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Members of
23M
According to the Associated Press, Florida’s population has surpassed 23 million residents for the first time. The state Demographic Estimating Conference said the state had 23,002,597 residents — the third-most populous state in the U.S.
It’s one of our favorite times of the year at the Marathon Weekly, as we get set to open the nomination period for the 2024 Best of Marathon Awards. Have a new category idea? See details on page 6.
RESIDENTS CONTEST KAYAK LAUNCH ABANDONMENT
Marathon opens budget talks with proposed tax increase
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
Resident frustrations over use of a kayak ramp on a recentlyabandoned piece of city property unexpectedly took center stage at the Marathon City Council’s July 23 session.
Resolution 2024-39, originally approved at the council’s May 14 meeting, ceded ownership of a city right-of-way at the south end of 109th Street Ocean to neighboring property owner Loretta Ostroman, including a small boat ramp previously used by neighborhood residents as a kayak launch and fishing spot next to a small waterfront green space.
City staff have contended that the narrow, steep ramp is a liability for Marathon, and would likely be either closed or modified to prevent injury, even if it had remained under the city’s ownership.
In May, the original resolution was unanimously approved following a recommendation from Marathon’s planning department. At that meeting, when questioned by councilman Jeff Smith over the potential loss of public water access, planner Amber Stonik informed the council that the ramp “is not public access at the moment,” and that the right-of-way abandonment excluded the privately-owned ramp area.
However, a diagram of the proposed area for the abandonment attached to the May draft of the resolution appears to include the ramp as an area to be abandoned.
Speaking on behalf of area neighbors, 109th Street resident Chris Nolan and others told the council Tuesday evening that despite prior notices for the May meeting, residents had “no clue this was going on,” arguing that the abandonment constituted an impermissible restriction of waterfront access according to Marathon’s code.
“I’ve accessed that public waterway many times, and it has been adversely affected with the approval of the rightof-way abandonment,” he said. “I’d appreciate anything we can do to try and get this back.”
Mayor Robyn Still advocated for a new kayak launch connected to the city’s remaining green space at the end of the street to compensate for the loss of the ramp. Councilman Kenny Matlock said he felt the city had “made a mistake based on property ownership,” while Smith said he “didn’t know if intentions were clear” in May’s session.
Nolan’s mother, Holly Nolan, told the council she thought it was “silly to give a ramp away and then use tax money to build another ramp.”
City Attorney Steve Williams and
Public Works Director Carlos Solis told the council that installation of a new launch, particularly one that didn’t extend into the bay bottom, would likely be faster than litigation to retake the existing ramp. Smith and Still requested a report at the council’s next session on the projected cost and feasibility of adding a launch and pocket park to the city’s remaining property on the road.
2024-25 budget talks begin
Marathon will have two September hearings to reduce its preliminary budget, presented in a general overview by Finance Director Jennifer Johnson Tuesday evening.
In a 4-1 vote, with Matlock dissenting, the council approved a preliminary millage rate of 2.447 mills – $244.70 in taxes assessed per $100,000 in property value – for its 2024-25 budget, equal to the tax rate from its 2023-24 budget. With rising property values, Johnson said, this rate would raise $11.1 million in tax revenues – a 10.08% increase above the rollback rate of 2.2235 mills, required to raise the same number of tax dollars as the previous year. The proposed budget, balancing $22.9 million in both revenues and expenses, includes a 10% increase in health and benefit costs for non-union city employees, Johnson said. Other notable items include cost of living and other pay adjustments stemming from a recently-completed city staff salary study requested last year by the council; pay increases and pension costs for the city’s fire department; the addition of a deputy city manager; three addi-
continued on page 37
Marathon staff will report on the feasibility of a pocket park and new kayak launch following a controversial 109th Street right-of-way abandonment in which residents lost access to a neighborhood ramp. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
BACK TO SCHOOL BACK TO SCHOOL
The new school year is around the corner!
The new school year is around the corner!
Avoid rushing to book your child’s at the last minute. Community Health of South Florida, Inc. (CHI) provides an affordable way to get your child back-to-school ready.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3,
Book an appointment at our pediatric locations before August 3rd or visit participating locations on School Physical Day. Scan
Most insurances are accepted Evening and weekend hours are available Please bring immunization records
more
SIMPLY THE BEST
Get ready for the 15th
ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
ABest of Marathon Awards
s Mark Twain famously said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born, and the day you win a Best of Marathon Award.”
Earning one of the Middle Keys’ most famous plaques, or even being nominated, carries a plethora of benefits for those who reap the annual rewards. Fame, fortune, prestige in the dating world, maybe even an extra lobster or two during mini-season. (That’s clearly a joke – FWC, don’t kill us).
As we approach our 15th annual awards show, Keys Weekly is beyond honored to recognize the finest our islands have to offer, determined by YOU, our readers. Contrary to the annual rumor, the Weekly staff has nothing whatsoever to do with the nominations or winners – we just count the votes. That’s it.
And it’s all for a good cause – since 2008, we’ve named more than 1,000 winners while raising more than $140,000 for deserving local charities like the Marathon Rotary Club.
“Obviously when you are able to raise money for any of our local nonprofits, it always gives you a broader sense of community and reminds you of what’s important here at home,” said publisher Jason Koler. “Outside of that, my favorite part of the Best of Marathon has always been the voting process and, of course, the awards party. Last year our interactive voting map showed participation from five continents and over 12 countries. Our annual winners’ gala is one evening that brings together so many different people, from all different walks of life, to laugh with each other and celebrate our community. It’s just one evening where we can put aside our differences and have some fun with our friends. Every dollar raised benefits the Rotary Club, which I believe provides enrichment to the lives of so many people in our community.”
Fire up those voting fingers – it’s Best of Marathon time again. Here we go!
HOW THE VOTING WORKS
Nominate Your Favorites: Aug. 1-18
Log in to keysweekly.com starting on Thursday, Aug. 1 at noon until Aug. 18 at midnight to nominate your favorites in each category. Voters can vote once per day for all categories, and must fill out 75% of each ballot to cast a valid submission. So visit often, or daily, throughout the nomination process to propose your favorite finalists.
The top three nominees in each category are placed on the finalists’ ballot. Contrary to the annual rumor, we do not create the top three. You, the voters, decide the top three finalists from among your nominees, each and every year. Nominations will end at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 18, so make sure your voice is heard before then.
Vote for the finalists: Aug. 22-Sept. 8
The top three nominees in each category make the final ballot. The highest votegetter among the finalists in each category receives the Best of Marathon Award.
Voting for the finalists in each category begins at noon on Aug. 22 at keysweekly. com and ends Sept. 8 at midnight. During this stage, voters can submit one ballot per day and must fill out 75% of the categories to cast a valid ballot. So visit keysweekly. com often throughout the process and submit one ballot a day.
The Awards: Sept. 21
The 15th annual Best of Marathon awards celebration, this year on Saturday, Sept. 21 at a venue to be announced, has become one of the most popular events in town. Tickets are not generally made available to the public due to demand. Winners, nominees and dignitaries are invited to attend and additional attendees are selected from a first-come, first-served waiting list. To be placed on this list, please email patti@ keysweekly.com.
CALL FOR CATEGORIES!
As we do every year, the team at the Marathon Weekly will take a hard look at the ballot to finetune the categories that best represent our community. And we want to hear from YOU! Are there categories you think we’ve left out? A better way to phrase an award? Email alex@keysweekly.com and let us know.
Marine deputy Willie Guerra, right, earns a bonus trident to go with his Robin Tanner Public Service Award at the 2023 Best of Marathon. Photos by DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly
The Overseas Pub and Grill crew celebrates their Best Bar win as Cheddar earns his sixth Best Bartender nod in 2023.
Keys All Area Roofing’s Dion Watson, right, and Deb Shirley, center, celebrate their Best General Contractor win with Tom Gill.
INSURANCE RATE HIKE HEADS TO A HEARING
Keys advocacy group to oppose proposed increases
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Officials with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation will outline what they say is the need for a double-digit rate hike on policyholders in the Florida Keys and across the state who renew their coverage in 2025, during an upcoming public hearing in Tallahassee.
On the other side, representatives with Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe, or FIRM, plan to attend the hearing on Thursday, Aug. 1 at the state capital’s Knott Building to push back against the hike.
“Citizens is not just the insurer of last resort for Monroe County, it is in most cases our only option,” reads a letter by FIRM.
State insurance regulators recently announced the hearing for Citizens’ rate filings, which detail average increases of 14% for personal lines policies for homeowners, condo unit owners, dwellings and mobile homes. The nine-member Citizens board of governors unanimously approved the rate hikes during a June 19 meeting.
Once the public hearing concludes next month, the state Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) will decide whether to approve or deny Citizens’ request. If the request is granted, the new rates would take effect when people renew their policies in 2025.
Roughly 20,000 homes, duplexes, condo units and commercial properties in the Keys are covered through Citizens for storm damage. Those policies vary in coverage, for wind-only damage from hurricanes and tropical storms to coverage for various perils.
Per Citizens’ latest rate filings, wind-only homeowner policies could see an average increase of 16.6%. State law caps base rate hikes for primary owners to 14%. There’s no cap on secondary homeowners, however, meaning their rate hikes could be higher — upward of 50% excluding coverage changes and surcharges.
Wind-only coverage for condominium unit owners in Monroe County would increase by 20.9%.
Mel Montagne, FIRM president, will be attending a public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 1 in Tallahassee to oppose Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s proposed rate hikes on Monroe County policyholders. CONTRIBUTED
Condominiums are treated the same as commercial policies and have a higher rate cap.
