Se habla español THE UPPER KEYS WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050.
APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials.
Postmaster
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050
News Deadline
Monday Noon
Advertising Deadline
Tuesday 2 p.m.
@KeysWeekly
@theWeekly
Members of
$264M
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” debuted in movie theaters across the world on Sept. 6. With actor Michael Keaton’s return, the film reached more than $264 million globally since its opening. The movie returns to Winter River some 40 years after the 1980s original when the ghoul is summoned to the land of the living once again.
Young angler Beau Evans placed first in the 0-4 backcountry division during the 2023 Keys Kids Fishing Derby at Lorelei. Evans is pictured with family. CONTRIBUTED
COUNTY CONTINUES TO ACT ON GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATIONS IN DRUG THEFT SCANDAL
Suspended division chief has a Sept. 20 pre-determination hearing
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Monroe County leaders continue to address a scathing grand jury report stemming from a July 2022 drug theft scandal, which recently led to the indictments of a top administrator, a fire rescue division chief, a former flight nurse and a former medical director.
During a Sept. 11 meeting in Key Largo, County Attorney Bob Shillinger guided county commissioners through a series of 14 recommendations offered by the 15-member jury to address issues from the reported loss of 600-plus vials of drugs and controlled substances from Monroe County Fire Rescue (MCFR). The matter came to light following a 2023 audit by the county clerk’s office on MCFR’s controlled substances protocols, which detailed glaring breakdowns in oversight that allegedly enabled a chief flight nurse with Trauma Star, Lynda Rusinowski, to steal fentanyl, Dilaudid and other narcotics. MCFR oversees the daily operations of Trauma Star and its substance protocols.
Three of the 14 recommendations from the grand jury zeroed in on three county officials: Roman Gastesi, former county administrator; Fire Chief James Callahan; and Andrea Thompson, division chief for Trauma Star and MCFR.
The grand jury recommended the county not only “immediately terminate” Thompson from fire rescue, but also not allow her to return or hold any position with MCFR. She was suspended without pay after the grand jury indicted her last month on nine counts, including official misconduct, providing false information to law enforcement, tampering with physical evidence and tampering with
witnesses. Thompson is scheduled to have a pre-determination hearing on Friday, Sept. 20.
Shillinger said the first pre-determination hearing delves into the employee’s status of the charges and whether the person could come back while they are pending. A second predetermination hearing is held once those charges are resolved.
“We don’t want to place the employee in an untenable position of having to choose between fighting for their job and fighting for their freedom in the criminal courts. That’s why we go through the bifurcated process,” Shillinger said.
Bryan Cook, county human resources director, told commissioners the pre-determination hearing allows the employee to state their case as to what happened.
“We have a process and policies to allow employees to present a case
about their side of whatever the discipline is. We sometimes upon arrest of an employee will conduct two hearings, one upon arrest and one upon disposition of case,” he said.
In the viewing gallery, a number of Thompson supporters wearing white shirts listened as the county discussed the recommendations. Their shirts read “I Stand With Andrea Thompson.” Thompson was also in attendance.
Thompson’s attorney, Kendall Coffey, told county commissioners that he hopes the pre-determination hearing will be fair and balanced.
“We all know the grand jury processes are not fair and balanced,” he said. “They’re recognized by courts as an instrumentality of investigation for prosecution. It’s just all one-sided.
“Many people don’t recognize that and know that and think there’s some-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
PIXABAY
KEYS TOURISM AGENCY APPROVES BIG CHANGES
TDC board approves 3 new senior executives
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
Uncomfortable conversations led to unavoidable questions and unprecedented decisions at the Sept. 17 meeting of the Keys tourism agency.
Kara Franker, who was hired as the new president and CEO of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council following last year’s critical audits of the agency, was candid in her criticisms, though careful not to place blame on what she called “a skeleton crew.” In comparison, Franker said, the TDC for the Palm Beaches has a staff of 55. Monroe County’s TDC has a staff of 13, with its former director Stacey Mitchell often not permitted to hire additional employees.
Franker’s message was clear: Things are changing — now.
The board of the TDC on Sept. 17 approved three new senior executive level positions — a vice president of finance/accounting; a vice president of communications/marketing and a vice president of administration/legal, who will be a lawyer. The three new vice presidents will be in addition to the new chief financial officer (CFO), which the county commission had already approved.
