Key West Weekly 24-0801

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH BUFFETT BIOGRAPHER

RYAN WHITE DISCUSSES THE SINGER ON AUG. 30 | P. 14

ENDORSEMENT RIFT DIVIDES KEYS REPUBLICANS

RACE FOR SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS GETS UNLIKELY ATTENTION | P. 4

QUEER KEYS OPENS NEW COMMUNITY CENTER

LGBTQ+ RESIDENTS, VISITORS & FRIENDS ARE WELCOME | P. 19

LAWSON

Private Island Oasis

This unique private island was developed as an off-grid, private family retreat for a multi-generational remote getaway. Now, this breathtaking 9.69-acre turnkey opportunity is on the market, inviting you to live your offshore island dream or invest in a one-of-a-kind vacation rental experience. Situated off mile marker 25 in Summerland Key, Florida Keys, Howell Key is just a 5-minute boat ride . With direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, your watersport dreams can come true daily. Proximity by boat is close to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, many sand bars, and the famous 5-star Little Palm Island Resort and Spa. This inviting island sanctuary features dockage accommodating vessels up to 50 feet and an electric gate leading to the marina lagoon. The energy-efficient, immaculate five-bedroom, four-bath home boasts a saltwater pool, exposed beam ceilings, travertine tile throughout, and SIPS panel technology construction. Additional structures on Howell Key include a guest house, garage, animal pens, pickleball court, tiki hut with beach, helipad, and finger dock with a covered sitting area. Plus, a second ROGOexempt permit allows for constructing another dream home. This completely turnkey, fully furnished property provides a peaceful, tropical escape from the ordinary. The purchase includes a completely fenced-in Shore Station Lot only minutes away to leave vehicles and your personal ferry on its 58’ seawall.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK ON THE COVER

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0The number of days left before you can finally enjoy a football game. With NFL training camps underway, the preseason officially kicks off with the Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans in Canton, Ohio on Thursday, Aug. 1. The regular season kicks off Sept. 5 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.

ENDORSEMENTS EXPOSE RIFT IN KEYS GOP

Individuals break with Republican Executive Committee

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

With the Aug. 20 primary election three weeks away, the race for supervisor of elections in Monroe County has been getting an unlikely amount of attention.

Two Republicans — Margaret Romero and Sherri Hodies — will face off in the Aug. 20 primary. The winner of that will face Democrat Ron Saunders in November.

All three candidates have been collecting endorsements from groups and individuals, some of which highlight a growing divide within the Monroe County Republican Party.

Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, a Republican, issued one of the earliest endorsements in the race, supporting Saunders shortly after he announced his candidacy.

In May, the county’s Republican Executive Committee (REC) endorsed Hodies, who is the treasurer of that group, despite opposition from several members, who said Hodies did not receive the required number of votes for the endorsement, which came with a $20,000 check.

Other members of the REC opposed the endorsement on the basis that it should not have occurred in a primary that included another Republican.

“You don’t endorse a sameparty candidate in a primary when you have two Republicans running,” former Key West city commissioner Mark Rossi, a longtime member of the Southernmost Republican Club in Key West, told the Keys Weekly in May.

In response to the Keys Weekly’s questions about the REC endorsement, Hodies said on July 30, “This is the facts: There is an application process. Any Republican (you do not need to be a member of the Republican Executive Committee) can ask for the application, money and/or an endorsement. There are rules for this application process. I followed the rules. My opponents and their supporters want to paint me as if I don’t follow the rules when in fact, I do. Several other Republicans asked, followed the rules and received funds as well.”

More recently, Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, also a Republican and a member of the REC, endorsed Romero, in opposition to the REC’s support of Hodies. School board member John Dick, who is also a member of the REC, endorsed Romero.

The competing endorsements highlight an ongoing divide in the local Republican party.

“Over the past months, I have witnessed rudeness and disrespect in local and countywide REC meetings by certain leadership and become aware of various internet postings,” Romero told the Keys Weekly. “My opinion is that a few people will do and say anything to achieve their personal agendas. Such behaviors seem to have created a divisiveness in the party that is neither becoming, nor beneficial to our entire Keys community – especially as voters are seeking people who will impartially serve in responsible positions with high ethics, respect for all and follow the rules.”

Romero also received the endorsement of the Key West firefighters, while Hodies was endorsed by the South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which includes about 400 members of Keys law

by the Key West Art & Historical Society, on Aug. 30. See page 14. LAWSON

enforcement and more than 1,000 members in Miami-Dade County.

Hodies’ PBA endorsement, like the REC one, also came with some pushback, as no PBA members in the Florida Keys were consulted before the group endorsed Hodies.

Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida PBA, told the Keys Weekly last month that he was approached at a PBA gala in the spring by Rhonda Rebman-Lopez, chair of the Republican Executive Committee, and Hodies, who asked him for the PBA’s endorsement.

“But I would have done things differently with the endorsement,” Stahl told the Keys Weekly, adding that he was unaware that any other candidates were in the race for supervisor of elections and acknowledging that no PBA members from the Keys were consulted.

Hodies told the Keys Weekly, “I have the utmost respect for the PBA, their membership and their endorsement process. If you want to question their process, you will have to contact them. But I will say that my family, my husband and I have always supported the blue, as well as all first responders. We respect and love them; and have taught our children and grandchildren to do the same.”

The endorsement war also includes a national one for Hodies, who was mentioned last month in an article by the right-wing news site Gateway Pundit with the headline, “There are MAGA candidates up for election in Florida challenging the RINOs.”

The article lists 11 candidates for supervisors of elections in Florida counties, and says that all are part of a “slate of candidates endorsed by Mike Lindell,” the founder of MyPillow, a passionate supporter of Donald Trump and an outspoken election denier.

Hodies posted the Gateway Pundit article on her campaign Facebook account on July 11.

Jimmy Buffett biographer Ryan White will discuss the late singer/songwriter’s life and times during a lecture at Tropic Cinema, sponsored

LITTLE/ Courtesy of KWAHS

KEYS TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL BOARD HIRES NEW CEO/PRESIDENT

Contract negotiations are underway; Kara Franker says she’s ready to start work

GWEN FILOSA

gwen@keysweekly.com

The board of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council voted on July 30 to hire Kara Franker, a destination marketing executive and attorney who has previously worked in South Florida, to take the helm of the Keys multimillion-dollar tourism agency as its first president/CEO.

A county-appointed committee unanimously chose Franker from four finalists left standing, after the job search began months earlier, at a July 26 meeting. Both sides still need to negotiate a few contract terms.

“I am grateful to the TDC board for having the confidence in me to join the team," Franker told Keys Weekly after the vote. "I have so much respect for their leadership and for the current team. I have lots to learn and plan to speak with as many people as possible to get insight and advice. I’m excited."

Franker would officially work for Visit Florida Keys, the nonprofit that employs TDC staff. She will answer to the unpaid TDC board members.

The hiring comes after a tumultuous period for the TDC, which is funded through a bed tax collected from hotel and lodging establishments. The bed taxes fund marketing campaigns, special event advertising and some building projects to promote the Keys, where the main economic engine is tourism, as a destination.

On Oct. 31, 2023, County Clerk Kevin Madok released the first in a series of audits critical of the financial practices at the TDC.

In March, the TDC board unanimously approved a motion by County Mayor Holly Raschein, who sits on the TDC board as a representative of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, to fire the TDC's marketing director, Stacey Mitchell.

County Tourist Development board members George Fernandez, left, and Bobby

far right, speak with Kara Franker after the board voted July 30 to hire her as the TDC’s first president/CEO. JASON KOLER/Keys Weekly

County leaders, including longtime County Administrator Roman Gastesi, later stuck up for Mitchell, saying the TDC has needed a chief financial officer on staff in addition to a marketing leader, which was Mitchell’s specialty.

Mitchell didn't speak publicly at the TDC meetings where her employment status was discussed. But her attorney, Zachary Zermay, eventually appeared at a meeting to tell the board Mitchell was treated unfairly. Zermay told Keys Weekly he is preparing a wrongful termination lawsuit to file by the end of the year.

Zermay said Mitchell is being “thrown under the bus” because she became a political target over $150,000 in TDC funding of Monroe County’s recent 200th anniversary celebration.

“It’s an election year,” Zermay said.

The request was initially denied because of a deadline issue. But the money to pay for a drone fireworks show in March 2023 was eventually provided by the TDC.

CATCHES YIELD NO MAJOR CASES

Two boating incidents seen during lobster mini-season

No arrests or major wildlife cases were reported by law enforcement agencies during a two-day lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys.

A few incidents on the water, however, kept first responders busy during the sport season.

Beginning a minute past midnight on July 24 and concluding at midnight on July 25, locals and visitors were able to grab their bag limits — six lobsters per person, per day in Monroe County. Sheriff’s deputies, state wildlife officers and U.S. Coast Guard crews were among the agencies patrolling the waters up and down the island chain to ensure bug catchers measured their catches correctly and abided by other state and local regulations.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation reported no major resource cases. In the Lower Keys, state wildlife officers were called to Boca Chica Bridge after a 20-year-old snorkeler from Seminole was struck by a boat a little past 8 a.m. on July 24. According to FWC, a 19-foot Stratos operated by Mark Johnson,

of Key West, was passing under the bridge when it struck Sean Steven Bender. He was airlifted to a Miami hospital with severe injuries to his arm.

“This is an active investigation,” said FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender.

More than 500 vessel stops by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office yielded no arrests during the two days. Deputies issued 12 mandatory court citations for those who possessed undersized lobsters. In the Lower Keys, deputies rescued four people from a sinking vessel on the oceanside near MM 39 on July 24. Deputies responded to the scene around 11:30 a.m. to find a boat taking on water. The four people, who weren’t identified, were successfully retrieved from the sinking vessel.

Lobsters weren’t the only catch during the two-day lobster miniseason. On July 24, a diver searching for lobster found a package of cocaine roughly a mile offshore of Tavenier. The package was turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol.

—

Sheriff’s Sgt. James Hager with a boat of bug catchers in Key Largo.

Sheriff’s deputies respond to a sinking vessel in the Lower Keys on July 24. Four people on board were rescued. MCSO/Contributed

Monroe

Mongelli,

www.hollymerrillraschein.com

Dedicated to Monroe County

County Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein has dedicated herself to serving on the county commission with honor and integrity, tirelessly working to help improve the lives of Monroe County’s families, businesses and students.

With two decades of public service representing our community, Holly’s unwavering commitment is focused on making Monroe County the best it can be.

Holly Merrill Raschein is always fighting for the Florida Keys!

MINI MUSIC FEST HIGHLIGHTS LOBSTER MINI-SEASON

Rams Head & Brightwild bring Nashville artists to town

Key West’s inaugural Mini Music Fest took place July 24-27 to coincide with lobster mini-season. The fourday festival featured 15 songwriters performing at various venues each evening, often paired with lobster dinner specials.

The event wrapped up with an all-star show at Key West Theater.

Robert Spottswood Jr., a key founder of the event, explained the festival’s mission as a way to “transform Florida’s lobster mini-season

TEENS SWITCH CITIES WITH AMERICAN EXCHANGE PROJECT

Key West hosts 5 young visitors from across the country

Travel is a powerful teacher. New places offer new perspectives and personal connections can dissolve political assumptions.

In a nation divided and defined by its differences, one nonprofit group is committed to bridging the gaps, one young person at a time.

The American Exchange Project (AEP) rethinks the traditional foreign exchange programs that for decades have been sending students across the world, often with remarkable and life-changing results. Founded in 2019, AEP focuses not on the distance a student travels, but the difference they experience by spending time in a U.S. town that’s entirely unlike their own, with other teens from other places and backgrounds. And the week they spend in another place costs the student nothing — other than spending money for souvenirs. Airfare, lodging, meals and activities are covered.