Mel Montagne, FIRM president, will be joined at the Aug. 1 public hearing by FIRM vice president Joe Walsh. Montagne told Keys Weekly they plan to discuss the catastrophe models, reinsurance and getting Citizens back to insuring wind-only policies.
Citizens Insurance provides coverage to property owners who are in good faith and can’t obtain a policy through the private market. Citizens Insurance is required by law to charge rates sufficient to fund liabilities, all while complying with the glide path which caps rate increases at 14% in 2025.
Officials with Citizens Insurance say Citizens’ premium rates remain “well below” other private insurance companies providing coverage.
“This has been taken into account in developing the proposed capped rate indications,” Citizens stated in June.
But FIRM wants no Citizens rate increase for residents of Monroe County, who, since 2003, have contributed nearly $900 million in premiums over claims.
“Monroe County residents consistently shoulder the burden of fraud and Citizens’ inconsistencies in addressing these circumstances for the rest of the state,” FIRM’s letter reads.
Citizens’ $1 million coverage limit has caused many homes in Monroe County to be dropped from Citizens’ rolls with no other option, FIRM added.
Those who can’t attend the Aug. 1 public hearing in person can submit comments on the rate requests to the state insurance regulation office by 5 p.m. on Aug. 15. A link for public comment will
We hear it every year: “The Weekly picks who wins the Best of Marathon.”
No matter how hard we try to let people know the truth – spoiler alert: We have NOTHING to do with the nominees or winners in each category – there will always be some who believe the Best of Marathon is “rigged.”
As we get set to open nominations for our 2024 awards on Aug. 1, we want to tell the community yet again: The only people who decide our nominees and winners are YOU, the voters. There’s no “special way” to get on the ballot, or cinch the win.
… But if there WAS a way, here are our…
TOP 10 WAYS TO GET YOUR NAME ON THE BEST OF MARATHON BALLOT
10. Tell people your opponents are going to destroy the Wyland Wall.
9. Actually turn Sombrero Boulevard into a community lagoon.
8. Make a viral video.
7. No, not THAT kind of viral video.
6. Doesn’t matter what your business is – free beer with everything.
5. Get into an industry with three or fewer local options.
4. Promise “Free and Fair Elections” at the 2025 Best of Marathon.
3. Promise to expose the corruption in City Hall.
2. Get mentioned in an MCSO Facebook post.
1. Be really, really good at something.
RESTORING A SPLASH OF THE PAST
Ryan Kemppainen brings back iconic dolphin sculpture
TRINITY JACOX trinityjacox@gmail.com
Driving into Marathon through Grassy Key, what you might have thought was a “zombie dolphin” was actually a sun-baked sculpture that’s survived every weather twist and turn the Keys have to offer for nearly half a century. The iconic statue of a mother and baby dolphin has welcomed visitors to the Dolphin Research Center for decades. Recently, it received a much-needed restoration thanks to the efforts of Ryan Kemppainen.
Kemppainen's artistic journey began early, as he worked alongside his father, who was also an artist.
“I grew up in the sign industry with my dad and learned to work with all different kinds of materials,” he said.
Leveraging his expertise in contracting, sculpting and painting, Kemppainen undertook the long-overdue restoration of the 32-foot sculpture after witnessing its gradual decline. “The last couple of years, I've seen it deteriorate, so I knew I wanted to do this project, and it was right up my alley,” he said.
Kemppainen is familiar with roadside artwork. He designed and built the Square Grouper Bar and Grille sign on Cudjoe Key following Hurricane Irma.
“I have built things like this, so I understood how the dolphins were built," he said.
First installed in 1977 with a metal mesh laid over a basic framework and coated on its exterior with concrete, the structure complemented the existing 1960s round Dolphin Research Center sign to attract more visitors, DRC’s COO Armando "Mandy" Rodriguez told the Weekly. Thankfully, Kemppainen said, the basic “bones” of the statue were still in good shape when he started his work.
“All the metal structure was good, except for where all these cracks came in and rusted
away the metal mesh,” Kemppainen said. “As long as water doesn’t get back in, it’s gonna last another 50 years.”
Apart from the cosmetics, Kemppainen thought about how his restoration work could help the statue withstand the drastic weather of the Florida Keys.
“Ryan had a fabulous idea. He actually made a drain at the bottom of the tail, so even if water or moisture gets in there, it can drain out,” Rodriguez said.
Working tirelessly to avoid the summer heat, Kemppainen started at the beginning of May and completed the project in under two months.
“About half of it, I did just by myself,” he said. With an estimated 250 hours invested in the project – likely selling himself short in the estimation – his dedication and craftsmanship
were crucial to completing the project.
For those who might not recall the sculpture's previous condition, Kemppainen described the transformation: “It had a very basic paint job — gray dolphins with black eyes and a plain blue base,” he said. “I went above and beyond to make it look more realistic and have all the features, patterns and colors that dolphins have.”
The dolphins featured in the sculpture are modeled after real-life residents of the facility. The baby represents Tursi, a now 50-year-old dolphin who was the center’s first successful birth. She’s the daughter of two dolphins from the original “Flipper” movie.
“The movie and television show brought awareness to dolphins worldwide, and it all started right here,” Rodriguez said. Tursi’s mother, Little Bit, was the model for the larger dolphin depicted in the sculpture.
“I was given a bunch of photo references of the original Flipper and Tursi,” Kemppainen said. “To make the sculptures resemble the dolphins, the markings replicate Tursi when she was a baby.”
The baby dolphin presented the most significant challenge of the project, Kemppainen said.
“I had to rebuild it from the inside out,” he explained. A large hole in the sculpture’s head had earned it the nickname “zombie dolphin,” a description that seems fitting after looking at past photos.
Before the project was even finished, Kemppainen was surprised to see so many visitors at the landmark. “I couldn’t believe how many people stopped by, even through the ugly phase of this restoration, and got pictures,” he said.
“Many other projects I used to do in restoration, like somebody's kitchen or bathroom, you never see again,” Kemppainen said. “I wanted to work on something that is a historic landmark, and I will forever be able to look at it and enjoy myself.”
To follow Kemppaainen’s work, visit ryankemppainenart.com or follow “KemppArt” on Instagram.
Working day and night, Ryan Kemppainen spent many 18-hour work days leading up to the completion of the structure. CONTRIBUTED
Ryan Kemppainen, left, and Dolphin Research Center COO Mandy Rodriguez pose in front of the center’s iconic – and now fully-restored – dolphin statute. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
DRIVING TO THE AIRPORT IN 1980 … with a senator in the back seat
Way back when, in the halcyon days of youth (if that isn’t a literary cliché), there I was: an almost19-year-old college student at the University of South Carolina looking forward to the brand new decade of the 1980s. I was idealistic, only slightly jaded, and more interested in playing guitar than I was in most of my classes.
Even then, I was civic-minded, having learned from examples about getting involved and trying to make a difference. That’s how I came to be a volunteer in the reelection campaign of President Jimmy Carter. I worked for weeks in the state campaign headquarters, doing a bit of everything from making phone calls to stuffing envelopes to database management on primitive computer-type machines. It was mostly drudgery, and there was nothing very exciting … until the campaign. HQ received notice that the president would be coming to Columbia, S.C., a few days before the election. And I swear everything I am about to tell you from here on out is true –you can’t make this stuff up. What had been a relatively quiet office shifted into warp drive. The advance office was established at a downtown hotel on Assembly Street that no longer exists. It was at that office that President Carter’s press secretary, Jody Powell, made an appearance asking if anybody (presumably from D.C.) was there. Seeing no one that he knew, he told us to tell anyone who got there that he would be at the bar.
During the rush to prepare for Carter’s visit, someone asked if anyone could drive a passenger van to transport dignitaries in the presidential motorcade. The president would be staying at the Governor’s Mansion overnight, and he would need to be delivered to the airport to meet Air Force One. Having had some experience driving vans, I volunteered. After passing a background check by the Secret Service, I went to the Governor’s Mansion and was given a coded lapel clip and my passenger van. The Secret Service agent in charge of me gave me only one instruction: no matter how fast the motorcade moved, I was to keep up with the vehicle in front of me. I waited for what seemed like a very long time for any dignitaries to show up. Right before the motorcade was ready to pull out, I got my only dignitary: the then-junior senator from South Carolina, Ernest “Fritz” Hollings. (I wondered why he wasn’t riding in one of the limousines.) He walked up and asked me, in that genteel South Carolina Lowcountry accent, “Is this
JOHN BARTUS
John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon.
the van that’s going to the airport to see the president off?” I responded in the affirmative and closed the door behind him, and in minutes, we were moving.
For those who don’t know, presidential motorcades travel along a prearranged route where all the crossing streets are blocked so that the motorcade can proceed unimpeded. Also, President Carter (like many before and since) had a reputation for being behind schedule. The motorcade was a way to make up for lost minutes. Keeping up with the vehicle in front of me meant traveling over 80 miles per hour through the streets of downtown Columbia and speeds exceeding 100 on the larger highways. Taking turns on city streets at these speeds was quite an exhilarating experience.
Not to mention that I had a United States senator freaking out on a whiteknuckle terror ride as he slid from side to side on a beltless vinyl bench seat in the back of my van. I heard a couple of epithets emanating quietly from the back seat just after the beginning of our trip, followed by a plaintive plea in that genteel Southern Gentleman accent: “Son, don’t you think you’re driving this thing a bit too fast? Slow down, son…”
I replied, as calmly as I could while violating every posted speed limit known to man, that the Secret Service agent with the badge and the gun told me in no uncertain terms that I was to keep up no matter how fast and that I couldn’t break the motorcade. I heard a few more soft groans of terror as we made our way to the airport. Upon arrival, the senator could not wait to get out of the van. The president got out, waved at everyone and boarded Air Force One to his destiny.