In addition to the new full-time positions, which Franker will start filling immediately, the TDC board greenlighted three temporary consultants for what Franker described as “triage” for the most pressing issues raised in the audits. Those consultants, for about $255,000, will get to work immediately rewriting financial policies and procedures, hiring practices and the TDC’s marketing plan.
“We have a lot of trust to restore,” said Franker. “We’re dealing with public funds and with the most important economic driver for this community.”
One of the most significant potential changes likely involves bringing many services “in-house,” services such as public relations and digital marketing that are currently handled by other agencies with TDC contracts. Currently, NewmanPR handles public relations for Keys tourism and Two Oceans Digital handles the TDC’s website, online marketing and social media functions. Under Two Oceans’ current contract, the Key West-based company receives
Kara Franker, president and CEO of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council.
MANDY MILES/
Keys Weekly
much of the advertising revenue from Keys businesses that advertise on the TDC website at fla-keys.com. When referring to this revenue, Franker asked the TDC board, “Did you know that if we ran our own marketing co-op programs in-house, we could create a new funding stream outside of public tourism taxes?”
Franker reminded the board that while she has been particularly impressed with the skills of several TDC staff members, “We don’t have anyone in-house who’s an expert in communications, marketing, website design, public relations, social media, content creation or media buying and advertising.” Those services are all handled by contracted agencies.
Franker said she has had some admittedly uncomfortable but entirely professional conversations with Andy Newman, owner of NewmanPR, which has handled public relations for the Florida Keys for more than 40 years. NewmanPR was criticized in the county’s TDC audit and a follow-up assessment.
“I’ve had the pleasure of having several conversations with Andy Newman, and one thing was clear in that what they’ve been doing is actually way more than what most PR firms in the tourism industry typically do,” Franker said, adding that she doesn’t want all that work, and all the relationships that NewmanPR has cultivated over the decades, to simply disappear if the TDC brings its PR services in-house.
Franker proposed and the board agreed that it will recommend to the county commission that NewmanPR’s contract with the county be terminated in about four months while the entities work together to devise a transition that could see many of NewmanPR’s staff brought in as TDC employees.
5:30pm-6:30pm: cocktail hour on the veranda 6:30pm-7:30pm: dinner, featuring entertainment by comedian Stephanie Kaple 7:30pm-9:30pm: music and dancing with Miami’s Premier DJ Cardi
COUNTY MAYOR HANDS OUT 4 HONORARY CONCH CERTIFICATES
Four Florida Keys residents were named Honorary Conchs during a Sept. 11 meeting of Monroe County commissioners. Mayor Holly Raschein gave certificates — signifying those who’ve made major contributions to the community but weren’t born in the Keys to Rob Stober, local attorney and Upper Keys Rotarian; Karen “KK” Ciampa, an educator of 35-plus years who volunteers her time by reading at local schools five days a week; Terry Abel, Islamorada fire chief and two-time Upper Keys Rotary president; and Sammy Sparks, builder of dream homes who’s known Raschein since her arrival in the Keys. Rachien said she couldn’t believe the four residents weren’t already named Honorary Conchs.
— Jim McCarthy
thing fair and impartial about the grand jury,” he continued. “There are other processes, ultimately including a jury trial, which are conceived to hear both sides and bring out the truth.”
Coffey concluded by stating that he looks forward to clearing Thompson’s name.
Gary Boswell, retired MCFR deputy chief of administration, said he’s known Thompson since she was a young volunteer, progressing to firefighter, paramedic, flight medic and division chief. He said he believes the indictment is “unjust and misguided.”
“In my 40-plus years of public service, I would be hard-pressed to think of anyone who’s worked harder and has been more dedicated to the community she serves and to the men and women who work with her and before her,” Boswell said.
As for Callahan, the grand jury recommended he resign by the end of the year to allow for the appointment of a new chief to oversee operations. Shillinger said discussions continue with no determination made.
Monroe County has since parted
ways with Gastesi, who was serving as a volunteer at the time. He was slated to come back as county administrator following a brief retirement, until he was indicted for official misconduct in connection to the drug theft scandal. With Gastesi departing in late February, county commissioners named Kevin Wilson as acting county administrator.
County commissioners approved a contract on Sept. 11 with Christine Hurley as county administrator. She was assistant county administrator in 2015 before leaving to become executive director of the county land authority in 2021. Sept. 12 was her first day on the job. Wilson will return to his role as assistant county administrator.
“I just want to tell the community that we will continue in this direction to make sure all these issues are addressed legally and do, in my opinion, the most we can do to protect and show the transparency of this fire department, which we have many, many very good employees and firefighters,” commissioner Craig Cates said.
CARD SOUND TOLLS INCREASE NEXT MONTH
New toll rates on Card Sound Road will be effective on Oct. 1. The toll adjustment is following the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. The following rates will take effect on Oct. 1, 2024.
SunPass
• $2.08 for two-axle vehicles: cars, pickup trucks, or motorcycles.
• $3.96 for three axles.
• $1.32 per each additional axle.
Toll-By-Plate
• $3.12 for two-axle vehicles: cars, pickup trucks, or motorcycles.
• $5.94 for three axles.
• $1.98 per each additional axle.
The toll is completely electronic using Toll-By-Plate, SunPass, or another highway pass like E-Pass or EZ-Pass. No cash is accepted at the toll. The toll helps fund road maintenance costs and future repair and replacement of the five bridges along Card Sound Road.
Two discount programs are available for drivers with a two-axle vehicle and a good-standing SunPass account. Drivers do not need to sign up for the monthly discount program and will au-
tomatically receive a 40 percent rebate on their SunPass account after any calendar month that 28 or more one-way trips are made through the toll.
The annual pass is for frequent users and allows unlimited travel through the toll. The fee is $520 annually from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. The annual pass will be available for purchase in December 2024 and January 2025. Additional details on the annual pass program will be released later this year.
More information is at www. monroecounty-fl.gov/cardsoundtoll.
Contributed
The toll rates are increasing on Card Sound Road. CONTRIBUTED
Karen ‘KK’ Ciampa is presented an Honorary Conch certificate from Mayor Holly Raschein.
Rob Stober proudly holds his Honorary Conch certificate.
Sammy Sparks receives distinction as an Honorary Conch.
Islamorada Fire Chief Terry Abel obtains the Honorary Conch certificate.
Photos by JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
Phone scams reported to sheriff’s office
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a familiar phone scam in which thieves text or contact victims stating they have embarrassing information about the victim that will be shared/posted to the internet if the victim does not pay a large amount of money.
There have also been recent reports of another familiar scam in which thieves are posing as law enforcement telling victims they need to pay money to resolve some fake criminal/fake legal issue. Both are common scams. Hang up, save the text or email and contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office directly via www.keysso.net/locations
Also, be wary of online banking scams available on mobile or other electronic devices involving monetary platforms such as CashApp, PayPal, Venmo or Zelle.
If someone contacts you asking for money, purporting to be from a law enforcement agency, any government organization, a bank, a credit card company, and so forth — contact the organization yourself.
If you receive a distressing text from a family member/ friend needing money immediately, always contact that family member/friend before sending money.
Sheriff: Man punches Fishermen’s nurse
A 36-year-old Marathon man was arrested on Sept. 14 for attacking a hospital nurse.
Amos Lee Hendricks was charged with aggravated assault on hospital personnel, battery on hospital personnel, and resisting arrest.
Police said a male nurse at the Fishermen’s Hospital emergency room in Marathon was attempting to change Hendricks’ soiled sheets when Hendricks lunged out of bed and punched the nurse without warning. Hendricks then grabbed the nurse by the neck and attempted to knee-strike him.
Hendricks resisted arrest while deputies were taking him into custody.
SCHOOL DISTRICT PASSES FINAL BUDGET AND EXAMINES OPERATIONS
FRANK DERFLER www.keysweekly.com
The Monroe County School District passed its final budget with emphasis on teacher salaries and limiting the tax rate associated with property values.
An important consideration was the tax levy for school safety and security. These funds cover the costs for security programs in the school district. An example is the Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate (ALICE) training required for all staff and students by state law. The state mandates most of the district’s security programs and gives some money, but the state also provides a way for school boards to fund the programs with a separate taxing power.
For this year, the state-mandated “safe school officers” provided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Key West Police total $2,753,547. The state provided $1,048,089, so funds are needed from within the county. The Monroe County School District exceeds all of the state criteria while using a small portion of the state-authorized special tax authority.
The county school board only controls a portion of what appears on a property owner’s tax statement labeled as “school.” The Monroe County School District tax rate is $1.05 per thousand dollars of assessed value with some variations for exemptions.
Another line item labeled as “school” is a tax levied by the state. If you are 65 or older and have the $50,000 exemption on your real estate assessed value, only the original $25,000 exemption applies to these two school taxes. The Monroe County school tax line item is expected to generate $128.54 million in 2024-25 while still maintaining the lowest tax rate for the district-controlled taxation in the state.