“We’re stitching our country together, one student, one high school, one hometown at a time,” states the AEP website at americanexchangeproject.org.

Key West High School, one of about 53 partner high schools in 31 states that has recently joined AEP, last week welcomed five recent high school graduates, all of them 18.

Travelers with American Exchange Project have lunch at Moondog Cafe on July 30 after a tour of the Hemingway Home & Museum. Clockwise from top, Tiegin Monson, facilitator Kimberly Rein, Lizette Tenorio, Alana Amith, Semaria Henderson, Stephanie Villegas and Champ Cunningham visit from Texas, Washington and Pennsylvania. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

“Toxic polarization has moved into our daily lives, corroding our faith in one another and our democracy, shaping the choices we make, the people we associate with, and the places we call home,” the website states. “As a consequence, our kids are growing up isolated in bubbles that … limit their development as young adults and young citizens.

into a weekend-long celebration that showcases the immense value of our environment and, specifically, our lobster resources.”

Artists included Abby Anderson, Jerrod Niemann, Dave Fenley, Wyatt Durrette, James Otto, James Kennedy, Channing Wilson, Nick Norman, Rebecca Brunner, Billy Dean, Maggie Baugh, Josiah Siska, Jake Puliti, Jason Lamson and Cade Mower.

The group stayed in a downtown rental house and spent a week exploring the island and connecting with each other and with an assortment of local high school students who joined them for snorkeling trips, museum tours, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and other activities.

Kimberly Rein, director of the media center at KWHS, was the AEP exchange manager. She worked with Chuck Licis, director of Monroe County’s Take Stock in Children scholarship program, to create an itinerary for the visiting students, and start publicizing the opportunity for Key West students to travel to another city next summer.

The nonprofit program operates with private donations and grants from the Hearthland Foundation, founded by Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw.

“Welcoming the stranger, hometown pride, a deep love of our children, and a reverence for the character building journey — these are deeply American ideals. AEP harnesses them, along with the energy and curiosity of young people, to create a solution: a free domestic youth exchange program.”

AEP aims to show the next generation that despite our diverse backgrounds, we are fundamentally similar – and to empower them to become agents of change in their own communities and beyond.

Signups open on Oct. 1 and close in January. Students learn where they’re headed on March 1.

Founder David McCullough III created the project in 2019 after a two-month road trip that included Boston, Ohio, Texas and South Dakota. In all places, he made friends with fellow Americans who seemed at first like “foreigners,” who taught him new words, new ideas, new ways of life.

An all-star lineup of Nashville singers and songwriters wraps up the inaugural Mini Music Fest at Key West Theater July 27. LARRY BLACKNBURN/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Florida Keys’ & Cuba’s Finest Regional Art

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso HAVANA ART BIENNIAL TOUR – November 22-26, 2024

Abel Barroso is one of the most critially acclaimed artists in Cuba. Born in 1971 in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. He was educated at the National School of Visual Arts and the Higher Institute of Art, both in Havana, Cuba. Using meticulous craftsmanship and a dry delivery, he creates playful mixed media works that often invite the viewer to interact. Satirical and witty, Barroso shadows the political content of his work behind lighthearted vision. His concerns address issues arising between so-called First and Third World countries. The Third World Internet Cafe, Barroso’s installation at the 7th Havana Biennial in 2000, featured computers fashioned out of wood and paper and handcranked scrolling by the viewer delivering a humorous commentary on contemporary Cuban life. His work has been extensively exhibited and can be found in major museums and institutions around the world, such as the Museum of Modern Art, New York (MOMA); the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; the National Museum of Fine Arts, Havana, Cuba.

Abel Barroso

STATE RELEASES SCHOOL GRADES

Monroe County gets 8 A schools, 6 Bs and 3 Cs

The Florida Department of Education released school grades last week and Monroe County Schools showed significant gains across all areas, according to a statement from the school district.

Six schools improved a letter grade and 10 schools maintained their grade from last year. Poinciana Elementary, Plantation School, Treasure Village Montessori and Somerset Prep each improved to an A grade. Key Largo School moved to a B grade and May Sands Montessori improved to a C.

Overall, there were eight A-graded schools in the district: Poinciana Elementary, Plantation School, Sigsbee Charter School, College of the Florida Keys (CFK) Academy, Ocean Studies Charter, Somerset Prep Academy, Treasure Village Montessori; six B-graded schools: Coral Shores High School, Key West High School, Marathon Middle/High School, Sugarloaf School, Stanley Switlik Elementary, Key Largo School; and three C-graded schools: Gerald Adams Elementary, Horace O’Bryant School and May Sands Montessori.

CFK Academy is the district’s newest charter school, and its leaders said they are proud of their initial accomplishments with an A grade.

“Just a few years ago, we set a vision to establish new educational opportunities to further serve the families of our community,” said CFK President Jonathan Gueverra. “Today, we have an A grade high school that demonstrates our commitment to academic excellence and innovation. CFK employees and especially CFK Academy principal Wendy McPherson and her staff have put an incredible amount of time, energy and creativity to get the Academy functioning at its peak.”

One of the most noteworthy improvements was in learning gains. Monroe County School District is close to reaching its strategic plan’s goal of 62% learning gains overall with 61% in math and 60% in English/language arts.

The district received an overall grade of B, earning 62% points overall, just two percentage points from an A. With this improvement, the district moves up in state rankings from 36th to 26th place among all 60 or so Florida school districts.

“I am very proud of the work we have done in the district,” said Superintendent Theresa Axford. “Principals and teachers have been focused and it has made a difference for our students.”

FLORIDA KEYS SCENIC CORRIDOR ALLIANCE HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING

The Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance (FKSCA) will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Hampton Inn in Marathon, located at 13351 Overseas Highway. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. and concludes at 1:30 p.m.

Established in 2007, FKSCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the scenic, historic and recreational qualities of the Florida Keys. The organization played a pivotal role in securing the All-American Road designation from the National Byways Association in 2009, a recognition that followed the designation of U.S. 1 as a Florida Scenic Highway by the state in 2001. Currently, there are only 57 AllAmerican Roads in the nation.

The meeting will feature presentations from officials of the statewide scenic highway program, focusing on the critical efforts to maintain the safety and cleanliness of U.S. 1. A highlight of the meeting will be a presentation by Big Belly Trash Compactors on solarpowered trash cans, ideally suited for placement along the 110 miles of the All-American

Road.

Additionally, attendees will receive an updated presentation on the plans for the Long Key Bridge renovation, an important project for the region.

The annual meeting is open to all. Registration can be completed at the door or at www.scenichighwayflkeys. com. Registration fees are $40 for individuals, which includes an individual membership and lunch, and $65 for businesses, which also includes a business membership and lunch.

The FKSCA board meets monthly on the second Thursday, working to promote and protect the scenic qualities of the Florida Keys.

More information is available from Judy Hull at director@islamoradachamber.com or 305-394-3539.

— Contributed

Channel 5 Bridge. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE COUNTY COMMISSION

Dear Mayor Raschein and Monroe County Commissioners:

Our 17 organizations represent many thousands of residents of the Keys. We have been watching with interest the county’s efforts toward taking a position on how many (if any) new ROGOs should be requested from the state. In our view, the county has not performed and provided to Keys residents the necessary analysis of the potential “takings” liability to justify requesting new ROGOs.

One of the alternative evacuation models run by the Florida Department of Commerce was for 7,954 new ROGOs, representing the number of privately-owned vacant lots in the Keys. In response to this run, the BOCC asked county planning staff to determine the number of “buildable” privatelyowned residential lots in the Keys. This was clearly done with an eye toward potential takings liability. Planning staff has computed the number of such buildable lots at 2,220 for the unincorporated county and 2,997 for the entire Keys (that number includes Islamorada and Marathon, the Keys municipalities which have buildable lots in excess of still-available ROGOs).

Based on what we have been hearing, including public statements by individual commissioners, there is support among the commissioners for requesting approximately 3,000 ROGOs Keys-wide. We believe such a number of new ROGOs is based, for the reasons discussed below, on a flawed and incomplete analysis.

The determination of the total number of buildable residential lots seems designed to come up with a number of new ROGOs that would eliminate ANY potential risk of takings liability. We believe the actual takings risk is much lower than 100%, however, for the following reasons:

1. There is a clear public benefit of drastically limiting new development in the Keys that outweighs the private property interests of the owners of the buildable lots.

2. The vast majority of those buildable lots were acquired after the adoption of severe development limits in the Keys and thus the owners did not have a reasonable expectation of development.

3. Most owners of those lots have made no efforts toward their development.

We have been asking the county for years to prepare and release to the public a more realistic computation of the amount

(or range) of the potential takings liability, and the county has refused to do so. How can you come up with a number of new ROGOs without such an analysis being done? We request that the BOCC direct the county attorney to prepare a realistic analysis and computation of the actual potential takings liability based on the current state of the law and our particular facts.

Moreover, we believe that the number of privately-owned buildable residential lots that has been computed by county staff is vastly inflated. It includes lots in zoning districts that allow commercial or other reasonable nonresidential uses of the property. It includes lots in every tier system, and environmentally sensitive lots should be excluded. If only Tier III lots were taken into account, the 2,220 number for the unincorporated county would be reduced to 1,553. At the very least, the number should be reduced based on the expected number of lots to be acquired by the county or the state for conservation purposes. Staff’s number includes lots that are platted lots in areas without any infrastructure.

The number also ignores measures that will be taken in the future, under both existing programs and programs that staff has already proposed, to take vacant lots out of the ROGO system. And the number has not been reduced to account for the 444 administrative relief ROGOs that are currently held by the county. We request that the BOCC direct county planning staff to come up with a more accurate number of buildable residential lots. Once a more accurate number of buildable lots is determined, staff should compute how many of those lots were acquired before the adoption of the ROGO system and the number of such lots for which the owner has not attempted to obtain a building permit, in order to derive an accurate number for input into the analysis of takings liability.

Once a more realistic analysis of potential takings liability has been performed and a more accurate number of privately-owned buildable residential lots with reasonable expectations of development has been determined, the BOCC, with meaningful input from the public, will need to decide whether the takings liability is an expense the county could afford without accepting any new ROGOs for market-rate units and, if not, what is the smallest number of new ROGOs that could be issued each year.

Without more work being done to jus-

tify any new ROGOs along the lines stated above, the county needs to request NO MORE ROGOs for market-rate units because:

1. We are already at the 24-hour evacuation limit under the state’s evacuation model. And, if anything, that limit should be reduced to account for recent rapid intensification of storms due to climate change.

2. The state’s evacuation model is flawed. It assumes evacuation ends at Florida City, ignoring any evacuees from South Florida and Ocean Reef. It assumes evacuations will occur evenly throughout the 24hour period. It excludes certain permanent residents, such as mobile home residents, liveaboards and college students. It understates the number of evacuees that will be in vacation homes and vacation rental homes during hurricane season. And it ignores future conversions of mobile home sites into constructed home sites.

3. Due to overdevelopment, the infrastructure of the Keys (roads, water, sewers, schools) has been stressed to its limits and the quality of our nearshore waters and the condition of our reef have been compromised.

Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the 24-hour evacuation requirement and the ROGO system were implemented in order to ensure the safety of Keys residents in the event of a hurricane evacuation and to preserve the significant natural resources of the Keys.

Given the tight deadline we are facing with the state, please make the directions to county staff that we are requesting in this letter at the July 17 BOCC meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Ann

Olsen

On behalf of the Keys Last Stand board and the undersigned groups: Coco Plum Beach Property Owners Association Inc., Islamorada Community Alliance, Cudjoe Gardens Property Owners Association, Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowner Associations, Florida Keys Citizens’ Coalition Inc., Friends of the Lower Keys, Izaak Walton League of America, Florida Keys Chapter, Key Deer Protection Alliance, South Point Homeowners LLC, Stock Island Association, Keys Accountability Project, Sugarloaf Shores Property Owners Association Inc., Tavernier Community Association, Key West and the Lower Keys Fishing Guides Association, Save-A-Turtle of the Florida Keys, Upper Sugarloaf Residents Association

MEET THE 2024 FANTASY FEST KING & QUEEN CANDIDATES

Royal fundraising campaign starts Sept. 6 at Key West Theater

It’s beginning to look a lot like Fantasy Fest. The Florida Keys SPCA recently introduced this year’s four candidates for king and queen of Fantasy Fest: Michael Vernon for king; Marjory Lee for queen (with her dog Buffett); Lisa Zee for king; and Elle Taylor for queen. The King & Queen Kickoff will launch the official fundraising season for the royal campaign and takes place Friday, Sept. 6 at the Key West Theater at 6 p.m. PETER ARNOW/Contributed

PERRY HOTEL & MARINA DONATES $15K TO SPCA

Funds come from new Community Impact Program

The Perry Hotel & Marina in Key West recently donated $15,000 to the Florida Keys SPCA (FKSPCA), demonstrating the hotel’s commitment to supporting the local community in Key West and Stock Island.

The donation was made possible through the hotel’s newly launched Community Impact Program, which has raised over $30,000 in 2024 to direct toward charitable organizations and initiatives that enhance the well-being of residents in the local community.

The hotel is the second in the area to launch the program through its management company, EOS Hospitality.

The culmination of these fundraising efforts was marked by a check presentation on Tuesday, July 23, at 11 a.m. The event was attended by representatives from both The Perry Hotel & Marina and FKSPCA, highlighting the partnership between the two organizations.

Since opening in 2017, The Perry Hotel has been the first major hotel to welcome guests and their dogs, regardless of size. This pet-friendly policy was crucial following the devastation of Hurricane Irma when the hotel opened its doors to numerous families and their pets who were displaced. Many of these families found a tem-

porary home at The Perry Hotel for over six months.

Continuing its support for the pet community, The Perry Hotel has partnered with the FKSPCA to host “Yappy Hours” at the Salty Oyster Dockside Grill & Bar. These events invite local friends and neighbors to join with their pups, providing a fun and relaxed environment where adoptable dogs from the shelter can find new, loving homes. The FKSPCA is dedicated to the humane treatment of all animals through compassionate care, adoption, education, population control and law enforcement. The organization’s work has been supported by The Perry’s consistent efforts to raise awareness and funds.

“We are thrilled to support the Florida Keys SPCA and contribute to the welfare of animals in our community,” said Troy Talpas, general manager at The Perry Hotel & Marina.

The Perry Hotel & Marina remains dedicated to giving back to the community and looks forward to continuing its efforts to improve the lives of people and pets in Key West in partnership with its owners, Key International.

More information is at perrykeywest.com.

— Contributed

JIMMY BUFFETT BIOGRAPHER TO SPEAK AT CUSTOM HOUSE

Topic is ‘The Enduring Magic of Margaritaville’ on Aug. 30

The legacy of Jimmy Buffett will be the topic for the Key West Art & Historical Society’s upcoming lecture, ‘Some Things Never Change (But Most Things Do): The Enduring Magic of Margaritaville,’ with journalist and Buffett biographer Ryan White on Aug. 30. LAWSON LITTLE/Courtesy of KWAHS

On Friday, Aug. 30, journalist and Jimmy Buffett biographer Ryan White will discuss the legacy of the famed trop rock singer-songwriter, as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

White’s talk, “Some Things Never Change (But Most Do): The Enduring Magic of Margaritaville,” takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. at Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. A book signing of his biography “Jimmy Buffett: A Good Life All the Way” will immediately follow the presentation.

Billboard’s 14th biggest hit of 1977 was a happy-sounding sad song that arrived from a specific time in a specific space. Five decades later, “Margaritaville” was included in the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress and Jimmy Buffett is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

But Buffett wasn’t always the pied piper of beaches, bars and laid-back living. Born on the Gulf Coast, the son of a son of a sailing ship captain, Buffett scuffed around

Orleans in the late

out of Nashville in 1971 and found refuge among the artists, dopers, shrimpers and genuine characters who had collected at the end of the road in Key West. And it was there, in those waning outlaw days at the last American exit, where Buffett found his voice and eventually brought to life the song that would launch a lifestyle.

“The society is thrilled that Ryan White has agreed to present on Key West’s favorite son, Jimmy Buffett, during the inaugural ‘Just a Few Friends’ festival this Labor Day weekend,” said Cori Convertito, curator for the society. “His talk will emphasize the romanticism and optimism associated with ‘Margaritaville’ and why the idea of swaying palm trees, fruity frozen drinks and minimal responsibilities is more popular than ever.”

White was twice named one of the top writers in the country by the Society for Features Journalism. He spent nearly 16 years at the Oregonian newspaper, covering sports, music and culture. He’s appeared on the public radio show “Live Wire,” as both an essayist and an interviewer. Also the author of “Springsteen: Album by Album,” he lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan and currently spends his days at the same Detroit ad agency that once employed Elmore Leonard.

Tickets are available at kwahs. org/dss-buffett. Cost is $12 for KWAHS members and $15 for nonmembers.

Journalist and Jimmy Buffett biographer Ryan White will speak at Tropic Cinema on Aug. 30. CONTRIBUTED

New

’60s, flunked

Officials from The Perry Hotel & Marina donate $15,000 to the Florida Keys SPCA. CONTRIBUTED

We are honored to have been voted BEST FURNITURE STORE in Key West.

Thank you all for your support and patronage all these years!

Who’s really pulling the strings in the Keys? It’s not the locals who pay taxes. It’s Big Development, Big Government, and Big Money who want Miamification of the Keys.

Melissa Ptomey will cut the strings and rescue the Keys.

QUEER KEYS SETTLES IN AT NEW COMMUNITY CENTER

Space

mandy@keysweekly.com

“There’s no place like home,” and Queer Keys finally has a permanent one.

The nonprofit group with a mission to support, educate, empower and celebrate the queer community in the Florida Keys marks its third anniversary this month.

Having started out in borrowed spaces to hold support and social gatherings for queer kids, the organization steadily evolved and increased its offerings. It recently opened the Queer Keys Community Center on Truman Avenue. A grand opening celebration will take place Oct. 10 — on the eve of National Coming Out Day — but there’s plenty happening at the center between now and then, said Chris McNulty, who cofounded Queer Keys with Janiece Rodriguez and is now its executive director.

The new center will host weekly Queer Youth gatherings for LGBTQ people aged 12 to 18. A parent and caregiver support group will also meet at the center, along with a twice-monthly meetup for trans and non-binary adults.

The center also houses a growing library of books by queer authors and books with queer content — fiction and nonfiction. Book donations are being accepted until the shelves are full, and an Amazon wish list is available at queerkeys. org for those who wish to purchase a new book to donate.

“We are introducing new public offerings like a bimonthly drawing circle, a book club, a knitting circle, a public wellness initiative, film screenings and other opportunities for the community to get together in intentional ways,” McNulty said. “During our public hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, members of the community can come in to escape the heat, use our free WiFi, computer, and printer; peruse the library; grab some water, coffee or tea; relax in our lounge; or access referrals to local resources.”

A wellness room in the back of the center eventually will offer massage, meditation and other services.

The center is a product of the Key West community, with furniture donated by Christopher Elwell of Royal Furniture, plants donated by Plantifa and murals created by Lance Berry. Bob Sanders and Grace Simpson built the custom bookshelf for the library and Bruce Walker installed the new AC, bathroom sink and chandelier.

“It will take some time to get regular hours posted, a schedule of programs and groups in place, and our library filled out, but 1100 Truman Ave. is officially Key West’s LGBTQIA+ Community Center,” McNulty said.

Visit queerkeys.org and find them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the growing list of activities and services.

MANDY MILES

Chris McNulty, executive director of the Queer Keys Community Center and cofounder of the nonprofit organization, adds to the community bulletin board at 1100 Truman Ave. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

AN ODE TO SERVICE

Top-ranking law enforcement officer retires following four-plus decades

BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

When she was growing up, Lee Ann Holroyd never felt a burning calling to become a police officer. While attending the University of Florida, she studied journalism. Writing, she said, was kind of her “thing.”

But fate and circumstance took the Coral Shores High School graduate down a different career path.

Upon returning to the Keys after college, Holroyd landed a temporary job with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Little did she know at the time, that “temporary” job would end up changing the course of her life.

“I took a temporary position as a secretary, when you could still say secretary. I don’t even know if you can still say secretary now,” said Holroyd with a laugh.

It wasn’t until Holroyd was offered permanent employment, as a detective’s assistant, that the desire to pursue law enforcement as a career took hold. She enrolled in the police academy in 1987. Sheriff Rick Ramsay was in her class.

“I knew pretty early on that his goal was to be the sheriff and he knew pretty early on that I wanted to be part of his command staff,” recalled Holroyd.

Fast-forward 41-1/2 years after her humble beginnings as a temporary secretary and MCSO Maj. Lee Ann Holroyd is celebrating her retirement; July 8 was her last day. As a retirement gift from the sheriff’s office, Holroyd was awarded a glass display case with embroidered badges from all of the divisions she worked in throughout her four decades and the distinguished ranks she achieved.

From patrol officer to patrol sergeant to school resource officer to school resource officer supervisor, the ambitious and energetic police officer quickly rose through the ranks.

She was a detective and detective sergeant and the commander of special operations. She spent 18 years on the sheriff’s office dive team. She oversaw the federal narcotics money and laundering taskforce, which took her to places like England and the Channel Islands.

“Just phenomenal opportunities,” said Holroyd of her MCSO career. “I’ve traveled the world from our little hometown here. I’ve traveled all over the world.”

Most recently, Holroyd oversaw internal affairs and professional standards.

Somehow, during her spare time over the years, she managed to earn a dual-major master’s degree in criminal justice and corrections and rehabilitation.

“She’s one of the most well-rounded people I know,” said Ramsay. “She’s an amazing woman. She’s done so much in a very male-dominant job.

“It’s been challenging for women in law enforcement for years to achieve a certain level and she’s one of those people who has been able to break down those walls to prove herself.”

As a woman in the sheriff’s command staff, Holroyd undoubtedly shattered glass ceilings.

“She’s a hard worker and an example for young women in our community, too,” said longtime friend

Gina Boilini. Boilini vividly remembers being in middle school when Holroyd was a school resource officer teaching the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program.

“She was a role model,” recalled Boilini, who now considers Holroyd one of her closest friends.

Another person who describes Holroyd as a mentor is MCSO Capt. Spenser Bryan. Bryan oversees Key Largo and Tavernier for the sheriff’s office. The two go way back. Holroyd has known Bryan since he was born.

“When he came out of the hospital, I actually drove them home. I still carry his baby pictures,” said Holroyd with a smile.

Bryan is going to miss the daily interactions with his colleague and friend, especially when it comes to her level-headed and enthusiastic approach to the job and to life in general.

“She’s non-stop, she’s always going, she makes me tired and I’m younger than her,” said Bryan. “She’s very energetic and probably passionate is the best word to describe her,” he added.

Longtime friend Trish Biondoletti said Holroyd was able to achieve something so many in the workforce can find extremely difficult, a healthy work-life balance.

“She has managed to prioritize her family, friends and community while giving 100% to MCSO. She is truly one of a kind and I am proud to call her my best friend,” said Biondoletti, who has known Holroyd since the 1980s.

For the last nine years, Holroyd has been living in Key West during the week to be close to MCSO headquarters on Stock Island. She would return to her home in Islamorada on the weekends to spend time with her husband, Geno, and special needs adult son, Matthew.

“After nine years, I really missed being home with my family. I’m an Upper Keys girl,” said Holroyd.

One thing is undeniable; there will be no sitting around during retirement for Holroyd.

“There are so many things that I want to do,” she said.

Besides spending time with her family, Holroyd plans to remain very active in her community. She will be volunteering at schools, getting more involved with her sorority, Chi Sigma, and the Upper Keys chapter of Business and Professional Women. She also plans to do accreditation work for police agencies across Florida.

Ramsay considers Holroyd to be a close friend and ally. Although he has talented team members to fill Holroyd’s void at headquarters, he admits, it just won’t be the same.

“She’s probably one of the most valuable people I’m going to miss and I just can’t replace. You just can’t replace a Lee Ann Holroyd,” said Ramsay. “She’s loved and beloved by the entire agency. She left a mark on the agency and community that will last a lifetime.”

As for Holroyd, although she is thrilled to embark on this well-earned next chapter, retirement is also a little bittersweet.

“I have worked with the best people, really the best people, and that is the only part that’s bittersweet for me, just missing that actual day to day, seeing them day to day,” said Holroyd. “I cannot say enough good about the people that I worked with and the agency as a whole.”

Sheriff Rick Ramsay promotes Lee Ann Holroyd to the rank of major. The two attended the police academy together in 1987. Ramsay says Holroyd is one of his closest friends and an ally. MCSO/Contributed

Gina Boilini and Lee Ann Holroyd share a hug at Doc’s Diner in Key Largo. Boilini looks up to Holroyd as a role model. KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL/Keys Weekly

Holroyd is looking forward to spending more time with her husband, Geno, and son, Matthew, during retirement. CONTRIBUTED

Holroyd attends the Special Olympics in Monroe County. MCSO/Contributed

KELLIE

mandy@keysweekly.com

BUBBAS BRAGGING RIGHTS

Winners share success on social media

What’s the point of winning something if you can’t brag about the accomplishment?

Social media seems made for such boasts, and The Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards have been a worthy topic since the winners of the 2024 Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards were announced at Key West Theater.

Winners celebrated in style at the award show and have been

sharing the success on Facebook and Instagram, using the hashtag #Bubbas2024.

For 11 years, The Bubbas have celebrated the best people, products, programs and places in Key West and the Lower Keys. Nominees and winners are entirely decided by the public, who nominate finalists and then vote online at keysweekly. com for their favorite among the top three nominees.

alex@keysweekly.com

THE LOBSTER LOWDOWN

Want an all-in-one

primer as you get ready to hit the water for lobster season on Aug. 6? Unsure of how the rules differ from mini-season? The Keys Weekly has you covered.

THE FINE PRINT MATTERS WHEN HUNTING

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Recreational trapping is prohibited.

LET’S TALK LIMITS

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

• Possession limits apply both on and off the water. The possession limit, even when off the water, is six lobsters per licensed harvester.

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

STAY AWAY

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

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

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A legal size lobster, measured correctly.

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

Lobsters bearing eggs, as side of the tail, must be released MONROE COUNTY TDC/Contributed ALEX

seen on the underreleased unharmed.

TDC/Contributed

REGULAR SEASON BEGINS TUESDAY, AUG. 6 RUNS THROUGH MARCH 31.

DON’T GO THERE…

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

Don’t lobster in these areas:

Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs)

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

Ecological Reserves

Western Sambo, Tortugas Ecological Reserve

Special-Use Research Only Areas (No Entry)

Conch Reef, Tennessee Reef, Looe Key Patch Reef, Eastern Sambo

Other closed areas (Year-round)

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

DIVE FLAG DETAILS

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

6810 FRONT STREET | STOCK ISLAND

5620 MACDONALD AVENUE | KEY WEST

AUTO -TUNE: STANDARDIZING PERFECTION

The year is 1998. The Mars Rover hits the news — and a rock — and Cher comes out with an autotune-saturated song called “Believe.” The effect was so prevalent in the song it was named “Cherbot.” Unbeknownst to your average listener, this song marked one of the most subtle, and yet one of the 50 worst, inventions ever, as deemed by Time Magazine.

Contributed

For the uninitiated, the program is called Auto-Tune. It’s recording software that corrects imperfections in a singer’s voice by raising or lowering the pitch to match what’s required. And therein lies the rub.

Prior to 1998, every vocal you heard was the singer’s natural voice, warts and all. And we loved them for it. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is exactly what Freddie Mercury would sound like in your living room. Simply awesome.

Auto-Tune has become the norm in the industry. Who decides these things? In this case, major record companies, including the thousands of “independent” labels owned and operated by them.

So why does this matter? Isn’t “perfect” always the best? Let us begin with the idea that no vocalist is perfect. Many professional singers are very accurate with their pitch when analyzed,

RAY WEST

... a professional musician, singer, actor and executive director of the Key West Music Awards, is known to sacrifice his comfort for that of his cat.

but none is perfect. And we’ve never cared. When we saw them live, we were in the moment and perfection was a concept more than a desire. In the studio, a singer could polish vocal performance to the best of their capabilities. And that’s what we heard. In rock music especially, many singers needed many at-bats to record the best vocal. It could take hours and days of dedication and love to get every note of a line as close to what they wanted it to be.

Auto-Tune changed all that. Now those hours could be better spent perfecting the recording process and marketing the product. Less time in the studio means less investment in the artist. It also meant that vocal accuracy, training and experience were not as essential for commercial success as they used to be. And consequently, artists could be more easily controlled and less empowered if they were of a lesser talent level and needed these studio tricks to maintain the quality of the studio recordings in a live setting. Yes, nearly everything you hear that appears to be live is prerecorded and autotuned, as it is a requirement by all major record labels, for both live and studio performances. That being said, there are some holdouts. Some artists refuse to use it. Especially those who came up without it.

Let us clarify that a majority of your favorite artists use AutoTune very subtly, making the slightest of changes to appease these standards and to match the competition.

The end result of all this? Watching a new generation growing up comparing themselves and their talents to computer-enhanced perfection — and feeling as if they fall short.

REEL RECS

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

What: The Producers (1967)

Why: This was Mel Brooks’ directorial debut, and immediately his signature irreverent and sharp sense of humor is noticeable. The idea of a couple of con artists intentionally making a flop so they could file the loss and, ironically, become more profitable rings even more true today than it did in 1967, thanks to streaming services infamously doing that very same thing with their original content. Add to that the magic duo of Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder, the former’s manic energy hilariously complementing the latter’s neurotic cowardice, and you’ll thank us for the 90 minutes well spent. We are not liable, however, for any humming of “Springtime for Hitler” at your local supermarket that may follow.

Where: You can get this movie from the Monroe County Public Library on DVD or on Kanopy, the library’s streaming app.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org

Recommended by: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library branch.

See previous Reel Recs at keyslibraries.org/reel-recs.

SHELF HELP

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

What: “Bad Dreams in the Night” by Adam Ellis

Why: I have been following Ellis’ work for years, starting with his short form comics published on BuzzFeed and reveling in his work on Instagram. “Bad Dreams in the Night” is a riveting collection of horror comics, some tales inspired by true events. Other tales are retellings of well-known lore or redraws of his previous comics. Ellis often works with other talented artists to create haunting eerie backgrounds, as featured in the comic “Little House in the Sea.” This is a great introduction to graphic novels as a genre and a wonderful showcase of Ellis’s talent. Each panel is meticulously composed, often with Easter eggs for those paying close attention.

Where: This is available as a print book from the Monroe County Public Library system.

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

Recommended by: Riona Campbell, library associate, Key West Library

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

Cher performs ‘Believe’ in New York City in December 1998. WIKIPEDIA/

LATITUDES IS HONORED TO HAVE WON BEST WATERFRONT DINING

CHRIS McNULTY

is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com

This week, the planet of love and relationships is squaring off with the planet of revolution and change. When Venus forms a 90-degree square to Uranus, we can only expect the unexpected when it comes to our relationships and value systems. Be ready for some idiosyncrasies to show up in your relationships that will either have you considering a breakup or pushing you to change the structure of your relationship. With Uranus, something has got to change and chains have to be broken. If this transit is not relational for you, you may have a shake-up in your value system. Regardless, find your even keel because surprises will abound. Also, Mercury will be turning retrograde on Monday, which means Mercury is rapidly slowing down right now. Get your communication projects completed now so you can start reviewing them in the coming weeks. Here are your horoscopes for the Venus-Uranus Square and Mercury’s Station. Read for your rising and sun signs.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

As you focus on your relationship with yourself, some surprise changes at work may pose a challenge. Self-love does not always jive with the demands of career. Try your hand at a creative solution that allows you to show up as a gentler version of yourself. Don’t push. In the coming weeks, reconsider your financial strategy and maybe redesign your budget.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Loving your alone time? Enjoying a bit of solitude? That’s wonderful, but an unexpected adventure is coming through to disrupt that time on your own. The call to adventure can come in many forms, but you do have the agency to answer or not. Either way, prepare for your self-love retreat to be jarringly interrupted. Gear up for an introspective few weeks ahead, and set the time aside.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

You’ve been getting showered with love from your friends lately, and I hope you’ve been soaking it up. The joyride is about to experience some turbulence when some surprise karma comes calling. An unexpected debt needs to be repaid or an unexpected windfall is coming your way. Start the process of analyzing how you use your alone time and where your mind goes in meditation.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Work has been graceful and lucrative lately. Perhaps a little too easy? Don’t wait for the shoe to drop, but do expect a surprise challenge to come from an important partner in your life. How can you integrate this partner’s perspective into the work that you are doing? In the coming weeks, reach out to old friends you haven’t talked to in a while. In fact, they’ll probably be contacting you.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You have probably been experiencing a love of a new adventure or a new way of thinking lately, and that has opened your eyes to new ways of being in a relationship. An unexpected obligation promises to disrupt that, and you will need to pull up your sleeves to handle it quickly. Be ready to pivot. You’ll have a few weeks to rethink your career choices or to analyze your reputation. Use them.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

You may have been investing more and more into a relationship in your life, perhaps even getting more financially entwined. A disruption to this relationship is on the horizon, but this could prove to be a creative solution. Your own creativity is trying to liberate you from a potential debt, so listen to your intuition. Let your mind think about future travel in the next few weeks.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You’re in a season of high romanticism with love and partnership taking center stage. Everything changes, however, and there is an unexpected challenge from your home and family aiming to disrupt this romcom. Rather than getting frustrated, consider how this interference may be offering you a dose of liberation. Rethink your debts in the coming weeks.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

When it comes to your daily routines and regular obligations, you’ve probably found a special grace and flow lately. It’s probably like you don’t even need to try to get your things done. That flow promises to experience an interruption, however, possibly through communication from a sibling or a neighbor. Don’t fret! There is a freedom in the rupture. Rethink a major partnership for the next few weeks.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

Your creative juices have been flowing and you have had a particular grace with your projects, Aries. I hope you’ve been taking advantage of this ease. A financial disruption that will break this flow is on the horizon, but if your reaction is measured, you will actually find some liberation in this interruption. In the coming days, reanalyze your daily routines and see if there is a better way.