Although I was supposed to take the senator back to the Governor’s Mansion, he never showed up for the return trip. I can only suppose that he made alternate transportation arrangements, not daring to trust his life to a college student willing to drive a passenger van at speeds they were never designed to handle.
That was one of life’s experiences I’ll never forget. Looking back makes one realize more and more that it truly is the journey, not the destination.
MARATHON CINEMA DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
COMMERCE CORNER
Acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas in 2021, Safe Harbor Marathon (formerly Marathon Marina & RV Resort) provides long-term slip memberships and short-term transient accommodations for vessels up to 125’. Nestled in our scenic ocean-side setting with breathtaking sunset views overlooking the 7-mile bridge, our marina features various amenities including an onsite restaurant (Lazy Days), Fuel Dock with convenient direct channel access, bait sales, fitness room, laundry facilities, multiple bathroom/shower facilities, outdoor recreational areas, and lounge spaces. Additionally, our Boatyard can lift and store vessels up to 65’ (75 tons) and offers multiple DIY workspaces. Also located on the marina property is a quaint, 8-site waterfront RV lot, as well as three elegantly appointed vacation rentals, which enjoy all the amenities the marina has to offer. We are dedicated to serving all individuals – Members, customers, guests, and teammates – to establish memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits. For the locals, we offer a fuel discount for commercial vessels and the only DIY boatyard in Marathon.
Dottie Stewart, General Manager
Safe Harbor Marinas offers more than 130 locations around the United States and Puerto Rico. 1021 11th Street Ocean, Marathon, FL 33050
Tranquil midtown estate feels worlds away, while just minutes to exciting Key West! Nestled on nearly a ¼ acre of gated, lush tropical gardens, this spacious main house plus guest house comes move-in ready; boasting elevated coastal design where modern finishes and amenities meet relaxed sophistication. Outside oasis features a generous pool and fountain, large tiki hut, outdoor rain shower and luxurious outdoor kitchen.
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20942 6TH AVENUE WEST
CUDJOE KEY | $1,999,999
Stunning canal front home with a massive 15,600 Sq. Ft. lot, and deep-water ocean access! 125' of concrete seawall with 15K boat lift, davits, and turning basin! Huge 2,772 Sq. Ft. floorplan boasts an open-concept living space and custom chef’s kitchen. Spacious screened-in lanai, Solar system, security system and coveted 2 car garage are just a few of the endless features at this prime Cudjoe Gardens retreat!
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82 TINGLER LANE
MARATHON | $3,799,999
Sprawling retreat on an oversized lot, with pool, private sandy beach and open water views! Expansive dock with deep-draft boating access, just minutes to world-class fishing. A pristine pool, and lavish tiki hut overlook your private sandy beach! Inside, this home boasts two spacious floors with loads of room to relax and unwind, and unrivaled open water views are the focal point from almost every room and generous porch.
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271 WEST INDIES DRIVE
RAMROD KEY | $2,599,000
Brand new construction pool home with endless open water views! Sprawling floor plan o ers high-end finishes and tasteful designs. A chef's Kitchen with premium appliances and quartz countertops. Walls of sliding glass doors open onto an expansive veranda, with stunning views of the sparkling pool and turquoise ocean beyond. Outside, this manicured lot is adorned with lush native landscaping, all nestled within a quiet neighborhood.
281 WEST INDIES DRIVE
RAMROD KEY | $3,080,000
Spectacular oceanfront pool home with panoramic ocean views! Boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding from a concrete dock and endless ocean breezes on your private sandy beach. over 2,900 Sq. Ft. of luxurious living space, ideal for entertainment. Beautifully landscaped ½ acre lot features a circular driveway for ample open parking and sprawling covered carport for additional covered parking.
437 HARBOUR DRIVE
DUCK KEY | $7,499,000
Nestled on a lushly landscaped gated lot, this elegant Oceanfront Estate epitomizes resort-style seaside living. O ering approximately 65’ of dockage, pool, and sandy beach, your ideal Florida Keys lifestyle awaits! Recently renovated, every detail has been considered in this intuitively designed retreat; with expertly curated aesthetics blending relaxed sophistication with the surrounding turquoise waters, beckoning the outdoors in!
2
Seven Ways Your Social Med ia Habits
Make You a Target for Ident it y Theft
By Firs t Horizon Bank
Think ident it y theft can’t happen to you?
Think again.
I n 2022, 15 4 m illion A mer icans fell vict i m to ident it y
thef t, accordi ng to Javeli n St rateg y’s 2023 Ident it y
Fraud St udy Ident it y th ieves made of f with $20 billion,
though there is a silver lining, as that amount represents
a 15% decrease f rom the previous st udy 1
social media If you reg ula rly check i n on I nst ag ram or
Ti kTok, you could u n k nowi ngly be put t i ng you rself at
r isk for ident it y thef t Before loggi ng on, t a ke a look at the social media habits that can ma ke you a potent ial
t a rget and steps you can t a ke to help protect you rself.
1 Cl ic ki ng Unfa mil ia r Links
I n the ever- evolvi ng landscape of social media, the r isk of falli ng prey to soph ist icated
on a li n k without ver if yi ng its authent icit y Scam mers a re bet ter than ever at reeli ng us i n usi ng what looks
i ntelligence (A I).
Bewa re of emails that appea r to come f rom social net works li ke Met a (for merly Facebook) or X (for merly
upd ate you r password. Click i ng on u n k now n li n ks i n suspicious messages can lead to downloading malwa re to you r computer or mobile device that allows an ident it y th ief to steal i nfor mat ion Be su re to ver if y the sender’s authent icit y, scr ut i n ize the message for any inconsistencies, and hover over links to check for matching U R Ls, ensuring they star t with “ht t ps” for securit y
Tu r n i ng on t wo -fa ct or aut he nt icat ion (2FA) for you r so cial media is a sma r t move to prevent scams It creates a second li ne of defense agai nst I D thef t by requi r i ng you to log i n with a u n ique code that you receive via text or email Also, be sure to regularly adjust you r pr ivacy set t i ngs to keep you r personal det ails u nder w raps and keep up with browser extensions and secu r it y apps that can help double - check the li n ks you come across If you th i n k you’ve been t a rgeted by an email ph ish i ng scam, repor t the message to you r email prov ide r You ca n also re p or t t he me ssage a s spa m a nd /or block the sender’s add ress
2 Us i ng We a k Pa s sword s
St rong pa ssword s ca n be a good defe n sive
b a r r ie r a g a i n s t id e n t it y t h ie ve s C o n sid e r
u p d a t i n g yo u r s o c i a l m e d i a p a s s wo r d s t o i n cl u d e le t te r s , n u m b e r s , s p e c i a l c h a r a c te r s , o r ac r o ny m s t o m a ke t he m ha rde r t o g ue ss
It’s also wise to avoid usi ng these same social media passwords for you r email, ban k accou nt, credit ca rd , or
Using the same password across multiple channels – even
if it’s u n ique – can ma ke it even easier for an ident it y th ief to hack thei r way i nto mult iple accou nts I f you s t r u g g le t o r e m e mb e r mu lt iple p a s s wo r d s , con side r u si ng a se cu re d pa ssword m a n age r l i ke
Dashlane Password Manager or 1Password Tools like these allow you to create st rong passwords for ever y site you visit, without having to com mit them all to memor y 3 . O ve r sha r i ng
Social media makes people feel connected, but when it comes to sharing personal informat ion, i nfor mat ion T hat can i nclude th i ngs li ke you r:
Physical add ress
Phone nu mber Email
Place of work
From there, they may be able to get you r d r iver’s license nu mber and Social Secu r it y nu mber – givi ng them all the infor mation they need to set up a f raudulent credit ca rd accou nt or ma ke of f with you r t ax ref u nd It’s impor tant to educate yourself on social engineeri ng, i n wh ich ident it y th ieves of ten t r y to t r ick you i nto sha r i ng you r personal i nfor mat ion Be wa r y of social media quizzes and games – they may seem f u n, but they of ten collect a su r pr isi ng amou nt of personal d at a u nde r t he g u ise of ha r m le ss e nt e r t ai n me nt To help protect you rself, be su re to mai nt ai n you r pr ivacy set t i ngs so that on ly f r iends or cer t ai n g roups can view you r posts ( public posts a re a no -no). By givi ng away
increase your v ulnerabilit y to identit y thef t Steer clear!