The difference is in two funding referendums that will be on November’s election ballot. These two referendum items do not ask for new taxes. They continue authority that has been in place for 20 years. The November ballot contains an item known as the “half-mill.” This referendum allows the district to use a taxing authority for school district operations.
“Renewing the half-mill is crucial for our ability to retain high-quality teachers and staff, provide school nurses and school resource officers at every school and maintain the high quality educational opportunities our students deserve,” said Sue Woltanski, school board chairwoman.
The other referendum item in November, known as the “half-cent,” is a sales tax that pays for buildings, upgrades and maintenance.
“It is crucial for our citizens to vote ‘yes’ in November for the two funding referendums on the ballot,” said board member Andy Griffiths, who is retiring from his position Oct. 8.
Looking at the total district budget, board member John Dick reported he examined and compared the budgets of all the other 66 school districts in Florida.
“Even though we have the highest cost of living in the state and one of the highest rates of pay for our employees due to that high cost of living, we have one of the lowest tax rates for school funding,” Dick said. “We proved we are doing what we say: paying teachers salaries.”
Monroe County school board members passed a budget during a Sept. 10 meeting at Marathon High School. PIXABAY
“Monroe County doesn’t use all of the taxing authority allowed by the state.” Dick said. “People in Monroe County need to know that.”
The school board also spent considerable time discussing the problem of finding an athletic trainer for Key West High School. One challenge is in the specific training and certification requirements for an athletic trainer. The trainer position offers a $62,100 starting salary plus a $3,400 offset for evening and weekend work, but applicants shy away from the hours and the cost of living.
The board also discussed advanced placement and dual enrollment courses across the district. In order to get college credit for AP classes, students must get a passing grade on rigorous standardized tests taken at the end of the school year. The school district pays for these tests and the board examined the results across the district. Board member Mindy Conn asked the staff to research information on how much AP classes cost the district compared to dual enrollment classes with the College of the Florida Keys.
Woltanski commended Coral Shores High School students for their exceptional performance in math AP tests; they out-performed the Florida average in this area by large margins across the board.
School board chairwoman Sue Woltanski says renewing the half-mill is crucial for the district’s ability to retain high quality teachers and staff. CONTRIBUTED
ISLAMORADA APPROVES 2024-25 SPENDING PLAN
Funds included for pool renovation & land acquisition
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26 5:30 P.M.
IJIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
slamorada council members approved a spending plan and a tax rate, which lowers the village’s share of property tax on a median home in the village, for the upcoming fiscal year at a Sept. 17 final budget hearing at Founders Park Community Center.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Jolin initially proposed the council levy roughly the same amount of property tax dollars from the 2023-24 fiscal year budget, $15.9 million. Councilman Henry Rosenthal sided with Jolin’s request, which would have provided a $361 decrease on the tax bill for a $1.3 million median home.
“It’s an opportunity for this capable staff to really look deeply how they’re functioning right now,” Jolin said in regard to her request.
Mayor Buddy Pinder, Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney and councilman Mark Gregg didn’t agree to the number. Gregg acknowledged the cost to do business has increased from the last year due to inflation, and levying the same amount from last year wouldn’t allow the village to provide exceptional service to residents.
A council majority ultimately agreed to levy a little more than $16.7 million to fund day-to-day operations in the village. For a median $1.3 million home in the village, the tax bill will decrease by $194.
Council members proceeded to consider how the tax dollars would be spent for village operations and projects. The five-member group ultimately agreed to provide $1 million for a land acquisition fund and $1 million for a pool renovation at Founders Park. Gregg was a big advocate for providing funds for land acquisition.
“We’re here to protect the environment and quality of life,” he said. “We’re looking to the future. It’s just not about today.”
The spending plan also includes a 5% cost of living adjustment for
Islamorada council members mull a spending plan for the 2024-25 fiscal year during a Sept. 17 final budget hearing inside Founders Park Community Center. JIM McCARTHY/Keys Weekly
Mark Gregg, left, and Henry Rosenthal mull a spending plan and tax rate. Rosenthal and Gregg approved their last budget as councilmen, as they aren’t running for re-election.
village employees, funds for a fulltime facility recreation attendant, an assistant fire chief of training and a planner.
A total of $105,200 was included in the budget for holiday lights and displays throughout the village. The council also agreed to dole out more than $100,000 to local nonprofits submitting applications to the village.
Requests for design for a public works building and a remodel of the second floor of village hall were excluded from the budget.
Total expenditures for the day-to-day operations in the village total $26.6 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Public safety accounts for $11.4 million of the budget, followed by $7 million for general government, which includes planning, finance, village manager, village clerk, IT and code compliance departments.
The Village NEEDS
COUNTY APPROVES EARLY EVACUATION ALLOCATIONS FOR TAVERNIER WORKFORCE HOUSING PROJECT
Units would sit behind a new Publix supermarket
JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com
Asupermarket and housing project in Tavernier took another step forward as county commissioners said “yes” to handing out early evacuation workforce housing building permits to developers during a Sept. 11 meeting in Key Largo.
Specifically, the Blackstone-Tavernier 925 LLC group is planning to construct a 49,000-squarefoot Publix supermarket and liquor store at the CEMEX property at MM 92.5, oceanside. Behind the Publix, developers are working with the Jacksonville-based Vestcor Companies to build 86 units of workforce housing.
A proposal to the county by the development group’s attorney, Bart Smith, requested 86 of the 300 permits for early evacuation workforce housing without needing to participate in the county’s “1-1 exchange program.” In 2021, county commissioners approved the program in a bid to give developers the opportunity to swap affordable allocations they already received for early evacuation units. That way, the county would have affordable housing allocations to dole out for future takings claims. Per county officials, no one has participated in the program.
Early evacuations units were given to Monroe County and other municipalities by then-Gov. Rick Scott following Hurricane Irma, the category 4 storm that wiped out mobile homes and residences of working class and retired residents in 2017.
“When these quasi-affordable housing units were destroyed, the lots were sold. New homes were built, but those homes are so expensive they’re not affordable housing any more,” Smith told commissioners.
The early evacuation units, of which the county received 300, were specifically designed for multifamily complexes with more than one unit on the property. Those who occupy the units are
required to make 70% of their income in Monroe County.
“My goal is that there aren’t buses from Homestead bringing employees into Monroe County. That means their paycheck is leaving Monroe County and being spent in Homestead,” said county commissioner Michelle Coldiron, who voted in favor of the 86 units to developers. “I’d rather all residents who work here also live in the community.”
In addition, tenants of these units must evacuate within 48 hours of a storm. Essential personnel, such as first responders, who may occupy units wouldn’t be forced to evacuate. Per county requirements, the workforce housing complex must have an onsite manager trained in evacuation to ensure everyone leaves in a timely manner.
Before the vote of approval, a number of residents and those representing community groups voiced their opposition to the request. Dottie Moses, president of the Island of Key Largo Federation of Homeowners Association, acknowledged the group objects to using 86 early evacuation units without an exchange of an equal number of affordable housing units. Moses said the exchange program mitigates concerns of future takings claims.
“You say you want to restore faith in the community. We’d like that as well,” Moses said. “But when you change the rules of the game as we go along, that doesn’t help your cause for restoring faith in our local government.”
The developers, in working with Vestcor Companies, are planning to build 58 two-bed, two-bath, 16 three-bed, two bath and 12 onebed, one-bath units. Smith told the county planning commission at an Aug. 28 meeting that they believe a lot of people from Baptist Health could likley occupy the units. Baptist Health South Florida’s Mariners Hospital is roughly 1 mile from the proposed workforce housing site.
Developers previously secured the county commission’s approval to construct a nonresidential structure beyond the 10,0000-squarefoot limit for the Publix supermarket and liquor store last February. FloridaCommerce originally shot down the ordinance but later approved it. The Tavernier Community Association has since filed an appeal to FloridaCommerce’s reversal to approve the county ordinance.
With approval secured for the early evacuation units, the developers will now look to get a major conditional use approval before proceeding with the project. That matter is taken up by the county planning commission.
WELLS FARGO HELPS PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Grant supports Habitat project to build four homes
The Wells Fargo Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys (HFHUK) to help build four new homes on Poinsettia Drive in Key Largo.
HFHUK is one of 179 local Habitat for Humanity affiliates awarded funding through the 2024 Wells Fargo Builds program to increase access to affordable housing across the U.S.
The grant to HFHUK along with the support of Wells Fargo volunteers will help to build homes for families in need.
“At Wells Fargo, we believe everyone should have a quality, affordable place to call a home,” said Hector J. Ponte, Wells Fargo South Florida regional executive. “Far too many people are facing housing instability and homeownership remains out of reach for so many families. This is why we’re proud to team up with Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys and support their work of making homeownership more accessible to the South Florida community through volunteerism and philanthropic contributions.”
This funding is part of a $6.4 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International to support more than 290 families in communities nationwide.
On Sept. 13, Wells Fargo volunteers joined HFHUK to help with painting and finishing work at the 292 Gardenia St. complex on Plantation Key in Islamorada.
— Contributed
Wells Fargo employees helped with finishing work at 292 Gardenia St. on Plantation Key in Islamorada. HFHUK/Contributed
A rendering of the workforce housing units behind the proposed Publix at property located at MM 92.5, oceanside, in Tavernier. VESTCOR/Contributed
OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
AT 9:00 A.M.
FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM
Should Committee Meetings be scheduled, they will commence first, followed by the Regular Board Meeting.
MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT
BrightView Landscape Services, Inc., the nation's largest commercial landscaper, was established in 1939. This full-service landscaping company, with a branch o ce in Homestead, serves the entire Florida Keys. The BrightView team includes design, installation and maintenance professionals, as well as arborists with certi cations from the International Society of Arborists. Mangrove trimming certi cation is included. Other services include pest management, irrigation design/installation and rapid post-hurricane response.
Branch Manager Nakita Shim spends several days a week meeting with clients and checking on crews. "While we are a national company, we have a local presence developing long-standing partnerships and relationships with our clients," she said. "We strive to go above and beyond to ful ll our commitments."
With a team of 140 serving the Florida Keys, BrightView crews, trucks and equipment can be found in the Keys every day. In addition to their membership with Key Largo Chamber, BrightView is also a member with the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Chapter and Coastal Conservation Association, as well as an annual supporter of Baptist Health.
Nakita can be reached at 305-258-8011 or via email at nakita.shim@brightview.com.
HORRIFIC BICYCLE ACCIDENT CAUSES BRAIN BLEED IN ISLAMORADA CHILD
Fifth grader is an advocate for wearing helmets
KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com
The deep scar carved into the right side of 10-year-old
Edison Mangel’s head serves as a poignant reminder of the severe bicycle injury that could have taken his life, an injury that was also likely preventable.
“The only thing I remember is me hitting my head and I don’t know anything about what happened next,” said Edison, a Plantation Key School fifth grader.
It was June 8, around 7 in the evening. Edison was out on his bike, riding on Azalea Street near his home in Plantation Key Colony, when a rope on the street became entangled in his spokes. The bike screeched to a halt, Edison was thrown from the bike and onto the asphalt, hitting his head. He wasn’t wearing a helmet.
“Just out and about, coming home on his bike, normal day, normal kid, normal scenario, something got caught in his bike and he fell off of it and slammed his head on the road,” said mom Karina Mangel, who is a nurse at Mariners Hospital.
A neighbor saw the accident and heard Edison’s head hit the road. She
called Karina Mangel, who rushed to her son from her job at the hospital.
Edison was still conscious, but knew something wasn’t right.
“It was painful,” recalled Edison.
During the panic and chaos, Edison’s father, Richard Mangel, reached out to their family doctor for advice.
“And she’s the one who said, ‘Get him there and get a scan done right away,’” recalled Richard.
A scan at Mariners Hospital revealed a brain bleed, a critical injury to Edison’s head.
“He ended up having a subdural hematoma, which is an arterial bleed,” explained Karina.
Edison soon lost consciousness. He was loaded onto a Trauma Star helicopter and flown to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami where he underwent a four-hour surgery.
“They had to remove the skin on top of his head and the skull and get into the area to stop the bleed,” said Karina.
“The head of neurosurgery, Dr. Niazi, saved his life,” added Richard.
Edison spent the next five days in the hospital. He left the hospital with
one long stitch starting at the front of his head and ending at his right ear. He was then forced to spend the next three months, the entire summer, inside his home, recovering. A time Edison refers to as “torture.”
Edison has now been cleared to do all of the things he likes to do; he can ride his bike, he can hang out with his friends and play baseball –just no contact sports, probably ever.
“That was really scary for all of us,” said Karina Mangel. “All of this could have been prevented if he would have been wearing a helmet. It was right in an area that a helmet would have protected his head.”
Florida law requires anyone on a bicycle under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. But in reality, when it comes to wearing helmets, sometimes kids and parents let it slide.
“They made helmets for a reason,” said Karina. “As parents, it’s our responsibility to protect our kids.”
Now Edison and his family want to turn his frightening experience into something positive.
“Edison wanted to take his scary story or nightmare of a story and make a difference in our community and teach families and teach kids the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet,” said Karina.
Edison plans to share his story with classmates and students from other schools in the county. Edison is not only focusing on the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a
bicycle, but also while riding a onewheel. Down the road, he hopes to take his message to an even larger audience.
“He wants to go to schools not only within Monroe County, but also outside of Monroe County and start talking about what happened,” added Richard, a former Monroe County teacher who now owns Keys To Embroidery in Key Largo.
Edison and his family have also teamed up with a local nonprofit to raise money to donate bicycle helmets to schools.
Edison is the middle child in a family with five children. He has two older sisters and two younger brothers. The entire Mangel family knows just how lucky they are to have Edison here and to be able to share his story.
“They said he was a miracle, and you are a miracle, buddy, you are,” said Karina to her son Edison.
Edison offered a last bit of advice to anyone reading this story.
“Wear your helmet.”
To contribute to the fund to provide bicycle helmets to schools, visit keyshealthystart.org. Scroll down and click the “ donate now” button. Continue scrolling until you come upon the “select credit/debit/bank account” button. Fill out the information and be sure to choose the arrow down option “apply my gift to” and choose Helmet Safety.
Islamorada.
1. Edison Mangel, 10, now wearing his helmet, is back on his bicycle months after a head injury sustained during a fall caused a brain bleed. CONTRIBUTED. 2. The wound down the right side of Edison Mangel’s head tells the story of what can happen without a bicycle helmet. 3. Edison Mangel was airlifted by Trauma Star to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami following a terrible bicycle accident on June 8 in Plantation Key Colony in
KIDS FISH FREE AT ANNUAL DERBY
A young angler holds a trophy and other items. All Keys kids can enter the fish derby for free. CONTRIBUTED
Anglers can compete by shore, in the backcountry or offshore
The 27th annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby will be held Sunday, Sept. 29 at the Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana.
There is no charge to enter but anglers must be Monroe County residents. There are three fishing divisions: shoreline, backcountry and offshore. Awards are available for three age divisions: 4 and under, 5-7 and 8-11. There are prizes with winners in all divisions.
The first 100 registered anglers are guaranteed ditty bags. Sign up at Tackle Center of Islamorada, at the Lorelei or on Facebook by searching “Keys Kids Fishing Derby.”
Shoreline fishing will be allowed at the Lorelei, with waters chummed by Tackle Center of Islamorada. Bait for shoreline anglers will be supplied by Tackle Center of Islamorada and there will be plenty of folks on hand to help bait hooks, tie lines, etc. Each angler will receive a fishing rod from Fish Florida, so you do not have to have a fishing tackle for your kids to fish.
Pick up your ditty bag and free donuts thanks to Lorelei any time after 7 a.m. Lines are in at 9 a.m. and weigh-in closes promptly at 1 p.m.
Hot dogs and drinks will be supplied compliments of Lorelei and
A young angler gets his fish measured. The annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby returns to Lorelei in Islamorada on Sunday, Sept. 29.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation. There will be a casting contest starting at 11 a.m. Key Breeze Engraving awards sponsored by IFACT, Pasta prints and other prizes will be handed out to the winners on the Lorelei beach at 1:45 p.m. To donate to help defray costs, please make checks to the Islamorada Charter Boat Association, a nonprofit organization, and mail to P.O. Box 462, Islamorada, FL 33036. To donate items, or for more information, call Dianne Harbaugh 305-522-4868. — Contributed
SEPTEMBER IS FOR KIDS’ SAFETY
Healthy Start Coalition helps with diapers & car seats
The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition (FKHSC) recognizes the significance of September in raising awareness about two critical national issues affecting families and children: child passenger safety and diaper need awareness.
Nationally, Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept.15-21. The campaign promotes the proper use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts to protect children on the road. Car accidents are a leading cause of death for children, but many fatalities are preventable with the correct use of child restraints. Detailed checks by safety technicians found that 74% of car seats are either misused or not installed correctly, highlighting a critical need for increased awareness and education.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain in rear-facing car seats as long as possible, up to their car seat’s height or weight limit. To help parents and caregivers navigate the complexities of child passenger safety, FKHSC offers free car seat checks and installations, as well as a donation-based car seat program led by local certified child passenger safety technicians.
September also hosts National Diaper Need Awareness Week Sept. 23-29 to shine a light on a challenge
many families face but rarely discuss — the inability to afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean, dry and healthy.
According to the National Diaper Bank Network, one in three families in the United States — and in the Keys — struggles with diaper needs, a situation that can lead to serious health risks for babies and stress for parents. Clean diapers are not just a necessity, but a fundamental aspect of a child’s well-being, contributing to their overall health and development.
The impact of diaper needs extends beyond health concerns. Without an adequate supply of diapers, parents are often unable to bring their children to day care, which typically requires a daily supply of clean diapers. This barrier prevents parents from attending work, further creating financial hardships and a cycle of instability that is difficult to break. The simple act of providing diapers can empower parents to secure and maintain employment, supporting their families and contributing to the community’s economic well-being. You can support Keys babies through a monetary donation or by purchasing items from the FKHSC Amazon wishlist. More information is at keyshealthystart.org or 305-293-8424. — Contributed
A safety technician with the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition helps parents properly install car seats for child safery. CONTRIBUTED
A HEALTH UPDATE ON JASPER THE FOX
Dogtoberfest set at Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
REEF THE FOX
Reef is a red fox that was saved from a fur farm. He now lives in Key Largo with his human, Nicole Navarro.
Hi friends!
Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Unfortunately, I have some medical news regarding our Jasper fox.
For those who have been reading my reports religiously since the beginning, you may remember last year Jasper had to have a cancerous tumor removed from his back foot. During Jasper’s routine, in-home vet visit this month, our superstar veterinarian, Dr. Geraldine Diethelm-Mader found a new growth on a different toe. As of right now, she believes it may just be a wart, but out of an abundance of caution, she will be surgically removing the wart in the near future. Jasper has been receiving regular blood work tests and chest X-rays to ensure the cancer never spreads, and so far he is totally fine. This new growth, however, is of minor concern so we will address it as we address any and all health issues that arise with my foxy friends here. My mom, Nicole Navarro, has been hosting an online fundraiser for Jasper’s unexpected medical costs, but if you would like to send a donation by mail, our address is Pawsitive Beginnings; P.O. Box 1165 Tavernier, FL 33070.
So far, our private sanctuary tours have been off to a great start. I am a superstar – who’s surprised? – always greeting our new friends with my famous charm. We have just opened up the calendar for October, so if you were waiting to see what
Jasper the fox was rescued from a Minnesota fur farm and found a sanctuary at Key Largo’s Pawsitive Beginnings in July 2020. CONTRIBUTED
the days and times would be, the wait is over. You can head right to our website; pawsitivebeginnings. org and find the “book a tour” page and sign up. Make sure you read all of the details before you commit to booking.
Now, for a really fun event coming up. On Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., Islamorada Brewery and Distillery will host Dogtoberfest. Join in for the third annual extravaganza where pups and people unite for a “paw-some” time in the beer garden. Event highlights include a dog parade, costume contest for dogs, stein-holding challenge and top dog olympics. There will be dog-approved food, fall cocktails and live music from Jacob Farris from 5 to 8 p.m. This is an event that is for all ages and there will be kid-friendly activities.
Anywho, that’s all for this week. Don’t forget to keep those nominations rolling in for all your favorites in the Upper Keys for the Best of the Upper Keys awards. Nominations end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22. If you need a reminder on who I would like you to nominate, it’s me in the best local celebrity category and Pawsitive Beginnings in the best nonprofit organization category. Until next time, Reef, over and out!
PRAYER SERVICES AT KEYS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
This year the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3-4 and Saturday, Oct. 12. The Keys Jewish Community Center (KJCC), Congregation Ohr HaYam, is a non-denominational egalitarian synagogue in Tavernier at MM 93. All members and non-members are welcome to attend prayer services led by Rabbi Richard Agler and Cantor Michael Dzubin, beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the Holy Days. Kol Nidre prayers will be sung on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. No tickets are required, but attendees must notify KJCC with contact information before the holiday at 305852-5235 or via email to president@Keysjewishcenter.com. CONTRIBUTED
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, Sept. 19
• Adult custom crab craft project from 2 to 4 p.m. at Key Largo library. Supplies are provided and registration recommended by calling 305451-2396.
• Morada Way Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. A sidewalk sale will go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at brick-and-mortar shops and art galleries.
Saturday, