hand.

REEL RECS

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

What: Paper Moon (1973)

Why: This is probably the textbook example of a road movie pairing a disgruntled adult with a precocious child. Ryan O’Neal and his daughter Tatum O’Neal have a natural chemistry that you don’t always find when family members work together on screen. This chemistry is so dynamic, it earned Tatum an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress — the youngest winner in any competitive category. Peter Bogdanovich’s direction balances striking black and white photography with amusingly understated performances with astonishing ease. On top of that, you’ve got the great Madeline Kahn making the most of her short screen time in this breezy, funny romp.

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.

You can see previous viewing recommendations at keyslibraries. org/reel-recs.

Every cookie is as good as the last.

These gorgeous cookies make the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

A tower of cookies.

Cookies from Keys Bums Bakery. SAMANTHA DELLILO/Keys Weekly

Hurricane Preparedness

On this day: In 1863, Union tr ps led by Col. Robert Gould Shaw and the African American soldiers in the 54th Ma achuse s Volunt r Infantry Regiment a acked Fort Wagner in South Carolina.

In The Bleachers

Paisley Toten, 2, was riding in a pickup bed through the Fo il Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, on June 1 with her parents when their interac on with the animals t k an unexpected turn, the A ociated Pre reported. The family sto ed their truck to f d a gira e, but the gira e ni led instead on Paisley’s shirt, li ing her several f t into the air. When Paisley’s mom shouted, the gira e dro ed the to ler into her mother’s arms, leaving her unhurt. A er the incident, the park changed its rules to disa ow riding in an open truck bed. Paisley got a stu ed gira e from the gi shop for her trouble.

Adam

Brevity

News of the Weird

Nancy

In 2013, the city of Detroit, Michigan, led for the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, es mated at $18 bi ion to $20 bi ion

The technology company Intel, founded on this day in 1968, generated $2,672 in rst-year revenue. The company cu ently has a market value of $131.28 bi ion.

“No one is born ha ng another person because of the color of his skin, or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more natura y to the human heart than its o osite.”

— Nelson Mandela, “Long Walk to Fr dom”

Adam Brevity

Nancy

Founded by Betty Debnam

Bonjour, Paris!

On Friday, July 26, the Summer Olympics will open in Paris, France. The games will continue through Sunday, Aug. 11.

This week, The Mini Page learns more about the French capital and all it has to offer.

Bienvenue à Paris

Paris is the largest city in France, with more than 2 million residents. It’s sometimes known as the City of Light.

Millions of people visit Paris to explore museums and famous landmarks, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

France

France, part of the European Union, is located in Western Europe. It is the largest of the EU countries. Paris lies in the north of the country.

Around the 1st century, the area was ruled by the Roman Empire and the Franks, a tribe from Germany. Over the years, England and France battled for land, and by the 17th century, France was the most powerful country in the region. Both world wars brought much destruction to France.

Working in France

Many people in France work in service industries, such as tourism or banking. Cars, aircraft,

medicines, clothing and cosmetics are also produced there. Farmers grow wheat, cattle, pigs and chickens. France is known for its cheeses and wines.

Sports in France

The Tour de France, the world’s most famous bicycle race, is held every summer. This year’s competition is underway now and will end on July 21.

The French Open tennis tournament, one of professional tennis’s four Grand Slam contests, is held in May and June in Paris.

Climate change has allowed one of the world’s most common types of mosquito to reach Scotland for the first time on record, joining the swarms of biting midges that have long thrived in the country’s mild and wet summers. Heather Ferguson from the University of Glasgow says she has been surprised to find at least some of 16 common varieties of mosquitoes in all corners of the country. But experts stress that the types of mosquitoes that can carry malaria, West Nile and other diseases are unlikely to arrive in Scotland anytime soon.

large part of the building in 2019.

FRENCH ART

Claude Monet, a French artist, was the founder of the Impressionist movement. This approach to art tries to capture an “impression” of a scene instead of an exact image.

Some of your favorite stories may be from French author Charles Perrault, who wrote familiar versions of “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella,” “Puss in Boots” and “Sleeping Beauty.” Fancy food and clothing Paris is a center of haute couture (OAT koo-TOOR), or high fashion. Designers such as Chanel, Dior and Givenchy started there. Expensive perfumes are also produced in France.

Cooking and dining are important to French people. They enjoy streetside cafes and small butcher and grocery stores and bakeries.

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPFrance

At the library:

• “Around Paris” by Daniela Celli

• “Paris 2024 Summer Olympics Journal” by Kyle Matson

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

photo by Benh LIEU SONG

photo by C. Martino

image by Thinker78

photo by Peter Haas

photo by

Kainet

The Arc de Triomphe is a monument to those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

Notre-Dame is a Catholic cathedral. It is being rebuilt after a fire destroyed a

The Eiffel Tower, or Tour Eiffel (TOOR ee-FELL), was built in 1887 for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Almost 6 million people visited the tower in 2022.

Mini Fact: The Louvre (LOOV-ruh)Museum is an art museum. Many famous works are housed there, including the “Mona Lisa.”

image by Simon Ackerman

A model shows off a dress during Paris Fashion Week.

“Impression, Sunrise” was painted by Claude Monet in 1872.

TRY ’N’ FIND

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

BICYCLE, CAPITAL, CHEESE, CITY, EIFFEL, EUROPE, FRANCE, FRENCH, IMPRESSIONIST, LANDMARK, LIGHT, MONET, OLYMPICS, OPEN, PARIS, RACE, SUMMER, TOURISM, WAR, WINE.

LEGAL NOTICE

Pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Acts (EPCRA), the South Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee (SoFlaLEPC) announces the availability of the following information: Hazardous Chemical Inventory (Tier 2) Forms, Hazards Analyses for Facilities with Extremely Hazardous Substances, SoFlaLEPC Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Plan, How-to-Comply Information for Hazardous Materials Users, and other public education materials. The SoFlaLEPC serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. To obtain information, please contact the SoFlaLEPC Coordinator at (954) 9243653.

Publish: July 18, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

COURT OF COMMON PLEASPHILA. COUNTY, PA – Nov. Term ‘23 - No.: 8453

- In DivorceKatiamarie Cosme Gonzalez, Plaintiff vs. Amy Alvira Concepcion, DefendantNOTICE OF INTENTION TO FILE PRAECIPE TO TRANSMIT RECORD UNDER SEC. 3301(d) OF THE DIVORCE CODE - To: AMY ALVIRA CONCEPCION

- You have been sued in an action for divorce. You have failed to answer the complaint or file a counteraffidavit to the Affidavit under Sec. 3301(d) of the Divorce Code. Therefore, on or after 8/1/24, the other party can request the court to enter a final decree in divorce or, if there are unresolved ancillary claims, an order approving grounds for divorce as indicated on the proposed Praecipe to Transmit Record, which is attached. If you do not file an answer with your signature notarized or verified by the above date, the court can enter a final decree in divorce or, if there are unresolved ancillary claims, an order approving grounds for divorce. Unless you have already filed with the court a written claim for economic relief, you must do so by the above date, or the court may grant the divorce or an order approving grounds for divorce and you may lose forever the right to ask for economic relief. The filing of the form counter-affidavit alone does not protect your economic claims. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. Phila. Bar Assn., Lawyer Referral & Info. Service, 1101 Market St., Phila., PA 19107, 215.238.1701. By: /s/ Michael L. Galbraith, Atty. for Plaintiff, GALBRAITH LAW, LLC, 1845 Walnut St., 25th Fl., Phila., PA 19103, 215-5634800, I.D. #92105, michael@ mgalbraithlaw.com, Date: 7/9/24 Publish: July 18, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 24-DR-535-K DIVISION: FAMILY SUYAPA Y. DUARTE, Petitioner, and MARIO ROBERTO GARCIA, Respondent. NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) TO: MARIO ROBERTO GARCIA RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: GOLF CLUB DRIVE #112, KEY WEST, FL 33040

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Suyapa Y. Duarte, whose address is 3215 Duck Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 on or before August 12, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: N/A Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: July 3, 2024 Kevin Madok, CPA Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida By: Jaquelyn Fonseca Deputy Clerk Publish: July 11, 18 & 25 and August 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000166-P DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF SOFIA GARCIA, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of SOFIA GARCIA, deceased, whose date of death was August 11, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 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: July 18, 2024.

Personal Representative: CARLOS GARCIA 3857 Donna Road

Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Mark A. Gotlieb, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 55891

The Law Office of Mark A. Gotlieb, P.A. 1200 N. Federal Highway, Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33432

Telephone: (561) 250-7256

Email Address: mark@ gotlieblaw.com

Secondary email: kfeeleylas@ gmail.com

Publish:

July 18 & 25, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-350-M

DIVISION: MIDDLE KEYS IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHERINE E. WALKER

Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of KATHERINE E. WALKER, deceased, whose date of death was June 11, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent 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: July 18, 2024. Personal Representative: G. Peter Walker 38 Crosswood Road Farmington, CT 06032

Attorney for Personal Representative: Richard E. Warner

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 283134

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

Telephone: (305) 743-6022

Fax: (305) 743-6216

E-mail: richard@rewarnerlaw. com Secondary E-Mail: pamela2@

rewarnerlaw.com

Publish: July 18 & 25, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 24-CP-220-M IN RE: ESTATE OF SUSAN W. CLAIR A/K/A SUSAN CLAIR Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Susan W. Clair a/k/a Susan Clair, deceased, whose date of death was January 9, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is July 18, 2024. The date of the second publication of this notice is July 25, 2024.

Personal Representative: Amy C. Bilyeu 901 Trout Road State College, PA 16801

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Carl C. Moore, III Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118 Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings. com

Publish: July 18 & 25, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

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

DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 24-CP-86-K IN RE: ESTATE OF NICOLE AMANDA HARDING Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Nicole A. Harding, deceased, whose date of death was July 9, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 303 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is July 18, 2024. The date of the second publication of this notice is July 25, 2024.

Personal Representative: Derrick A. Johnson 3663 Louisa Street Marathon, FL 33050

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Carl C. Moore, III Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings. com

Publish:

July 18 & 25, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000029-K IN RE: ESTATE OF CARLOS ENRIQUE ALVAREZ Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of CARLOS ENRIQUE ALVAREZ, deceased, whose date of death was June 10, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s 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 personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the

decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.

The date of first publication of this notice is: July 18, 2024.

Personal Representative: MILAGROS D. BUENO 10215 SW 24TH ST, APT A405

MIAMI, FL 33165

Attorney for Personal Representative: Stephanie A. Cruz, Esq.

Florida Bar Number: 121394

STEPHANIE A. CRUZ, P.A. 14100 Palmetto Frontage Road #100

Miami Lakes, FL 33016

Telephone: 305-698-6565

Email: scruz@scruzlaw.com

Publish:

July 18 & 25, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-323-P

DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY IN RE: ESTATE OF LUCY MARY BELL Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Lucy Mary Bell, deceased, whose date of death was May 9, 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 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 personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.

The date of first publication of this notice is: July 11, 2024.

Personal Representative: Jessica L. Doolen 6637 Secluded Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89110

Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938

Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-9428

Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com

Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com

Publish:

July 11 & 18, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000305-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RUSSELL BENJAMIN JONES, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of RUSSELL BENJAMIN JONES, deceased, whose date of death was January 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 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 personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. The date of the first publication of this notice is July 11, 2024.

Personal Representative: PAMELA THOMAS JONES 131 Peace Ave Tavernier, FL 33070

Attorney for Personal Representative: DAN P. HELLER, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 472220 HELLER ESPENKOTTER, PLLC 3250 Mary Street Suite 204 Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Telephone: (305) 777-3765

Fax: (786) 749-5296

E-Mail: probate@ hellerlawgroup.com

Secondary: dan@ hellerlawgroup.com

Publish: July 11 & 18, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

ROBERT ALAN EALES Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of ROBERT ALAN EALES, deceased, whose date of death was May 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for MONROE County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 33050. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent 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: July 11, 2024. Personal Representative: Andrew D. Eales c/o Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 South Palmetto Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Attorney for Personal Representative: W. Denis Shelley Attorney Florida Bar Number: 273872 Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 South Palmetto Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386) 252-2531 Fax: (386) 258-0392 E-Mail: shelley@legacylaw313. com Secondary E-Mail: troy@ legacylaw313.com Publish: July 11 & 18, 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

Place your AUTO FOR SALE ad here.

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

BOATS FOR SALE

Key Largo 21' Deep V Center Console w/trailer. New 150hp motor & electronics. Ready to fish. $32,500 cash. Located in Marathon. 201-696-8906

FREE - 2 PONTOON BOATS 24' AND 18' Located in Marathon. Call 305-610-8002

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

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

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

EMPLOYMENT

Frank’s Grill - NOW HIRING: PM SERVER - 4p-Closing. Apply in person at 11400 Overseas Highway, Marathon 305-289-777 2

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 $30.00 an hour. Contact a Friend and apply together. Call (508) 566-3538

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

SKILLED PLUMBERS

Full Service & Construction. Immediate Openings in Upper Keys. Full-time & Parttime. Motivated - Great Mechanical & Problem Solving Skills – Read & Speak English - Clean 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 parttime 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 305-743-6739 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 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.

Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer serviceoriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am-7pm 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 404-219-3359 and ask for Dave.

The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: Housekeeper at Poinciana Gardens, Server at Poinciana Gardens, Med Tech PT/Nights, Housing Choice Voucher Asst., PT Receptionist, Housing ManagerMiddle 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 & Sunday front desk office person needed to answer phones and greet walk in customers at Big Pine Real Estate Office. Call Frank 561-283-9969 or DD 305-289-6486 HIRED IN LESS THAN ONE MONTH!

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 RENTAL

- Key Largo2BR/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. $1,850/month F/L/S 305-853-3779

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

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/month F/L/S or $900/week for the first three months. Furnished, all included. Dockage available - separate fee. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

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.

Stock Island - Seeking nonsmoking professional female/no pets. Fully furnished, W/D + TV. Very nice quiet safe place. Gated. $1250/ month. First/Last Call 305-797-5600 ROOMMATE FOUND IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!

Place your ROOMMATE WANTED 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. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

VACATION RENTAL

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

YARD SALES

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

is accepting applications for the following full-time position in Key West

TERRITORY SERVICE AND SALES REPRESENTATIVE

This opportunity o ers you the ability to partner with our current customers in the Hospitality and Food Service industries. You will serve as the face of Ecolab, servicing Laundries and Dish machines, dispensing equipment, and systems for our customers. You will also provide recommendations on advanced cleaning and sanitation programs. Full training provided at our Headquarters.

Comprehensive bene ts package including medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, company paid pension, opportunities for stock purchase, tuition reimbursement, and more. Decal company vehicle provided. Must live between Big Pine Key & Key West – the route available in this area. $3000-$4000 Sign on Bonus available for this role!

High School Diploma or GED. For more information, including job duties and required qualifications, and to apply for the job, please call 786-512-2238.

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

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

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

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

Salary: $60,000.

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

Email resume to:

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

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

WE ARE HIRING!

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AR PROCESSOR FT

Administrative Assistant to the Business Manager and under general supervision of the Business Manager, responsible for the bookkeeping of receivables, as well as the compiling and maintenance of accounts receivable records in accordance with regulations and best practices. Must have accounting software experience. *

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

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.

DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM

FT

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. *

DIRECT CARE STAFF

 GROUP HOMES 24/7 FT/PT

These positions are available at our Group Homes; evening shift. This position provide direct care services and support to our clients in their home. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED and 1 year of experience with care giving or 30 hours or college coursework. *

IN HOME SUPPORT

FT

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. *

*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

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

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 LARGO Advocate (PT)

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 PRACTICE

OPENINGS

- Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Marathon, FT

- Physician Assistant, Surgical Ortho, Tavernier, FT

- Medical Assistant, Concierge Of ce, $3,000 Bonus, Key West, FT

TAVERNIER MARINERS

HOSPITAL

- Cook, Dietary, $5,000 Bonus, FT

- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem

- Group Exercise Instructor, Per Diem-Pool

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

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, Radiology, $10,000 Bonus, PT

- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem

- Phlebotomist, Laboratory, Per Diem

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

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

- Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, FT

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Department, FT

- Experience Advisor, FT

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

- Lead Med Technologist, Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus, FT

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

- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus, FT

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

- Security Of cer, Security/Safety, Per Diem

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

*Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience. APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE

We

Applicants must apply in person to be considered.

must posses a current Florida Certification

Applicants will undergo a thorough