4 Us i ng Geoloc a t ion Tags
Geolocat ion t ags essent ially tell you r f r iends and followers where you a re at any given t i me
If you snap a photo at home and post it to one of you r social media accou nts, the t ag may list you r act ual add ress as the locat ion, versus just the cit y T he level of det ail is what ident it y th ieves a re cou nt i ng on to steal you r personal i nfor mat ion To keep you r home add ress pr ivate, adjust the locat ion ser vices set t i ngs on you r social media accou nts before you post Facebook, Twit ter and I nst ag ram all allow you to t u r n locat ion d at a of f so you r home sweet home isn’t comprom ised Also, be awa re of new platfor ms and upd ates to exist i ng ones, as set t i ngs and feat u res can change, requi r i ng a reg ula r check to mai nt ai n you r pr ivacy
5 Checki ng In Eve r y whe re You G o Usi ng geot ags i n social posts can potent ially
to check i n when you’re hangi ng out with f r iends or t raveli ng, r ig ht? Not so fast Check i ng i n at the places you f requent most of ten – li ke the ban k, you r job, or the gy m – gives ident it y th ieves a wi ndow i nto you r
personal life If a cybercr im i nal k nows where you ban k, for example, and they’re able to get you r home add ress or other personal i nfor mat ion, they could use it
You may also want to th i n k t wice about t aggi ng people
If a th ief is able to see who’s on you r f r iends list or gai n access to thei r accou nt, they m ig ht be able to use that
Also, t aggi ng others can i nadver tently expose you r net work and personal i nfor mat ion
6 Sha r i ng Your Bi r t hday
Accept i ng bi r thd ay wishes th roug h social media puts you i n the spotlig ht for the d ay, but there may be an u n i ntended consequence if an ident it y th ief m isuses that i nfor mat ion
Consider this: 59% of adults in the U S use their birthdays and names to create online passwords 2 By shari ng you r bi r thd ay, you could be givi ng th ieves a f ree pass to access you r ban k or email accou nt, especially if you’re usi ng the same password for mult iple logi ns Here’s another t ip: Watch out for social media memes that a re bi r thd ay-focused – those social engi neer i ng scams we ment ioned ea rlier For example, you m ig ht come across a meme ent itled , “W hat k i nd of cat a re you?” on Facebook (Alt: Met a) To get you r results, you have to sha re you r bi r th month and d ay i n the com ments It’s a silly, m i ndless way to have a lit tle f u n on li ne T he t rouble is that ident it y th ieves can use
passwords or dig up other personal i nfor mat ion for potent ial t a rgets
7. Be i ng Fr ie nd s W i t h Eve r yone
Hav i ng a la rge social me d ia net work is great – if you act ually k now the people you’re con necting with However, it could get you into t rouble if you’re accepting invites f rom ever yone without taking
up fa ke social media accou nts T hese accou nts can act as a lau nch i ng poi nt for ph ish i ng scams or f raud at tempts T he next t i me you get a f r iend request f rom someone you don’t k now, you may want to th i n k t wice before accept i ng
Un for t u n at ely, ide nt it y t hef t isn’t goi ng away St ay v ig ilant! T he more proact ive you a re about keepi ng you r i nfor mat ion safe, the bet ter
To learn more about the secur it y processes we have i n place for your protect ion, contact Fi rst Hor i zon
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September sessions will look to reduce 2.8419 proposed millage
RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com
The Key Colony Beach City Commission agreed on July 18 to cap the city’s 2024-25 tax rate at no more than 2.8419 mills – in other words, $284.19 per $100,000 in property value – but will work to reduce that number in September.
Speaking to the commission and meeting attendees on July 15 and again last Thursday, Secretary/Treasurer Tom Harding said the proposed 2.8419 number would raise ad valorem tax revenues for the city by 10.37% over last year’s total dollar amount, commensurate with rising property values in the city. Approved in a unanimous vote, that figure now becomes the ceiling for budget talks this fall – the commission may lower the final tax rate, but can’t increase it any further.
The 2.8419 number is significantly higher than the rollback rate – the tax rate required to raise the same total revenues as the previous year – of 2.575 mills. But as Harding and Jennifer Johnson of accounting firm Bishop Rosasco told the commission, the answer should lie somewhere in the middle by the end of workshops in September.
Harding said his goal is to target a 2.76 final millage rate, which would increase revenues by 7.7% to account for inflation and salary increases, including an additional officer for KCB’s police department. An additional shortfall between budgeted revenues and expenses at that rate, he said, would be made up by drawing around $390,000 from the city’s reserve funds.
“One of the lessons we learned from Irma that we found and that the city of Marathon found is … everybody agreed you should target 12 months of your expenses in reserves,” he said. “When I look at that, it looks like we have some money we can use.”
Harding advised that the city should re-examine its building department fees, which he said could likely be lowered to avoid a legally-prohibited net profit, as well as look at increasing its vacation rental licensing fees, which he said were not fully competitive with surrounding jurisdictions.
As requested by the commission, Bartus will report directly to the mayor and implement policy directed by the commission as a whole, but will not have supervisory control over the city’s appointed officers and department heads, who will continue to report to the commission
Building rights transfer nixed
A proposal that would potentially send 18 of the 22 building rights from a destroyed KCB condo complex to the city of Marathon is no longer in the works, developer Luis Alonso told the commission.
“The sellers did not want to grant us an extension,” Alonso said. “We were set up in Tallahassee to meet with their departments … but at this time, we’re not under contract and we cannot pursue it any further.”
One of the main question marks for the budget will be the final cost of KCB’s fire and EMS expenses, determined through an agreement with the city of Marathon that has yet to be finalized.
Budget hearings are set for Tuesday, Sept. 3 and Tuesday, Sept. 17, both beginning at 5:05 p.m. in City Hall.
City administrator contract finalized
Three days after the unanimous hire of John Bartus as KCB’s next city administrator, the commission also unanimously approved a new twoyear employment agreement at Thursday’s meeting.
The contract provides for a base salary of $75,000 with a minimum of 25 working hours per week, and allows for a severance payment equal to three weeks of base salary in the event of termination by the city commission, except in cases of felony convictions, misconduct or voluntary resignation.
In June, the commission had granted Alonso permission to work with city and state staff on the details of the proposal. As outlined by Marathon Planning Director Brian Shea, but contested by land use director Donald Craig of the Spottswood Law Firm, the idea begged questions of legality and complications if building rights from units constructed in 1964 were sent from a municipality exempt from strict ROGO/BPAS regulations, such as Key Colony Beach, to a jurisdiction bound by these rules.
Utility board weighs solar Commissioner Tom DiFransico reported that while a previously-discussed idea to allow installation of solar panels on city-owned buildings by the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC) was not met with mutual interest, the city could still pursue a private installation to offset power used by its wastewater treatment plant.
A $300,000 installation by local solar installer SALT Energy on the roof of the city’s public works department, golf pro shop and maintenance building, potentially offset by roughly $100,000 in federal grant funding, could account for about 20% of the energy used by the wastewater plant, DiFransico said.
“Right now we don’t have $200,000 to invest in this … (but) I’d like to have SALT make a presentation to the utility board,” he said.
The commission unanimously approved for the utility board to consider a private installation. A solar installation was scheduled on Thursday’s agenda for discussion as a citywide referendum on November’s general election ballot, but was subsequently postponed.
In other news:
Following completion of the city’s new police union contract in June, Chief Kris DiGiovanni presented appreciation plaques on behalf of his department to Mayor Joey Raspe and Vice Mayor Freddie Foster. “I know everyone has shown us support, and I do appreciate it,” DiGiovanni said. “Those two, especially the mayor working through the contract, are making it an easy transition as we move up and forward.”
ALEX
Key Colony Beach Police Chief Kris DiGiovanni, right, presents a thankyou plaque to KCB Mayor Joey Raspe on behalf of his department following recently-completed union negotiations. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
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FURRY LITTLE FRIENDS
Critter Litters helps orphaned raccoons and opossums in Big Pine
JEN ALEXANDER www.keysweekly.com
In the Florida Keys, some residents find raccoons and opossums to be a bothersome presence. People complain about the animals' disruptive raids on garbage cans, their threatening hisses and the fear of contracting rabies. But for those who cherish life in the Keys and its special, irreplaceable ecosystem, these creatures are vital to maintaining a healthy balance, as are all the other creatures that make the Florida Keys their home.
Tracy Garcia, along with her board of directors, has opened up a special place where these animals can thrive. Critter Litters, whose operation began as a commercial venture but has since transformed into a nonprofit, a rehabilitation facility and finally a sanctuary, now provides safe refuges for neonatal abandoned and neglected small mammals like raccoons, opossums, squirrels and bunnies.
“Our goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and eventually release the animals back into the wild,” said Garcia. “We get calls from the SPCA, animal control, or people just know of us because of word of mouth or because they have heard of us on Nextdoor or Facebook.”
As of May 1, Garcia has had a heartwarming success story, rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing 28 small mammals back into their natural habitat. Some of these animals even arrived from well-meaning individuals who initially thought they could handle the responsibility of an exotic pet, but ultimately had a change of heart.
“It’s sad when we learn about people poisoning or shooting these precious animals,” Garcia said. “They can just call us and we will gladly come get them. These animals are a part of our environment. … Just like the endangered Key Deer, humans are their biggest threat.”
It's important to remember that for operations like Critter Litters, keeping certain wildlife in Florida requires a special permit. The FWC website clarifies that a Class III permit is necessary for a surprising variety of animals. This category encompasses both native and non-native species, including everything from brightly colored exotic birds (parrots, parakeets and finches) to curious
small mammals (foxes, skunks, raccoons and lemurs). The list also extends to a wide range of reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and iguanas) and all amphibian species (frogs, salamanders, etc.).
“Raccoons and opossums are very different animals," Garcia said. “Racoons are very loving as babies and have over 25 different vocal sounds; it’s pretty fascinating, actually. They like to be held and snuggled, whereas opossums could really care less. We definitely give the raccoon babies a lot of love and attention, but as they get older we have to ‘wild them up’ so that they won’t just approach humans after we release them.”
Neonatal raccoons are bottle-fed and given “lots of love,” Garcia said. After this phase, they are moved into groups with other babies for socialization, eventually making their way to outdoor cages.
“I teach them how to hunt, I teach them how to swim, I teach them how to catch fish and we will even go get crabs and teach them how to catch the crabs,” Garcia said. “It’s pretty much a full-time job around here as some of the babies eat every few hours. When we feel they are ready, it’s time to release them. We never release a single raccoon; it’s a death sentence to release them alone, so we always release them as a group. This way they have the best chance for survival. Opossums, on the other hand, are more solo creatures, so we can release them by themselves.”