SHAKE YOUR LOVE

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

Home is where your heart is lately, Taurus. There has been a unique joy at home and with family, and I hope you’ve been soaking it up. You may be feeling a bit of restlessness, however, and you will need to break free from the monotony. Listen to your nervous system and live your truth. Under Mercury retrograde in the coming weeks, rethink your creative outlets.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20

You’ve been feeling the love from your local community, Gemini. Perhaps you’ve been particularly appreciated for the gifts that you bring to those around you. That’s wonderful, but prepare yourself for a surprise urge to isolate yourself for a little bit. Time away is perfectly healthy and can help you appreciate the world and people outside. Reconnect with family in the coming weeks.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22

You’ve been a magnet for the money. The income comes and goes, so I hope you’ve been putting some aside. Your friends are probably going to come at you with a surprise engagement that will disrupt the flow of funds. This is not a bad thing; rather, it will imbue you with a sense of freedom. Take some time in the coming days and weeks to rethink how you communicate.

COOKING WITH LOVE: NOURISHING IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Meal delivery program feeds and visits 210 residents each week

Every Saturday since 1996, local volunteers have gathered at the Metropolitan Community Church on Petronia Street to assemble and pack nutritious meals for Key West’s elderly population. This program, known as “Cooking with Love,” was founded by Joan Higgs, a local nurse manager, who was volunteering with another church at the time, feeding the homeless.

“We decided to step back because, at the time, there were already several places in the community feeding the homeless,” Higgs said. “So, we took a step back and assessed who the underserved people were, and it became clear that the elderly were the ones in need.”

Each week, 250 meals are prepared with a focus on nutrition. Many elderly community members have health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, requiring careful consideration of salt and sugar content in their meals. Two hundred ten of these meals go directly to elderly folks while the other 40 are sent to Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter.

Though Higgs, now 76 and still passionate about her work, has reduced her involvement over the years, her nephew John Eller has taken on the primary responsibilities of meal scheduling and food preparation, while she manages donations.

After the meals are packed, volunteers distribute them throughout Key West, delivering food, groceries and educational cards with tips on fall prevention, home safety and health information. Many volunteers have dedicated routes they take because of the bonds they’ve created with the elders they serve.

For the past four to five years, Higgs has been visiting Nancy Straus, a 95-year-old Conch, whose fiery energy and booming personality is a joy to be around. Straus kindly invited the Keys Weekly into her cozy home, where she has lived for more than three decades.

Cooking with Love volunteers share a laugh as they share food with Key West’s elderly. WYATT SAMUELSON/Keys Weekly

“(Cooking with Love) is a wonderful service for the elderly and people like myself,” Straus said. “I don’t have to worry about dinner on Saturday nights. Many people my age, especially women, say, ‘I don’t feel like cooking.’ We don’t have many options. We can’t drive, can’t go to the store and ordering out is very expensive. The volunteers bring us something healthy and tasty, and I have a great appetite. It’s wonderful that they give up their Saturdays to prepare and deliver food to us.”

As we left, Nancy waved goodbye from her doorstep with a grin settling over her entire face.

The elderly of Key West depend on Cooking with Love, not only for their food, but also for the compan ionship the volunteers provide. Many senior residents, like Straus, live alone and have few visitors.

Cooking with Love is funded by private donations and grants from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, the Sheriff’s Office Asset Fine and Forfeiture Fund, the Edward B. and Joan T. Knight Foundation, and fundraising events by the Queen Mother Pageant, Mary Ellen’s Bar, and many other individual sponsors and cosponsors. Director Danny Flynn and his team from Parrot Key Hotel & Villas also sponsor and deliver meals from time to time.

Because of rising grocery prices, it’s becoming more and more difficult to buy healthy and nutritious foods for the elderly. Cooking with Love is dependent on the generosity of others to keep their food on the stove and their clients fed.

To become a sponsor or cosponsor, or a volunteer, contact Eller at jeller611@outlook.com.

WYATT SAMUELSON www.keysweekly.com

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

Iwas up on No Name Key the other day, trying to find a reported rarity, when I heard it – the telltale kek.

I had my camera set up and ready to shoot (1/1000, F/5.6, ISO auto). I had the car windows down because a lot of time when you’ve had your camera in the air conditioning and get out into the question-your-life-choices level of Florida humidity, your lens fogs. And with the windows down I heard the kek really well.

Kek is the agreed-upon way to spell out the noise that a clapper rail makes while hiding in the mangroves or, outside of the Keys, in the reeds or grasses of a coastal marsh. It is only occasionally a single syllable. Most times it’s a fistful of keks, 15 or 20, in a rapid rising, then falling, parabola of keks. (I’m going to save some space here and not spell that out.) Sometimes, to add a little nuance, they will call out something known as kek-hurrah, which is thought to be an abbreviation of the manykekked parabola. Sometimes the females will give out what is known as a kek-burr, thought to be the female’s version of “Hey, sailor.” But kek is their basic unit of sound.

It is not a conventionally pretty sound. At first I wanted to describe it as if a steel wool pad had mated with a strand of barbed wire and somehow learned to sing. But I think it would be more apt to describe it as if someone had somehow combined the laughs of Ernie, of Ernie and Bert fame, and Shane McGowan, of the Pogues fame, with the voices of Donald Duck and Tom Waits, then installed it in a bird that could only survive on espresso and Red Bull.

Not pretty, but damn, my heart fills with joy every time I hear it.

The best times are when I’m looking for something else and one just pipes up unseen out of the mangroves. It’s like the clouds parting, or a bartender telling you the drink is on the house. Sometimes I stop at a place that looks particularly clapper rail-y and listen for them, and when I don’t hear them, try and game the system and play their call loudly on my phone. Sometimes I get a response, but mostly I don’t.

Rails are some of the stealthiest birds out there, and clappers do their family proud. The introduction to their species account in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Birds of the World” website notes, “Although it is widely distributed and often locally abundant, little is known about many aspects of its biology because the clapper rail is difficult to observe in its dense marsh habitats.”

Their range is essentially the Gulf Coast, the Atlantic Coast up to southern Maine, and the Caribbean. Florida actually has its own subspecies, Rallus crepitans scottii.

Big-bodied, longish-legged, mediumnecked, small-headed, longish-billed, not much taller than a pair of size 13 Air Jordans. Their feathers are a melange of grays, browns and oranges, with the occasional bit of white scalloping in the belly. At first they kind of look like something a kid would draw if you just told them to draw a bird without using any of the good crayons.

Birders will often tell you the phrase “thin as a rail” comes from rails, which doesn’t make sense when you look at them in profile, as they look a little plump. The story makes more sense when you see one head on, because many rail species, clapper rails among them, are what is called laterally compressed, meaning skinny from side to side, as if they’d spent a little time clamped in a book vise. But etymologists have thrown cold water on that idea, showing evidence that the phrase refers to fence rails, not birds that are called rails. It’s just a strange bit of linguistic convergent evolution. (Fun fact: Mark Twain was the first person to use the phrase “thin as a rail” in print.)

All of these physical characteristics, of course, contribute to their furtiveness, making it harder for you to see them as they slink around behind the veil of green and brown vegetation that comprises their world. I think this is what I like most about clapper rails. I like that they have these largely secret lives. I like that they soft-step around marshes and swamps and mangroves like cartoon burglars. (I wish they were one of those species that had a burglar-like mask across their eyes, but alas and alack, they are not.)

I realize I’m making it sound as if you never see clapper rails, which is not quite the case. If you do hear them, you have a chance. It’s best

CLAPPER RAILS: WHAT THE KEK?

if you can muster up a little self-discipline and not make any sudden movements. If there’s an open, muddy area in the mangroves or marsh, either wet or dry, even something as small as 3 or 4 feet across, keep a watchful eye on that. Sometimes they will work along the edge, or sometimes even right through the middle, of the open space. But also pay attention to the areas around it. Sometimes there will be a very subtle shadow moving through the roots, and if you focus your binoculars correctly, you can actually follow them for a good number of seconds. Also pay attention to your peripheral vision.

When I heard the clapper rail on No Name the other day, I stopped the car pretty quickly, then backed up a bit, turned the car off, got out and closed the door as softly as I could, camera slung over my shoulder. I hadn’t heard just one kek, I’d heard an armada of them. And in stereo. There were clapper rails on both sides of the road, throwing fusillades of keks at each other. It sounded angry, though most likely it was just them checking in with each other, and this time of year, maybe keeping track of their offspring.

I did what I advised above. Found an open spot and focused on that. Told myself I am a patient person and that if I just don’t move too quickly, I might see one. Which was when I caught sight of a clapper rail off to my left, fast walking warily across the road.

I turned and lifted my camera (pretty smoothly I must say) – he’d already seen that I was there, so he didn’t really spook. I managed to shoot a couple frames before he disappeared into the mangroves in front of me. And when I was shooting I realized my lens was still fogged, despite driving with the windows down.

It actually turned out to be a pretty lousy photo. But I think it shows you a little more of the clapper rail’s character than a good one might.

A clapper rail scooting across the road on No Name Key recently. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

MARK HEDDEN

Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear.

Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea

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

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

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

Meet Rosie, a 4-year-old mixed-breed who loves company and has some separation anxiety, so she needs a home where she won’t be left alone for long.

Jammie Jammie is the feline snuggle specialist. This 6-month-old kitten is ridiculously friendly and crazy for pets and friendship.

Say hello to Bixby, the 2-year-old bunny with a knack for mischief. This playful guy is always up to something — whether it’s staging lettuce heists or leading wild bunny races. With ears like Dumbo and a nose for snacks, Bixby is sure to bring joy and endless giggles to his new home.

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

Cleanup stats for the first half of the year, compared to the same six months in 2022 and 2023.

2024 2023 2022

Volunteers 1,294 847 445

Butts (gallons) 97 109 52

Trash (pounds) 8,480 4,118 2,106

Recycling (pounds) 652 474 327

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

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

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

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting

it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

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

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

Aug. 2: N. Roosevelt Boulevard. Meet in front of the Laureate Key West Hotel (next to Keys Auto). Hosted by the Laureate Key West.

Aug. 9: Varela and United streets. Meet in front of the Montessori Children’s School; park at City Hall. Hosted by the Montessori Children’s School.

Aug. 16: White & Eaton streets. Meet in the parking lot at 1111 Eaton St. Hosted by Mike and Dee Hower.

Aug. 23: North Roosevelt & Toppino Drive. Meet in the back of First State Bank. Hosted by First State Bank.

Aug. 30: Greene Street to Simonton Beach. Meet in the parking lot by Conch Republic Seafood Co. We will finish at Simonton Beach. Hosted by Just a few Friends, Key West.

Spice up your life with Tahini, a 3-yearold tortie diva. She’s a bit shy at first, but full of sass and ready to be your queen.

Hey, cool cats. Meet Herman, our laidback 4-year-old tuxedo cat. He’s all about chilling and soaking up sunbeams.

A large tree crashed down onto Bertelli’s Sioux

home following a microburst event on July 21. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

AN ISOLATED DISASTER

Community stands tall despite all the downed trees and debris

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

We have a small concrete house on Plantation Key. When we bought it in 2012, we first fell in love with the front yard’s trees and the shade and privacy they afforded.

Inside, the two-bedroom, one-bath house has an open floor plan. Our couch rests against the far coral-colored wall.

On a recent Sunday, at about 11 p.m., I was on the couch watching the new season of “Cobra Kai.”

The show follows the lives of the Karate Kid and his foe, Daniel LaRusso, played by the barely-aging Ralph Macchio. Sometimes, when I am on the couch watching television at night, fireflies light up as they fly between the green buttonwoods outside and the window above the sofa.

That Sunday night, lightning flashed through the window like great crackling sheets once, twice, three times. I heard rain falling and was happy that the yard was getting real water. And then there was this rumble. When I looked up at the window, the lightning flashed again, and tropical forces were blowing through the buttonwood trees. The rumble got louder, the lights flickered, and some other louder noise that I did not recognize reverberated through the house.

I sat up straight on the couch, grabbed the arm, and the television went dark. Everything went dark. The lack of power turned everything off but the brief roar of the wind raging outside. As suddenly as it came down, it vanished. I walked to my desk, picked up my phone, and slipped my feet into the Kino sandals. I don’t know what I expected to see when I opened the front door. I did not expect to see a roof panel on the concrete patio floor, cracked timbers overhead, and a large gumbo tree lying outside with one of its old, thick, sunburned limbs crushing the roof.

The gumbo limbo is sometimes referred to as the tourist tree because its reddish, flaking bark lends the appearance of peeling skin. The tree obstructed the egress. Before slipping out the back door, I checked on Michelle, the dog and the cat. I wanted to know what had happened. By 11:30, all the neighbors were standing in the street, pointing flashlight beams around, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

“Was it a tornado?”

“I think it was a tornado.”

The isolated damage it left behind was certainly tornadoesque. Alas, the professionals called it a microburst, not a tornado. Microbursts develop within a storm system and materialize as a localized column of sinking air, a downdraft that strikes the ground, producing straight-line winds that can exceed 100 mph.

Microbursts are dangerous and can be equated with up to an EF 1 tornado. Tornadoes are rated much like hurricanes. Whereas hurricanes are categorized according to the SaffirSimpson Hurricane Wind Scale, tornadoes

are rated on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which ranges from an EF 0 (65-85 mph winds) to an EF 5 (over 200 mph winds). One of the big differences between a tornado and a microburst is that the winds swirl in a tornado and do not in a microburst.

Tornadoes are assigned their scale based on the wind speed and damage caused by the event. Meteorologists estimated that the sudden downdraft that blew through our neighborhood had winds in the 65- to 85-mph range, or those associated with an EF 0 tornado. Whatever arrived that late Sunday night was over and done within a matter of minutes. And then, the community love came pouring out.

By 11:45 p.m., chainsaws were buzzing and slicing away at the thick branches of the old- growth ficus that had sheared away in the meteorological event and were now blocking the street. A Bobcat was moving pieces of tree trunks to the side of the street. After the sun rose Monday morning, Sioux Street again filled with neighbors as cars and trucks filed past, slowing down to look closer, and golf carts — a lot of neighborhood golf carts.

You can say a lot of things about the Florida Keys, but you cannot deny its sense of community. It was on full display Monday and Tuesday as people showed up with chainsaws and gloves fitted to helping hands – and pizza. A young man from the neighborhood rode up on a bicycle with a chainsaw in its basket. He stopped, put his foot on the kickstand, and, with a pull, brought the chainsaw to life. But that is just what happens when things become unfortunate, go wrong, or something devastating unfolds. The people of the Florida Keys pull together.

From down the street, Jerry came rumbling with his Bobcat, and as he worked, the piles of tree trunks and limbs grew bigger and higher. When professional landscapers arrived to cut through the biggest trees, the piles grew longer and higher still. For our little house, the damage far exceeded what we experienced in 2017’s Hurricane Irma.

Most of our beautiful trees are gone, and along with them, our sense of privacy. In time, the yard will recover and will be replanted with sun-loving plants that will grow, and the yard will begin to resemble the one we fell in love with in 2012. Of course, the tropics are just heating up, and August and September are just around the corner. Hopefully, this is the last hit we take this season. If not, we have been reassured by the scale of community love the Florida Keys keeps in its collective tank.

Street

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

KEYS MEDICAL GROUP ADDS PRIMARY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER

Meghan Updike joins local practice

Keys Medical Group has added Meghan Updike, a certified family nurse practitioner who obtained her doctorate of nursing practice at University of Arizona in Tucson. She joined Courtney Bonner, a board-certified internist, and Jennifer Shue in Keys Medical Group Primary Care located in the Searstown Plaza, on July 29.

Updike’s clinical interests include primary care, acute and chronic disease management and preventive health services.

“I feel it is a privilege to care for individuals and families in our community,” Updike said. “I believe patients have unique experiences that influence their needs, and that understanding those experiences helps us to customize care for them. Providing a compassionate and holistic approach to health care supports patients’ independence to achieve a quality of life that is meaningful to them.”

“Meghan’s skills and experience are a great fit with our practice. We look forward to working with her and giving the community members an opportunity to meet her,” said Bonner.

Nurse practitioner Meghan Updike joins Keys Medical Group as a primary care provider. CONTRIBUTED

Keys Medical Group Primary Care at Searstown offers general medical care for patients 18 years of age and older, including disease diagnosis and management, preventive medicine, annual wellness visits for men and women, and treatment for hypertension, diabetes, lipid disorders and infectious diseases. The office is located at 3224 N. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, and is open 7 days per week. Appointments may be requested at 305-293-4073.

— Contributed

BOTANICAL GARDEN HOSTS NATIVE PLANT SALE

Garden also accepts food waste for

its composting site

Native plants will be available for sale on Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. CONTRIBUTED

The native plant nursery at the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden will be holding its monthly native plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 17. Along with the plant sale, food waste for composting will be accepted. Master gardeners will be on site to answer any plant questions. Bring your food scraps to support composting in the Keys pilot research and educational collaboration with the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension. Food waste will be accepted every third Saturday during the plant sale. Acceptable items include fruits, vegetables, grains (pasta, bread, rice), coffee grounds & eggshells. Meat or dairy are not acceptable.

The nursery has 160 species of native trees, shrubs and vines available including native and Cuban palms, and vegetable plants. There are more than 2,000 plants that attract birds, butterflies and other pollinators in 1-gallon to 15-gallon pots. Key West Botanical Garden members receive a 15% discount. Memberships are available on site.

The garden is a nonprofit corporation and all proceeds directly benefit its conservation program.

The garden is located at 5210 College Road on Stock Island. More information is available via email to nursery@ keywest.garden, at 305-2961504 or at keywest.garden.

— Contributed

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

AND … GO!

Best of Marathon nominations open for 2024

As this paper hits driveways across Marathon, nominations are officially open for the 2024 Best of Marathon Awards.

For the 15th time, the team at the Keys Weekly Newspapers is thrilled to honor the standout businesses, individuals and places that make Marathon the treasured heart of the Keys. And to do it right, we made sure to take a close look at the ballot, taking your suggestions into account to add multiple new categories for our awards show on September 21.

In our Food and Drink awards, we’ll pay tribute to the amazing Cuban food in Marathon by adding a Best Cuban Sandwich category. And since we have so many excellent restaurants, it’s only right that we give a nod to the best place to satisfy your sweet tooth after a savory meal – enter the Best Dessert Spot category.

Our Best Alternative Health Care Provider category, new in 2023, has been re-named in 2024 to Best Health and Wellness Service. This category is to spotlight services outside of a traditional primary care provider – it could be your favorite chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist and much more.

Since we had considerable overlap in our nominees and votes, the Best Water Sports and Best Leisure Cruise categories will now compete for

one Best Water Sports/Best Leisure Cruise award.

We’ve had several requests to include cleaners and detailers in the Best of Marathon, so we took the plunge this year, adding Best Marine Detailing, Best Car Wash/Detailing and Best Pool Service to our categories.

And finally, just for fun, we added Best Hugs. Let’s admit it: We all know someone in town who gives amazing hugs. Let’s crown an official Best Hugger in Marathon.

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITES

To nominate your favorites, visit keysweekly. com from Thursday, Aug. 1 at noon until Aug. 18 at midnight. 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 vote-getters will become finalists for the Best of Marathon, plain and simple.

Christina Kemp Sawyer, MD

Raul Caner, MD

the Florida

MIDDLE KEYS SAILING HOSTS ‘MIXER IN THE MIDDLE’ YOUTH REGATTA

Races open to skippers from Key Largo to Key West

Middle Keys Sailing will host a “Mixer in the Middle” regatta for young sailors from Key Largo to Key West on Saturday, Aug. 10. Racing will take place on Florida Bay, with a report time of 9 a.m and a first-start at 10:45 a.m.

Racing is open to Optimists, Lasers, 420s and Blue Dragons, all of which will compete off the point at the end of 33rd Street in Marathon, adjacent to the Marathon Yacht Club. This event is bring-your-own-boat, unless otherwise coordinated with the Middle Keys Sailing director.

The entry fee for singlehanded boats is $35 and $50 for double-handed boats. The entry fee covers a limited edition event shirt and a ticket to the post-regatta pool party at Marathon Yacht Club.

THE ULTIMATE TEST

Key Largo Triathlon returns Aug. 18

Athletes can test their physical and mental stamina by competing in the Key Largo Triathlon, set for Sunday, Aug. 18 at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

The racing challenge, produced by Game On! Race Events and presented by City Bikes, includes swimming in calm waters off the beach at Pennekamp; biking on U.S. 1, known as the Florida Keys Overseas Highway; and running through the state park and Key Largo areas.

Eligible sailors who are 7 to 18 years old with sailing experience are invited to participate. Registration is at Middle Keys Sailing’s website, www.mycef.education. Spectators, volunteers and sponsors are welcome. For an assigned volunteer position or to become a sponsor, please contact Middle Keys Sailing director Ellie Maus at director.middlekeyssailing@gmail.com. Spectators can expect a shaded view of the racing at the end of 33rd Street, across from the public boat ramp and Marathon Yacht Club.

All proceeds will benefit the Marathon Yacht Club Educational Foundation (MYCEF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching fun and safety on the water for kids of all backgrounds, with scholarships available.

— Contributed

Competitors can choose the Olympic-distance or sprint-distance triathlon or duathlon or the Olympic aquabike event. Relay teams can compete in the Olympic triathlon or duathlon, with individual team members tackling different legs of the selected races.

The Olympic-distance triathlon features a 0.9-mile swim, a 24.8-mile bicycle ride through north Key Largo and a 6.2-mile run. Sprint-distance contenders will complete a 0.25-mile swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3.5-mile run.

Olympic aquabike entrants complete a 0.9-mile swim and 24.8-mile bike ride. Olympic duathlon athletes run for 1 mile, bike 24.8 miles and then run 6.2 miles; sprint-distance duathlon entrants run for 1 mile, bike 12 miles and then run another 3.5 miles.

There are also two options for differently abled people to participate in the days’ athletic activities with volunteers through Special Compass Power Buddies.

Participants can pick up race packets from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at City Bike Aventura at 20335 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura, Florida.

Pickup in Key Largo is at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, and on race day from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. at the race site.

A first-timer’s clinic is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday during the Pennekamp Park packet pickup.

Sunday’s races will have staggered starts from 6:40 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. All participants should arrive at the race venue by 5:30 a.m.

A post-event party and awards ceremony will take place at Pennekamp’s Cannon Beach. Awards await the top three finishers in varying age groups, top three overall male and female finishers, and top three male and female masters (age 40 and above).

One northbound lane of U.S. 1 from MM 102.5 (the entrance to Pennekamp Park) to MM 105 will be coned off for cyclists’ use between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The other northbound lane will remain open to vehicular traffic.

Race registration, information and course maps are at keylargotriathlon. com.

A regatta on Aug. 10 will challenge young sailors across

Keys to ‘meet in the middle’ for races in Marathon. CONTRIBUTED

Triathlon competitors during the 2023 Key Largo Triathlon produced by Game On! Race Events. JONELL MODYS/Florida Keys News Bureau

BOUTIQUE HOURS

MONDAY - WEDNESDAY

SEEKING SHELTER

UNAFFORDABLE HOUSING, TEENAGE HOMELESSNESS AND LITERALLY LIVING IN A DUMP

NICKEL AND DIMED

By Barbara Ehrenreich

In 1998, journalist Barbara Ehrenreich began critically analyzing whether people could exist on minimum-wage jobs, such as waitressing, housekeeping and retail, which at the time paid about $6 per hour. She learned that it was impossible to pay for rent and food without working at least two jobs, if not three. To further her research, she decided to go undercover, leaving home with minimal necessities. Ehrenreich moved from Key West to Maine to Minnesota, working a multitude of jobs in each location. She lived in trailer parks, crumbling motels and shared spaces. No matter how diligently she worked, Ehrenreich struggled. Her exploration revealed America at its best and worst. There were many jobs available, and she could eat reasonably well. However, her biggest obstacle was housing. More than 20 years later, housing is still an issue in every city across the country, with rising rents, buildings in disrepair and people living in motels. These experiences changed her life, and as a journalist and social advocate, she wrote about them. Ehrenreich passed away a few years ago at 81, and her award-winning book remains on the recently-published New York Times list of 100 best books of the 21st century.

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www.readingandeating.com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

IF YOU SEE THEM

By Vicki Sokolik

One day, Vicki’s Sokolik’s son Cam brought a girl home after school. He didn’t know her well, but she was smart, living on her own and about to drop out. Always compassionate, Sokolik had been volunteering to serve hundreds of meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas for years. But maybe that wasn’t enough. Sokolik learned there was a population of “unaccompanied homeless youth” who slipped through the cracks, as only children “taken” from the home are considered for foster care. Sokolik, a resident of Tampa, founded a nonprofit called Starting Right, Now — later shortened to SRN. Once identified by school administration, these teens can apply to be part of this handson program where they receive guidance and housing. The goal is to aid these young people in leading productive, healthy lives and building a trustworthy support system. As Sokolik details her experiences, she highlights many personal journeys of these teens. Some are shocking; all are heartbreaking. This incredible woman has led the path to change in her community and the Legislature in Florida. It is a shining example of what patience, perseverance and change can accomplish. Writing a check is appreciated, but not always enough when the system is broken.

#WORTHWATCHING

When Alex leaves her abusive boyfriend, she moves into a shelter with her young daughter. Getting a job cleaning houses while struggling with day care, permanent housing and a mentally ill mother is an emotional and physical roller coaster for this brave young woman. Inspired by a bestselling memoir, “Maid” can be seen on Netflix.

By Camron Wright Sang Ly, Ki Lim, and

-

their son Ni

say live at Stung Meanchey, the largest dump in Cambodia. They pick trash for a living. Nisay has been ill, and their lives are filled with constant danger, hunger and shame. The rent collector is a woman named Sopeap, whom they also call the dragon lady. She is mean-spirited and often drunk as she collects the rent on their three-sided huts. One day, Sang Ly sees something in Sopeap that forces her to break through this facade and find out who she really is. Sang Ly shows her a book that Ki found while picking. Sopeap, a former literature professor, begins to teach Sang Ly to read, and an unexpected friendship begins. Based on a documentary produced by the author’s son and filmed in this actual dump, the narrative is filled with reminders of how reading and books can change a person’s life. Although it is fictionalized, this story, the dump and the characters are very real. Ultimately, it is a story of hope and renewal, encouraging us to embrace empathy and withhold judgment until we’ve truly experienced someone else’s journey.

THE RENT COLLECTOR

KAREN NEWFIELD

Monday st louis Ribs $34 Cole Slaw | Sweet Potato Fries

Tuesday 2 Asian Tuna Tacos in Wonton Shell $28 Sweet Soy & Wasabi Aioli | Kimchi

Wednesday Prime Rib Night 12oz $60 | 16oz $70 Mashed Potatoes | Green Beans

Thursday Jumbo Shrimp & Grits: $32

Friday Swordfish Rockefeller: $48

Croquette | Grilled Asparagus Saturday Seafood Strudel with Broccolini: $42

On this day: In 1957, the United States and Canada a ounced the forma on of the North American Aerospace Defense Co and (NORAD).

In The Bleachers

The force is de nitely with these folks in Mexico City — students of the Jedi Knight Academy, who m t in a park four nights a w k to prac ce their lightsaber dueling ski s, the A ociated Pre reported on June 21. “When students a ive, some of them drop the saber,” said instructor Ulises Vazquez, who’s known as the Jedi master. He said they go on to become “exce ent athletes and exce ent lightsaber ghters and fencers.” The se ions, which last thr hours, are based on Jedi and Sith teachings.

Adam

Brevity

News of the Weird

Founded by Betty Debnam

Racing to Indiana

Indiana, a midwestern state, joined the Union in 1816 as our 19th state. The land was inhabited by native people for many centuries; the Shawnee, Miami, Illini and others were living in the area when Europeans arrived.

The first European to explore the area was probably Rene-Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle, in 1679. French fur traders were the first Europeans to settle in the area. The British claimed the area after the French and Indian Wars in 1763.

Indiana is known as the Hoosier State, a nickname that probably started with an 1833 poem by John Finley called “The Hoosier’s Nest.” Indiana adopted the nickname more than 150 years ago.

INDIANA TODAY

With about 6.7 million people, Indiana ranks 17th among the states in population. It is the 38th-largest state in area.

The capital, Indianapolis, is also the largest city. In the 20th century, Indiana became a leader in manufacturing, making automobiles and car parts, steel and pharmaceuticals. Farmers also raise corn, soybeans and egg-laying chickens.

Companies ship products through the Great Lakes’ St. Lawrence Seaway and on the

THE SPORTING LIFE

Motorsports are huge in Indiana, the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Each year on Memorial Day, it hosts the Indianapolis 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world.

Indiana’s professional sports teams include:

• the NBA’s Indiana Pacers

• the WNBA’s Indiana Fever

• the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts

Interestingly, more NBA players have come from Indiana, on average, than any other state.

EDUCATION

Indiana is home to many colleges and universities, including Indiana University, Purdue University, the University of Notre Dame and many technical and training schools.

INDIANA FACT-A-ROONIES

• Forests cover about 21% of the state.

• The Raggedy Ann Doll was first created in Indianapolis in 1914 by cartoonist Johnny Gruelle. He wrote stories about the doll for his daughter.

• The Indianapolis Zoo features thousands of animals such as tigers and elephants in cageless natural habitats.

People in Italy within the highly populated caldera of an ancient supervolcano spent the night outdoors, in tents or in their cars after the strongest tremors on record jolted the volcanic area. Phlegraean Fields is located just west of Naples. The nearby city of Pozzuoli, home to more than 800,000 people, has seen the landscape changed during the past year by seismic activity brought on by magma flowing below. There have long been plans in place to swiftly evacuate the area should an eruption seem imminent.

FAMOUS HOOSIERS

• William Henry Harrison, who once was the governor of the Indiana Territory, was our ninth president. His grandson, Benjamin Harrison, was our 23rd president. He was born in Ohio but moved to Indiana to practice law. Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, lived much of his childhood in the state.

• Pop artist

Michael Jackson and his brothers and sisters were born in Gary, Indiana.

• Charles “Chuck” Taylor, born in Brown County, Indiana, in 1901, was a basketball player and worked for the Converse Rubber Shoe Co. He helped redesign and improve the basketball shoes that became known as Chuck Taylor All Stars, or “Chucks.”

• Orville Redenbacher was an agricultural scientist whose hybrid popping corn was introduced in 1970 under his name. He was born in Brazil, Indiana. You can see a statue of him in Lincoln Park in Valparai-

RESOURCES

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPIndiana

At the library:

• “What’s Great About Indiana?” by Candice Ransom

• “The Story of the Indiana Fever” by Jim Whiting

Ohio River.

photo by Joshua Cornelius

The Jackson 5 perform in 1972.

The Indiana flag

Mini Fact: Today, race cars at the Indy 500 might zip by at more than 230 mph. At the first race in 1911, the winning speed was 75 mph.

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

CORRECTED NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO REIMPOSE AND PROVIDE FORCOLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE SERVICE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, (BOCC) will conduct a Public Hearing to consider reimposing solid waste service assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2024, against certain improved residential properties located within Monroe County, the City of Marathon, the City of Layton, and the City of Key Colony Beach, to fund the cost of solid waste collection 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 9:00 A.M., on August 21, 2024, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida 33040. The public can attend the Public Hearing in person, or via Zoom, for the purpose of contributing or receiving public comments on the proposed assessments. The Zoom link can be found in the electronic meeting agenda at the following address: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx.

All affected property owners have a right to appear at the hearing, in person or virtually, and to file written objections with the County Commission, within 20 calendar days of the first publication date of this notice. Pursuant to section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, notice is given that if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the County 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. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the County Administrator’s Office at 305-292-4441, at least 48 hours prior to the date of the hearing. If hearing or voice-impaired, contact the Florida Relay Service Number, by dialing “711” for assistance.

The total annual solid waste assessment revenue to be collected within Monroe County, the City of Marathon, the City of Layton, and the City of Key Colony Beach for the upcoming fiscal year is estimated to be $19,310,016.00. The rate of assessment for the upcoming fiscal year shall be $548.58 per residential dwelling unit. The maximum rate of assessment that can be imposed in the Fiscal Year commencing October 1, 2024, and future fiscal years, shall be $548.58 per residential dwelling unit. Copies of the legal documentation for the assessment program will be made available upon request by contacting the County Administrator’s Office at (305) 292-4441, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. If you have any questions, please call the County Solid Waste Management Department at 305-295-4323 or 305-292-4536, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 5:00 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.

A person may submit written or other physical evidence on a particular agenda item for consideration at the August 21, 2024 BOCC meeting to: Krystal Gomez, via email at: Gomez-Krystal@monroecounty-fl.gov, or by mail to: The County Administrator’s Office, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 205, Key West, FL 33040. The documents must be received by 3:00 P.M., on August 16, 2024, and must include the submitter’s name, address, phone number, email address, and the agenda item number to which the documents refer.

DATED at Key West, Monroe County, Florida, this 27th day of July, 2024.

Kevin Madok, Clerk of the Circuit Court and ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

LEGAL NOTICES

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 NOTICES

DISTRICT I ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC I) (Encompasses the City Limits of Key West) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists).

Any person wishing to participate on the District I Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above,

LEGAL NOTICES

may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday August 23, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 1, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (From the city limits of Key West to the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the

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

Publish: August 1, 2024

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

MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying. Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday August 23, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 1, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT III ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC III) (From the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge to the Long Key Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).

Any person wishing to participate on the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday August 23, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: August 1, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

District IV Advisory Committee (DAC IV) (Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has a vacancy for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists). Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below:

Department DAC

Monroe County Tourist

Development Council

1201 White Street, Suite 102

Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday August 23, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 1, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT IV ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC IV)

(Between the Long Key Bridge and mile marker 90.939) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

has an opening for a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying).

Any person wishing to participate on the District IV Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below:

Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040

Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday August 23, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 1, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

DISTRICT V ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC V) (From Mile Marker 90.940 to the Dade/Monroe County Line and any Mainland portions of Monroe County) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for a LODGING INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVE – shall be owners or operating/general managers of motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, or other tourist accommodations which are subject to bed tax in the tax collection district for which they are applying. Any person wishing to participate on the District V Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys.com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys. com, or may be sent via U.S. Mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 Deadline for receipt of applications at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday August 23, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.

Publish: August 1, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

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

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

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on Thursday, August 29, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform.

Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071.

CITY OF MARATHON CITY COUNCIL

NOTICE OF ATTORNEYCLIENT SESSION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 286.0118, FLORIDA STATUTES

Notice is hereby given that the City Council consisting of Mayor Robyn Still, Councilmembers Luis Gonzalez, Lynn Landry, Kenny Matlock, and Jeff Smith, City Manager George Garett, City Attorney Steve Williams, outside Counsel and attorney Erin Deady will meet at 5:00 pm or as soon as possible thereafter on August 27, 2024 at the Marathon City Hall, 9805 Overseas Highway in an Attorney-Client Session, pursuant to Section 286.011(8), Florida Statutes, to discuss litigation in regard to the following case: QOF, Inc v. City of Marathon, Florida and Florida Keys Resort Holdings, LLC, Defendant; pending in the Circuit/County Court of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in and for Monroe County Florida, Case No.: 24-CA-702-M The session is estimated to last thirty minutes.

Publish: August 1, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered in Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the “Proposal Form” provided by Monroe County in the RFP is the amount that will be utilized by the County when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, August 29, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting

https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publish:

August 1, 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.

Personal Representatives:

Thayer W. McKenzie

10 Perky Road

Key Largo, FL 33037

Harlan L.P. Wendell, Jr.

14 High Hope Way

Bluffton, SC 29910

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 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 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 of first publication of this notice is: July 25, 2024. Personal Representatives: Kristen Venning 365 Highbrook Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30342 Jamie Taylor Falcon Hill Place 2209 Lynchburg, Virginia 24503 Attorney for Personal Representatives: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428 Fax: (305) 743-8800

E-Mail: 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 OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY CASE NO. 20-CA-000044-K THE BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST CONDOMINIUM AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA CORPORATION, Plaintiff, v. WILLIAM STAFFORD, JEFFREY CAMPBELL, JACK A JENSEN AND RUTH L JENSEN, ANN LOUISE MINI, CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, ANN F MACGOWEN AND SUSAN A MACGOWEN, BARBARA D COMPSON, AMIR ESFANDYARI, JOAN C MANTAS, AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST THE PARTIES HEREIN NAMED, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, the unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees of CHARLOTTE PIRNIA, and all persons claiming by, through, under or against CHARLOTTE PIRNIA or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described in COUNT IX of the Complaint, and all unknown persons, if alive, and if dead, and if not known to be dead or alive, their unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees or other persons claiming by, through, under or against any unknown person who is known to be dead or otherwise claim to have any right title, or interest in any of the properties described below. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose liens on the following properties in Monroe County, Florida more particularly described as follows: Unit 802, During Unit Week 38, BANYAN TREE OF KEY WEST A CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common elements, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1088, Page 1018, as amended from time to time, of the Public Records on Monroe County, Florida. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Jonathan J. Coto,

the plaintiff’s attorney whose address is Coto Law Firm, P.A.

1390 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 1800, Coral Gables, Florida

33146, on or before September

2, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

DATED on July 17, 2024

KEVIN MADOK, CPA

As Clerk of the Court

By:

Shonta McLeod

As Deputy Clerk Publish: August 1 & 8, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS & ST.

JOHN CASE NO.: ST-2023-CV-00219

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

JURY TRIAL DEMANDED GUARDIAN INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff,

v. NICKOLAS EBENBECK CARIBBEAN LEASING & ECO TRANSPORT

d/b/a

BUDGET RENT-A-CAR, BUSINESS BASIC VI, LLC, and INTERNATIONAL RENTAL & LEASING CORP., Defendants.

To: Nikolas Ebenbeck

33701 Clinton Avenue

Denham Springs, LA 70706

Within the time limited by law

(see note on the next page) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and to answer to the First Amended Complaint filed against you in this action.

In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the First Amended Complaint for damages.

Witness my hand and the seal of this Court on this 10th day of May, 2024.

TAMARA CHARLES

Clerk of the Court

By: Deputy Clerk BARNES, D’AMOUR & VOGEL

P.O. Box 10829

St. Thomas, VI 00801

Tel: (340) 774-8188 / Fax: 7748189

/s/Kevin F. D’Amour

Kevin F. D’Amour, Esq.: VI Bar No. 288 Kdamour@usvilawfirm.com

Attorneys for Plaintiff, Guardian Insurance Company

NOTE: The Defendant, if served personally is required to file his/ her answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons excluding the date of service If served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, the Defendant is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the Plaintiffs within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction.

Publish:

August 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

CITATION

Robert E. Hill, Esq. Nevada Bar No. 8496

THE HILL LAW GROUP

7341 W. Charleston Blvd., Ste. 160 Las Vegas, Nevada 89117

Telephone: (702) 852-1552

Facsimile: (702) 221-1961

admin@myvegaslaw.com

Attorney for Petitioners

DISTRICT COURT FAMILY DIVISION

CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA

CASE NO. G-24-060256-M and G-24-060256-M2

In the Matter of Guardianship of the Person and Estate of: MAKAYLA ROSE HALE and RYANN MONROE HALE, Proposed Protected Children.

CITATION TO APPEAR AND SHOW CAUSE TO:

MAKAYLA ROSE HALE and RYANN MONROE HALE, PROPOSED MINOR PROTECTED PERSONS; ALL KNOWN RELATIVES OF THE MINORS; AND ANY PERSON HAVING THE CARE, CUSTODY, AND CONTROL OF THE MINOR NICOLE HALE, Mother; DEBRA HEDMAN, Paternal Grandparent; JACQUELYN NESBITT, Maternal Grandparent; and DOUBLAS EDWARD KUTNEYGRANDPA KUTNEY, Maternal Grandparent PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that BRAD JACOB HALE and SHAWNA KIM HALE have petitioned the court to be appointed the guardians of the proposed protected persons named above.

The proposed protected persons may be determined to be incapacitated or of limited capacity; and a guardian may be appointed for the proposed protected persons. The rights of the proposed protected persons may be affected as specified in the petition.

The proposed protected persons have the right to appear at the hearing and to oppose the petition.

The proposed protected persons have the right to be represented by an attorney; who may be appointed by the court if the proposed protected persons is unable to retain one.

At any time after the filing for a Petition to Appoint Guardian, the court may appoint: (1) An attorney; (2) A guardian ad litem or an advocate; or (3) an investigator, if found to be appropriate or necessary in the best interest of the proposed protected persons.

DATE AND TIME OF COURT APPEARANCE

YOU ARE DIRECTED TO APPEAR AND SHOW CAUSE why a guardian should not be appointed for the proposed protected persons on the: 8th day of August, 2024 at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom 03A at: The Family Courts and Services Center, 601 N. Pecos Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. DATED this 17th day of April, 2024.

STEVEN D. GRIERSON CLERK OF COURT BY: Shaun Salcedo Deputy Court Clerk NOTE: The proposed guardian(s) and the proposed protected persons (unless excused by a physician) must appear at the scheduled hearing; all other interested parties do not need to appear unless they wish to oppose the guardianship and enter an objection.

Publish: August 1, 8, 15 & 22, 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

AUTOS WANTED

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

BOATS FOR SALE

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

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

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

Gated storage & parking available in Marathon for boats, trailers & RV's - across from boat ramp - MM 54. $8-$10/foot. 305-610-8002

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

CAMPING/RV SITE

Camping site/RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/ Daily rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

EMPLOYMENT

Marathon: Looking for 2 College Students interested in 2-3 hours of work for 1 day restoring a Trawler Boat. May lead to additional hours. Cleaning, sanding, staining, scraping and painting outside of Boat $30.00 an hour. Contact a Friend and apply together. Call (508) 566-3538

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

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

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

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

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.

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

HOBBIES/COLLECT.

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

HOUSING FOR RENT

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

Absolute Auction

Tuesday August 13th @ 11AM

201 20th St Ocean, Lot # 8 Marathon, FL 33050 (White Building by the dock) MASSIVE RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT SALE

Automatic Empanada Dumpling Machine, True Stainless Cooler, True Stainless Freezer, Portable Griddle, Portable Char-Broiler, Sun re 6 Burner Range, MicroMatic Keg Cooler, Southbend Convection Oven, Galvanized Baskets, Insulated Coolers, Metro Racks, Large Quantity of Small Wares, Glass Plates, Dipping Plates, Wine Glasses, Shell Shaped Plates, Platters, Oil & Vinegar Holders, Pepper Mills, Bar Supplies, Coffee Cups, Stainless & Poly-Carbon Inserts, Champagne Glasses & Buckets, PLUS, SO MUCH MORE! Live Bidding In-Person &/or Online @ Proxibid.com/TobyNeverett Toby Neverett Auctioneers www.neverettauctions.com 561-706-7218 * au872 ab628

ISLAMORADA: Very Large 2 BR apt. for rent. Furnished or unfurnished. Utilities & cable included. $2,200/month. First/ Security. Available Sept. 1st. Yearly lease. 305-5222702 Leave message.

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

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/month furnished all included. F/L/S or payments of $900/week for 3 months. Dockage available. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

ROOMMATE WANTED

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

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

RV FOR SALE

2010 27' Wildcat RV FOR SALE. 5th wheel, 1 slideout. Located in Key West. $9,000 618-559-9143

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

RV SITE FOR RENT

RV site at marina available in Marathon. Monthly/Daily rates. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. No Pets. 305-610-8002

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

Place your STORAGE

KEY LARGO FIRE RESCUE & EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DISTRICT IS SEEKING AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/CLERK

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

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

EXPERIENCED

ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED

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

e Turtle Hospital in Marathon

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

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)

Dolphin Research Center has an opening for a Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent) for immediate consideration. Duties include: Supporting HR Director on everyday activities for the department, recruitment, record keeping, employee support, etc. Must be an organized team player with excellent computer & communication skills. Prior HR experience will be a benefit. Benefits include: medical insurance, 401(k), paid vacation & holidays & so much more!

Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring

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!

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AR PROCESSOR FT

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

DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM

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

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS HIRING!

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

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

KEY LARGO Advocate (PT)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist Advocate (PT)

Case Manager (Adult, Child)

Substance Abuse Counselor Prevention Specialist Crisis Counselor

MARATHON

Care Coordinator (PT)

Driver – PT (CDL not required)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)

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

Peer Support Specialist/BHT

*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.

Background and drug screen req.

BENEFITS!!!

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE

OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, General Surgery, Tavernier, $3k Bonus

- Patient Access Associate, Tavernier

- Physician Assistant, Ortho, Tavernier

- Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant, Upper Keys Cardiology, $5k Bonus

- Nurse Practitioner Physician Assistant, Primary Care Marathon, $5k Bonus

- Medical Assistant, Concierge Key West, $5k Bonus

- Physician Practice Registered Nurse, Concierge Key West, $15k Bonus

TAVERNIER MARINERS

HOSPITAL

- Cook, $5k Bonus

- Director Nursing Services, ICU

- Exercise Physiologist

- Group Exercise Instructor

- Lead First Cook, $5k Bonus

- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20k Bonus

- Nuclear Medicine Tech

- Radiology Technologist, $15k Bonus

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

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

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Department

- Experience Advisor, Patient Experience

- First Cook, $5k Bonus

- Lead Medical Technologist, $15k Bonus

- Lead Phlebotomist

- Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, $20k Bonus

- Medical Technologist, $15k Bonus

- Radiology Technologist, $15k Bonus

- Registered Nurse, Emergency, $25k Bonus

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

- Registered Respiratory Therapist, $15k Bonus

- Security Of cer

We are now hiring for the

*Sign-on

WE ARE HIRING!

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AR PROCESSOR FT

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

DIRECT CARE STAFF AT ADULT DAY TRAINING PROGRAM

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

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

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

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

Salary: $60,000.

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

Email resume to: Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net

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

Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

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