With a dedicated teaching career, Garcia still manages to make time for the Critter Litters sanctuary, and is always seeking compassionate volunteers to lend a helping hand. For those who share her passion and want to contribute to her cause, she has an Amazon wish list filled with essential items.
“Most people think that the state or government funds rehabbers," said Garcia. “That’s just not true. Everything is out of pocket. We depend upon donations and fundraising events to support our animals.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/CritterLittersBPK or email critterlittersbpk@gmail.com. To donate to Critter Litters’ Amazon wish list, scan the QR code:
Critter Litters founder Tracy Garcia holds a rescued juvenile raccoon. JEN ALEXANDER/Keys Weekly
Volunteer Lexi Fels helps bottle-feed a baby raccoon.
KEYS CORAL GROUPS GET PROACTIVE IN BEATING THE HEAT
More funding, more emergency systems & more protocols
After last year’s coral calamities, the Florida Keys scientific and restoration community is again bracing for the heat.
This year, they’re more prepared.
“Last year we were caught a bit by surprise and had to react quickly,” said Mission: Iconic Reefs (MIR) co-lead Jennifer Moore. “But we learned a great deal and are much more prepared this year. Our program is simultaneously a restoration project and a research project. From the beginning, our intention was to create new knowledge and put it into practice in the field.”
In mid-July 2023, amid an intense marine heat wave, people began reporting signs of distress and death in various marine species. Many corals bleached and died. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) and coral practitioners throughout the Keys launched emergency efforts to move corals from nurseries in the ocean to deeper waters and/or holding tanks at Florida Institute of Oceanography’s Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) in Layton.
MIR partner Reef Renewal USA found that temporary deep water nurseries kept twice as many corals alive compared to inshore, shallow sites. On shore, KML’s 60 seawater tanks served as a triage station for more than 5,000 corals until it was safe for them to return to the waters in fall 2023. Both solutions proved vital to salvage efforts.
This year, NOAA already confirmed a fourth global coral bleaching event in April, and Keys coral caretakers are preparing.
In late June, the government agency took emergency steps to facilitate moving corals deeper in the ocean – should the need arise again. Building off Reef Renewal’s 2023 success, NOAA proposed three emergency nursery sites throughout the Keys.
To fund installation of the anchors for these zones, FKNMS turned to the community. Marine Preservation Society of the Florida Keys (MPS) and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association stepped
up to meet the challenge.
“The collaborative funding demonstrates just how much the local community cares and can work towards solving our complex challenges,” said MPS vice chairman Kurt Tidd.
On land, KML has similarly been preparing since last year’s corals left the building for this year’s heat.
“Last year, we definitely needed more landside capacity for the corals. Restoration groups were forced to crowd seawater tables in an effort to remove as many genotypes as possible from their offshore nurseries during the bleaching event,” said Emily Becker, senior biological scientist and seawater systems manager.
Every possible table that could house corals was full. In response and in preparation, KML is expanding its seawater system capacity, securing money to build a fourth system with an additional 20 to 24 seawater tables. The buildout will start this summer and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
For this summer, KML hosted a preparation and orientation workshop for all restoration partners. Becker reviewed many lessons from last year’s heat emergency:
• Regulatory agencies need a wellarticulated emergency management plan.
• Trigger points and criteria need to be defined, as well as what actions follow (genetic banking, moving select trees to deeper water, evacuating selected critical corals to land-based facilities).
• Have permits in place and sites prepped.
• React before corals are severely stressed.
• Don’t overload land-based tables.
KML has already purchased support supplies ahead of bleach events, so it can stand at the ready. This includes everything from coral food to improved tank pumps to algae-eating animals for the tanks.
The Marine Preservation Society was founded to respond real-time to emergent marine situations. Their board is made of locals who are dedicated to the local reefs. MARINE PRESERVATION SOCIETY/Contributed
“All of these items were purchased based on what we learned we needed after last year’s bleaching event,” Becker said.
KML also added remote alarm systems into all its seawater tables to detect temperature spikes and water flow interruptions. It also installed a new backup generator capable of powering the entire KML property, including all seawater systems, for seven to 10 days. These backups and alarms increase KML’s ability to serve as a safe haven for corals, said KML director and coral biologist Cynthia Lewis.
Finally, it is actively seeking funding for its regional oceanographic center in the Keys, a new multipurpose facility to serve the academic, research and restoration communities in the decades to come, Lewis said.
“Since the rescue of 2023, every effort has been made to prepare for a 2024 marine heating event,” said MPS volunteer director Sara Rankin. “Our coral practitioners should be lauded for collaboration and cooperation.”
But she added, “Moving corals to deep water or to land-based facilities for the summer is not a long-term solution. They are a short-term solution to preserve genetic lines from extinction. The bigger question we ask is what is the long-term plan for the corals and the various restoration programs.”
The City of Marathon vacation rental law requires a vacation rental property license for every dwelling unit that rents between 7 and 28 nights, and the unit cannot be rented for less than seven (7) nights. The renting of any private residence for a period of less than seven (7) nights is prohibited The City of Marathon researches and investigates vacation rental poperties to find and fine scofflaws. Violations of vacation rental law can be as high as $500 per day, per offense and can be up to $5,000 per occurrence.
The City also requires that each vacation rental unit be managed by a licensed agent or the owner. To learn more about Marathon’s vacation rental laws visit Marathon’s website at https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us, and you can take the City’s free vacation rental training course.. The training is free and the management license cost is free for owner-managed properties and $500 for agent-managed properties.
For other questions regarding vacation rental licensing please contact the City at 305-743-5266.
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SHARKS, THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BITTEN
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
The year was 1975. I had just turned 10 when the Steven Spielberg classic “Jaws” came out. On a hot summer day, I sat in a dark, air-conditioned movie theater while the terrifying fish swam back and forth across the screen. I had a bucket of popcorn dripping with butter between my legs.
Suffice it to say, the film stayed with me long after the credits rolled. For the rest of the summer, I was afraid of the water. I would not wade into the ocean or jump in the waves at the beach. I still swam in backyard pools but was always a little nervous for a second or two when I jumped in. Once or twice, even the bathroom shower made me shake a little. I remember standing in the shower, warm jets of water hitting my head and dripping off my cheeks. I remember staring down at the shower drain and imagining a killer shark breaking up through the little silver cover. Stupid, right?
I had not yet read the Peter Benchley novel on which the production was based. Most people who saw the film had not. Benchley’s seminal tale pricked a fearful nerve in the collective conscience that demonized the species as a whole to a worldwide audience. While writing a great story, he portrayed the toothy fish as a cold-blooded killer, and it became some of the most dangerous shark fiction ever written. According to him, if he knew what the book would do, he never would have written it.
When I moved to the Keys in 2001 and started snorkeling around the coral reefs, I felt a sharky tug of apprehension in the back of my mind. It was absolutely irrational, but a dorsal fin pierced the surface of my subconscious.
The first time I saw a real shark was thrilling. I had seen nurse sharks swimming by or resting on the bottom, but nurse sharks do not have that classic shark design. My first experience with one of the big fish that looks like a sleek predator at the top of the food chain was with a Caribbean reef shark. It is not the biggest shark, and this one was about 5 feet long, but the fish swished its tail back and forth and swam low and slow over the shallow coral reef like a boss.
I posted about sharks on my Facebook group, Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli, last week, and controversy erupted. It was a big picture to post, not for its clarity or resolution but for the rows of shark fins left out to dry on wooden tables. Back in the 1920s, Big Pine Key made a name for itself when it became home to the Hydenoil Products Company. Hydenoil was based out of New York and arrived on the island circa 1923.
The plant is said to have been located where Bogie Channel flows between Big Pine and No Name Key. A Miami News article, dated Nov. 16, 1930 and headlined “Shark Industry is Lusty One,” described aspects of the operation. According to the writer Cecil R. Warren, who interviewed the company’s Florida representative Mr. Eddy, Hydenoil planned to establish shark processing plants up and down the Florida coastline.
By 1930, the Big Pine plant had processed 20,000 sharks, including sawfish. Some 6,000 sharks had gone through the plant the previous summer. According to Eddy, nearly every part of the shark was used: “Hide for leather, liver for oils, fins for delicacies highly enjoyed by the Chinese,
white meat for food, eyes and teeth for bead, buttons, and jewelry, bone for ornaments (sharks have cartilage, not bones), and dark meat and residue for chicken meal and fertilizer.”
After posting the image of the shark fins drying on the wooden tables, fishermen called for the practice to be brought back. Hunt down the sharks. Get them out of the water because the sharks were taking nearly every fish being reeled back to the boat. “It’s an epidemic.”
No one likes hearing from the IRS. However, sometimes you have to pay the tax man.
In most parts of the world, the tax man refers to an agency demanding their dues. For fishermen in the Florida Keys, the tax man comes dressed in a form-fitting sharkskin suit. Some fishermen, at least locally, are complaining about having to compete with sharks for the fish they have hooked.
The problem is threefold for the fishermen because you can’t blame a shark for being a shark. First, the sound of the boat’s motor churning through the water is a beacon. Second, when a fish is hooked, it wriggles and thrashes in the water in an attempt to break the line or the hook, and those are precisely the kinds of vibrations that alert sharks to the presence of vulnerable prey. Also, a fish biting a hook and struggling to free itself releases blood into the water.
According to NOAA, worldwide about one in four species of sharks and rays is threatened with extinction. Locally, the small-toothed sawfish is a species of critical concern, but it is not the only one. Apex predators, sharks play an essential role in the balance of the ecosystems where they live. Remove them from the equation, and the imbalance will begin to compound.
Sure, no one is saying cull them all, just enough of them to make it easier to reel a fish back to the boat. If you remove the inconvenience factor, live sharks contribute mightily to Florida’s economy. Based on a 2016 study, recreational divers and snorkelers seeking shark encounters brought $221 million into the Florida economy. The sale of shark fins nationwide brought in $1.03 million, making it clear that a live shark is worth more to the Florida economy than a dead one.
Playing the part of devil’s advocate, perhaps one of the reasons there has been more competition between fishermen and sharks is the pressure being put on the fisheries by commercial and recreational fishermen.
Shark fins drying on tables at Big Pine Key circa 1940. STETSON KENNEDY COLLECTION/ Florida Keys History Center
$3.50
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MICROBURST, NOT TORNADO, RIPS THROUGH ISLAMORADA COMMUNITY
Trees topple onto homes, cars during short but intense storm
microburst event on the night of July 21 damaged this
Crews and neighbors respond to a downed tree at a Sioux Street residence on July 22, after a microburst event the night before ripped through the Islamorada community of Indian Mound. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
One would have concluded a tornado touched down around MM 89 by the sound of the wind and view of the destruction left in and around the Indian Mound community in Islamorada.
The surprising sequence of events occurred during the late night hours of July 21, when residents in the neighborhood, located on Plantation Key, were awakened to the sounds of wicked winds and a strong downpour around 11 p.m. on Sunday. When the storm passed, residents opened their doors to see all sorts of destruction. Large limbs were down, power lines dangled and garbage cans, mailboxes, outdoor furniture and other debris lined the street. A trampoline was sent into the trees.
Power was cut to hundreds of residents for several hours until it
Rizzo said the radar didn’t show any deep rotation in the storm system that would suggest it was a tornado.
In some of the hardest-hit sections on Iroquois and Sioux streets, residents and their friendly neighbors continued the cleanup on Monday morning.
No injuries were reported from the wild weather, per Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel and Village Manager Rob Cole. A response to clear roads and conduct safety checks began during the early overnight hours and into Monday afternoon, Cole said.
“Assessment efforts have included personnel from fire, building and code and public works departments,” Cole said.
Property owners in the affected areas of Indian Mound are advised to place compact vegetative debris in standard yard waste containers, with larger debris placed roadside for pickup by the village, Cole added.
Recounting the events
Sioux Street resident Brad Bertelli, whose front porch was struck by a tree, said the thunder and lightning started around 11 o’clock.
“It was raining and I was happy our yard was getting rain,” Bertelli said.
The wind soon picked up, and at the height of the storm a gumbo limbo fell into his patio.
was super concentrated.”
A resident on Ojibway Street said everything started flying everywhere. A screen cage over her raised pool is completely gone, said Debbie (who requested her last name not be used).
“All our furniture was over here, the furniture from our neighbor’s was over here, the furniture was over there. The BBQ ended up in the pool, just like my neighbor over there whose upstairs chair ended up in our pool,” she said.
More about a microburst
Per the National Weather Service, it all starts with the development of a thunderstorm and the water droplets/hailstones being suspended within an updraft.
was restored by Florida Keys Electric Cooperative crews during the early hours of Monday morning.
Jon Rizzo, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service out of Key West, said the activity wasn’t a tornado as many initially thought. Rizzo said damage assessments suggest it was a wet microburst, or a localized column of sinking air within a thunderstorm roughly 2.5 miles in diameter. Wind from microbursts can reach 100 mph or higher — equivalent to an EF-1 tornado.
From the damage he’s seen from Iroquois, Sioux and Navajo streets via photographs and videos, Rizzo said the winds within the microburst ranged anywhere between 60 and 85 mph.
“These events are rare in the Florida Keys, but not unprecedented,” Rizzo told Keys Weekly. “There wasn’t an impact to the whole length of Plantation Key. It was generally over an area 1 mile wide. During microbursts, the rise in wind is fast. It’s literally a matter of seconds.”
“By 11:30 it was done. I couldn’t go out the front door; the trees blocked access to the front door,” he said.
Residents and yard maintenance crews showed up quickly to help with the damage, working with chainsaws and excavators throughout the night and into the next morning.
“This was worse than Irma (for our neighborhood); we had more damage for sure,” said Bertelli. “It
“Sometimes an updraft is so strong it suspends large amounts of these droplets and hailstones in the upper portions of the thunderstorm. There are many factors that can lead to evaporational cooling (sinking air) and therefore weakening of the updraft. Once this occurs, it is no longer capable of holding the large core of rain/hail up in the thunderstorm. As a result, the core plummets to the ground. As it hits the ground, it spreads out in all directions. The location in which the microburst first hits the ground experiences the highest winds and greatest damage.”
A
Sioux Street residence. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
Large tree limbs and other debris fell on properties and streets in the Indian Mound community, near MM 89, bayside, in Islamorada. ZACK WOLTANSKI/Keys Weekly
A decorative hammerhead shark had its face ripped off from the storm event. TIFFANY DUONG/Keys Weekly
CHOCOLATE
12-year-old male doberman mix.
Looking for: A lap to lie in, forever.
Turnoffs: None. I’m one chill dude.
SWIPE RIGHT
Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA
Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.
From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.
See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.
Hurricane fosters needed! With hurricane season upon us, the SPCA needs volunteers and fosters in case of a storm. Over 100 animals would need to be evacuated, so it is crucial they all have homes in place before an impending storm. The SPCA pro-
8-year-old female pit bull mix.
Looking for: I’m a snuggly, sweet girl that wants unlimited kisses.
Turnoffs: Not getting attention.
DAISY
1-year-old female domestic shorthair.
Looking for: A mutual introvert who isn’t too needy.
Turnoffs: Sitting in your lap. No thank you.
vides everything you need; all you do is give an animal a safe haven during the storm and return them to the shelter once it’s safe – that is, if you don’t fall in love. For more information on becoming a hurricane foster, visit https:// fkspca.org/volunteer/become-a-fostervolunteer/ or call 305-743-4800.
Whether you are a resident or a snowbird, it is important to have your assets properly titled in a way that will avoid those assets going through probate.
KATHLEEN HENDRICKSON ATTORNEY AT LAW MASTERS OF LAW, ESTATE PLANNING 5701 Overseas Hwy • 305 393 2598
OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024 AT 1:00 P.M.
FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM
LUNA
Having Fun in the Middle Keys
music — and downloads — through the Freegal music streaming service. The platform offers 18 million songs from 200 genres — and is ad-free. CONTRIBUTED
LIBRARY OFFERS FREE MUSIC STREAMING
18 million songs in 200 genres now available
The Monroe County Public Library has added a music streaming service, allowing card holders unlimited streaming from a collection of 18 million songs in more than 200 genres of music.
Anyone with a Monroe County Public Library card can now log onto Freegal, either through a browser or the Freegal app, which is available for iPhones, Android and Kindle Fire. In addition to the ad-free streaming, cardholders can also download three songs each week, create and share playlists and more.
“The library system is enthusiastic to bring Freegal Music+ to our patrons in Monroe County,” said Michael Nelson, acting director of libraries. “The service offers a great opportunity to discover new music and build your own playlists of favorites from multiple genres including rock, R&B, classical, jazz and pop.”
To log in, go to keyslibraries.freegal music.com.
The library also offers an extensive collection of e-books, e-audiobooks and streaming video through the Libby and Kanopy apps, as well as online courses with LinkedIn Learning and Mango Languages and business and legal forms through Law Depot.
Any resident or property owner in Monroe County, as well as anyone with a military ID, can get a library card. To sign up, visit your local branch in Key West, Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada or Key Largo. You can also sign up online to get started right away – you’ll just need to visit the library within 90 days. For more information, go to keyslibraries.org/library-cards.
If you have questions, stop by or call your local branch or email info@keyslibraries.org.
— Contributed
from page 4
RESIDENTS CONTEST KAYAK LAUNCH ABANDONMENT
tional employees in the city’s Parks and Recreation department; and four new employees in the Public Works department.
Budget hearings are set for Tuesday, Sept. 17 and Tuesday, Sept. 24, both at 5:05 p.m. at City Hall. While the city council may reduce the millage in September’s hearings, the final millage may not exceed the now-approved 2.447.
“Over the next few months, I’d like to work down from (the 2.447 number),” said councilman Luis Gonzalez. “This is an increase over last year, and I’d like to minimize that.”
Affordable housing units granted extension
With unanimous agreement from the council, the recipients of 67 previously-awarded, but not yet constructed, affordable housing units will have an additional six months to obtain building permits or risk surrendering the units to the city for redistribution.
Originally given out by the city as a portion of the heavily-contested 1,300 affordable housing units sent to the Keys by thenGov. Rick Scott in 2018, the units are split among three projects in Marathon: a 14-unit project on Aviation Blvd. for local firm Coral Construction, a 12-unit project on 64th Street, and the remainder for the upcoming Valhalla Island Resort on Grassy Key.
Planning Director Brian Shea said that while Coral Construction is in the process of updating its plans to meet current building codes and Valhalla has entered the permitting process for a portion of its units, the 64th Street project is at a standstill.
Reminding the room of extensive litigation and appeals that called the legality of the units into question for several years, Smith said a significant portion of the permitting time frame shouldn’t be held against the applicants.
The units were officially protected by legislation that took effect July 1, 2023 following the 2023 Florida state session, at which point Marathon asked owners of incomplete projects to file for permits within one year.
“This isn’t a 2021 situation,” Smith said. “I do understand that there’s probably extenuating circumstances, and I want to treat everybody fair and make sure that we have progress in putting affordable housing units in the ground.”
Options on 20th Street
Following a June 28 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that upheld municipalities’ ability to ban camping in public areas, Williams said he would consult with the council and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office regarding a plan for the city’s homeless encampment on 20th Street.
“If we want to address it, we’re free to,” Williams said. “There’s a lot of latitude there in terms of what we do, if anything. … Our hands are not bound or tied, and we’re no longer waiting on a court decision.”
In other news:
• Areas previously designated as tow-away zones adjacent to Sombrero Beach’s paid parking will likely change to a $500 parking fine with a future ordinance change. The change comes following agreement by the council with Matlock’s concern that local towing companies are reluctant to shoulder the inherent risk from towing expensive vehicles in order to earn a $180 payout.
• Vice Mayor Lynn Landry asked the council to pursue a resolution that would remove a cap on water usage billing, previously set at 12,000 gallons per month in 2009.
A Monroe County library card now comes with free
On this day: In 1952, Puerto Rico became a self-governing U.S. co onwealth.
Ca ing Agent 99! Samsung is cha eling the 1960s TV series “Get Smart” with its newest tech release: the Shortcut Sneaker, with which one can make phone ca s. Gizmodo reported that the phone is operated with discrete f t movements, recognized by mo on sensors in the soles. Sadly, you’re not likely to get your dogs into them any me s n: The company is making just six pairs, available only to Samsung members in the Netherlands who enter to win by July 9.
Adam
In The Bleachers
Brevity
News of the Weird
Founded by Betty Debnam
The Paris Games
Thousands of athletes are coming together in Paris, France, to compete in the Games of the XXXIII
The opening ceremony will take place on July 26. Will you be watching the festivities?
Most of the events will take place in the city or nearby; there are 35 venues, or sites, for the games.
The medals
For the Olympic and Paralympic Games, designers included iron that had been removed and preserved from the Eiffel Tower over the years. The iron is marked with the emblem of the Games and set in the middle of gold, silver and bronze disks. On the reverse of the Olympic disks are images of Nike, the goddess of victory.
The mascots
The Phryges (FREEZH) are the mascots of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
During the time of the French Revolution, the red Phrygian cap was a symbol of freedom. Olympic officials said the design was chosen because it is a “strong symbol for the French Republic.”
Pictogram puzzle
A pictogram (PIC-toe-gram) is a symbol that represents something. For example, in ancient times, people drew pictograms (or pictographs) on rock walls to tell stories about their lives.
With each Olympics, pictograms are used to identify the events. The 2024 pictograms identify each of the Olympic sports as a coat of arms that includes a tool used in the event and the field of play.
The Mini Page challenges you to a matching game! Try to match these pictograms to the following Olympic events: 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, breaking, canoe slalom, cycling BMX freestyle, diving, equestrian jumping, hockey, skateboarding and surfing.
Residents of northern Nevada and parts of neighboring Idaho are being plagued by millions of Mormon crickets, which blanketed at least one highway so heavily that a tractor was needed to clear them. Social media video showed countless crickets crawling over a house, a church and other properties in Spring Creek, Nevada. The insects can inflict significant damage to crops and rangeland and are notorious for having destroyed the fields of early Mormon settlers.
Mini Fact: Rugby player Antoine Dupont lighted the cauldron in Toulouse, France, along the torch relay route.
Olympiad.
TRY ’N’ FIND
Words that remind us of the Summer Olympics are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN THE 100YEAR FLOODPLAIN AND WETLAND
MONROE COUNTY VOLUNTARY HOME BUYOUT PROGRAM
To: All Interested Parties, Groups & Individuals
This is to give notice that Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has determined that the following proposed action under the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), Federally-Funded Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Voluntary Home Buyout Program, HUD Grant No. B-17-DM-12- 001, is located in a Floodplain and Wetland. Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and wetland and the potential impacts on the floodplain and wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The project, Project ID ID070, is within Monroe County and previously contained a residence damaged by Hurricane Irma. The project is located at 31549 Old State Road 4A; 24.70130 -81.33548. The activity involves the voluntary buyout of the approximately 10.73 acre property at the above listed address, where the residence received damage due to Hurricane Irma and was subsequently demolished prior to program application. Monroe County proposes to retain a walkway within the property boundaries. Previously the damaged walkway was proposed to be removed, however after further site visits and greater consideration, the determination has been made that removal of the walkway would cause greater disturbance to the floodplain and wetland than to leave the structure as is. Removal of the walkway would potentially result in damage to the shallow estuarian environment where the walkway is located. The property has been dedicated in perpetuity to open space uses, storm water improvements or to restore and conserve the natural floodplain functions through a permanent restrictive covenant As previously planned, the offshore storm-damaged dock remnants will be removed. The entire parcel, approximately 10.73 acres, is within the 100 Year Floodplain Zone AE (A) Panel Number: 12087C1329K with an effective date 02/18/2005.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Monroe County will consider all comments received on or before August 12, 2024. To learn more about the Monroe County Voluntary Buyout Program, please visit our website at Voluntary Home Buyout Program | Monroe County, FL - Official Website (monroecounty-fl.gov). Monroe County encourages electronic submittal of comments at Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov (include subject: Early Floodplain/Wetland Notice Comments). As an alternative, comments may be submitted by mail to Monroe County, to the following address: Voluntary Home Buyout Program, attn: Cynthia Guerra, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037. If you need additional information or have questions, please contact Cynthia Guerra, VHBP Grant Manager, at Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov or (305) 453-8756.
Publish: July 25, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers
AVISO PRELIMINAR Y REVISIÓN PÚBLICA DE UNA ACTIVIDAD PROPUESTA ACTIVIDAD EN ÁREAS DE INUNDABLES Y EL HUMEDAL DE 100 AÑOS
PROGRAMA DE COMPRA VOLUNTARIA DE VIVIENDAS DEL CONDADO DE MONROE
Para: Todas las partes interesadas, grupos e individuos
Por la presente se notifica que la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Monroe ha determinado que la siguiente acción propuesta bajo el Programa de Compra Voluntaria de Viviendas del Subsidio en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario - Recuperación de Desastres (CDBG-DR), financiado federalmente por el Subsidio en Bloque para el Desarrollo ComunitarioRecuperación de Desastres (CDBG-DR), Numero de Subsidio HUD B-17-DM-12-001, está ubicada en una área plana inundable y humedal. La Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Monroe estará identificando y evaluando alternativas viables para ubicar la acción en la el área plana inundable y pantanosa y los posibles impactos en la acción de la propuesta del área plana inundable y humedal, según lo requerido por la Orden Ejecutiva 11988, de acuerdo con las regulaciones de HUD en 24 CFR 55.20 Subparte C Procedimientos para Hacer Determinaciones sobre la Gestión de Llanuras de Inundación y Protección de Humedales. El proyecto, ID de proyecto ID070, se encuentra dentro del condado de Monroe y anteriormente contenía una residencia dañada por el huracán Irma. El proyecto está ubicado en 31549 Old State Road 4A; 24.70130 hasta el 81.33548. La actividad implica la compra voluntaria de la propiedad de aproximadamente 10,73 acres en la dirección mencionada anteriormente, donde la residencia sufrió daños debido al huracán Irma y posteriormente fue demolida antes de la solicitud del programa. El condado de Monroe propone conservar un sendero dentro de los límites de la propiedad. Anteriormente se propuso eliminar la pasarela dañada, sin embargo, después de múltiples visitas al sitio y una mayor consideración, se determinó que la eliminación de la pasarela causaría una mayor perturbación a la llanura aluvial y al humedal que dejar la estructura como está. La remoción de la pasarela potencialmente resultaría en daños al ambiente del estuario poco profundo donde se encuentra la pasarela. La propiedad se ha dedicado a perpetuidad a usos de espacios abiertos, mejoras de aguas pluviales o para restaurar y conservar las funciones naturales de la llanura aluvial a través de un convenio restrictivo permanente. Como se planeó previamente, los restos del muelle en alta mar dañados por la tormenta serán eliminados. La parcela completa, aproximadamente 10,73 acres, se encuentra dentro de la zona de llanura aluvial de 100 años AE (A) Número de panel: 12087C1329K con fecha de vigencia el 18/02/2005. Hay tres propósitos principales para este aviso. Primero, las personas que puedan verse afectadas por actividades en áreas planas inundables y humedales y aquellas que tengan un interés en la protección del entorno natural deben tener la oportunidad de expresar sus preocupaciones y proporcionar información sobre estas áreas. Se alienta a los comentaristas a ofrecer sitios alternativos fuera de las áreas planas inundables y el humedal, métodos alternativos para cumplir con el mismo propósito del proyecto y métodos para minimizar y mitigar los impactos. Segundo, un programa adecuado de aviso público puede ser una herramienta educativa pública e importante. La difusión de información y la solicitud de comentarios públicos sobre áreas planas inundables y humedales pueden facilitar y mejorar los esfuerzos federales para reducir los riesgos y los impactos asociados con la ocupación y modificación de estas áreas especiales. Tercero, como cuestión de equidad, cuando el gobierno federal determina que participará en acciones que se llevarán a cabo en áreas planas inundables y humedales, debe informar a aquellos que puedan estar en mayor o continuo riesgo.
El Condado de Monroe considerará todos los comentarios recibidos en o antes del 12 de agosto de 2024. Para obtener más información sobre el Programa de Compra Voluntaria del Condado, visite nuestro sitio web en Voluntary Home Buyout Program | Monroe County, FL - Official Website (monroecounty-fl.gov). El condado de Monroe fomenta el envío electrónico de comentarios en Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov (incluya el asunto: Comentarios sobre el aviso temprano sobre llanuras aluviales/humedales). Como alternativa, los comentarios pueden enviarse por correo al condado de Monroe, a la siguiente dirección: Voluntary Home Buyout Program, a la atención de: Cynthia Guerra, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037. Si necesita información adicional o tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Cynthia Guerra, VHBP Grant Manager, a Guerra-Cynthia@monroecounty-fl.gov or (305) 453-8756.
Fechas de publicación: 25 de julio de 2024 en El Keys Weekly
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on August 12th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037
Sheila Chamberlain – 1167
$424.15
Sherrian Cotter – 1732
$566.34
Publish: July 25 and August 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
LEGAL NOTICE
Pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (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 MiamiDade, Broward, and Monroe Counties. To obtain information, please contact the SoFlaLEPC Coordinator at (954) 924-3653. Publish: July 25, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024-CP-000352-P IN RE: ESTATE OF HARLAN LEONARD-POTTS WENDELL Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Harlan Leonard-Potts Wendell, deceased, whose date of death was February 11, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Hwy., Tavernier, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ attorneys 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 25, 2024.
Attorneys for Personal Representatives:
Shaina Kamen
Florida Bar Number: 70539
Cristina Papanikos
Florida Bar Number: 715832
Holland & Knight LLP
Attorney for Thayer W. McKenzie,
Personal Representative
701 Brickell Ave., Suite 3300
Miami, Florida 33131
Telephone: (305) 789-7686
Fax: (305) 789-7799
E-Mail: shaina.kamen@hklaw. com
E-Mail: cristina.papanikos@ hklaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: diana.musa@ hklaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: brenda.scott@ hklaw.com
Matthew Turko
Florida Bar Number: 30261
Cummings & Lockwood, LLC
Attorney for Harlan L.P. Wendell, Jr., Personal Representative
3001 PGA Boulevard, Suite 104
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Telephone: (561) 214-8502
Fax: (239) 430-3338
E-Mail: mturko@cl-law.com
Publish: July 25 and August 1, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024-CP-000359-P IN RE: ESTATE OF LAWRENCE P. BRADY, JR. Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of LAWRENCE P. BRADY, JR., deceased, whose date of death was May 11, 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
NOTICE OF HEARING TO IMPOSE AND PROVIDE FOR COLLECTION OF STORMWATER SERVICE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Notice is hereby given that the City Commission of Key Colony Beach, Florida, will conduct a public hearing to consider imposing stormwater service assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2024, against properties located within the incorporated area of the City, to fund the cost of stormwater management services, facilities and programs provided to such properties and to authorize collection of such assessments on the tax bill.
The public hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. on August 15, 2024, at the City of Key Colony Beach – Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051 for the purpose of receiving public comment on the proposed assessments. All affected property owners have a right to appear at the hearing and to file written objections with the City Commission within 20 calendar days of the date of this notice. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be made. It is the policy of the City of Key Colony Beach to comply with all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons who need accommodations in order to attend or participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk at 305-289-1212 at least 48 hours prior to this meeting in order to request such assistance.
The Stormwater Service Assessments are proposed to fund the City's cost to provide Stormwater Management Services in the area shown above. The Stormwater Service Assessments are imposed upon each lot and parcel within the City for services and facilities provided by the stormwater management utility. For purposes of imposing the Stormwater Service Assessment, all lots and parcels within the City are classified into the following two customer classes: (1) Residential, which includes vacant properties zoned residential and (2) Commercial, which includes governmental, hotels and other.
The Stormwater Service Assessment imposed shall be the rate of eighty dollars ($80.00) per residential unit or residential vacant lot or one hundred sixty-five dollars ($165.00) per commercial parcel. The total annual stormwater assessment revenue to be collected within the City of Key Colony Beach for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $125,000.
Copies of the ordinance and other legal documentation for the assessment program are available for inspection at the City Clerk's office, located at City Hall600 West Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051.
If you have any questions, please contact the City at 305-289-1212, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The assessments will be collected on the ad valorem tax bill to be mailed in November 2024, as authorized by section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. Failure to pay the assessments will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the property which may result in a loss of title.
CITY COMMISSION OF KEY COLONY BEACH, FLORIDA
Publish: July 25, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers
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 732.216732.228, 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 25, 2024.
Personal Representative: Melissa B. Hemmert 5633 Strand Blvd. Suite 306
Naples, Florida 34110
Attorney for Personal Representative: Jeffrey R. Grant
Attorney
Florida Bar Number: 63918
Grant Cottrell, PLLC 5147 Castello Drive Naples, FL 34103
Telephone: (239) 649-4848
Fax: (239) 643-9810
E-Mail: jeff@grantcottrell.com
Secondary E-Mail: jennifer@ grantcottrell.com
Publish: July 25 and August 1, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
UPPER KEYS PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-000287-P
IN RE: ESTATE OF SCARLETT R. MILLER, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of SCARLETT R. MILLER, deceased, whose date of death was November 28, 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, 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
INVITATION TO BID (ITB)
The City of Key Colony Beach cordially invites interested contractors to complete and submit sealed bids by August 29th, 2024, no later than 9:30 a.m., for the following project.
PICKLEBALL/TENNIS COURT PROJECT
ITB 2024-03
THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF: Construct two (2) tennis courts and six (6) pickleball courts at 7th and 8th Street Parks to be submitted by August 29, 2024 at 9:30 a.m.
All bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope to City Administrator John Bartus at 600 W. Ocean, Key Colony Beach, Florida 33051 (mailing address PO Box 510141, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051), no later than August 29th, 2024 at 9:30 am clearly marked ‘Sealed Bid for the City of Key Colony Beach ITB 2024-03’ along with the name of your rm. Each bid must have one original and three copies. The bid manual, requirements and specifications are available on DemandStar at www.Demandstar.com.
All questions regarding the bid process should be directed to City Administrator John Bartus at cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net
DATE TIME ACTION
07-29-2024 9:30 a.m. Release Solicitation
08-08-2024 9:30 a.m. Non-Mandatory Site Visit
(Open to Public –7th and 8th Street Parks, Key Colony Beach, FL)
08-15-2024 4:00 p.m. Last day for submission of written questions to the City
08-22-2024 4:00 p.m. Last day for the City to post answers to questions
08-29-2024 9:30 a.m. Bid Due & Opening (Open to Public – Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL)
09-13-2024 9:30 a.m. Review Committee Meeting Recommendation to Award*
*Can be posted on or before date (Open to Public – Marble Hall, 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL)
09-19-2024 9:30 a.m. City Commission Meeting – Final Award (Open to Public – 600 W. Ocean Dr., Key Colony Beach, FL)
City of Key Colony Beach
600 W Ocean Drive, Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
Contact
Mailing Address
John Bartus, City Administrator PO Box 510141 cityadministrator@keycolonybeach.net Key Colony Beach, FL 33051
Publish: July 25 & August 1, 2024. The Weekly Newspapers
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 25, 2024. Personal Representative: JOSEPH L. BERTOLAMI 80908 Overseas Highway Islamorada, FL 33036 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070
E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw.com
Publish:
July 25 and August 1, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-279-P
DIVISION: PLANTATION KEY IN RE: ESTATE OF SELBY GREGORIE VENNING, III Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Selby Gregorie Venning, III, deceased, whose date of death was January 4, 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 representatives and the personal representatives’ attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
The date
Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938
Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: rmiller@floridakeyslaw. com
Secondary E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com
Publish:
July 25 and August 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-DR-516-M DIVISION: FAMILY
PAUL DUDLEY ROWE, Petitioner, and SUSAN ALBRECHT, Respondent.
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
TO: SUSAN ALBRECHT
RESPONDENT’S LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 296 66TH STREET, APT. B, MARATHON, FL 33050
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 August 22, 2024, Petitioner’s Attorney, at The Manz Law Firm, 5701 Overseas Highway, Suite 7, Marathon, FL 33050, Phone 305-743-2351, on or before September 30, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court at 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 before service on Petitioner’s attorney 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 22, 2024
Kevin Madok, CPA
Clerk of the Circuit Court Monroe County, Florida
By: Leslie Rodriguez Deputy Clerk
Publish: July 25 and August 1, 8 & 15 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
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 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.
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.
For a detailed description of the position, please visit klfirerescueems.com All interested individuals kindly submit your resume with a cover letter to clerk@klfrems.org
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
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 Manager-Middle Keys, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker, and HVAC Maintenance Mechanic $64.480-$72,800/yr. plus benefits. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621. Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www.kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968.
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 Largo - 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/month 786-258-3127
Single family, elevated canal-front home for long term rental in Marathon. 3BR/2BA, furnished (optional), wrap around balcony, pool, jacuzzi, 40 ft dock, W/D. $5,500/mo. Call Maria 305-725-8150
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
STORAGE AVAILABLE
Gated storage & parking available in Marathon for boats, trailers & RV's - across from boat ramp - MM 54. $8-$10/foot. 305-610-8002
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
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.
WE ARE HIRING!
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
or email info@floridakeysaquariumencounters.com 11710 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON
DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002
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
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.
Moorings Village is seeking friendly, self motivated, team players for the position:
LIVE IN PARADISE AND SEE DOLPHINS PLAY EVERYDAY!
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER is a fun, environmentally friendly non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation specializing in education, research, and rescue of marine mammals.
We have openings in multiple departments. Please scan the QR code to visit the careers page on our website.
DRC seeks to provide for the well-being of its employees by offering a competitive total package.
DRC currently offers a 401k retirement plan, medical benefits, HSA account, paid holidays, vacation, sick and an employee assistance program.
DRC also provides life and disability insurance at no cost to the employee.
COME JOIN THE FAMILY!
Email your resume and a DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE
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)
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
- 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 are now hiring for the following positions:
Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
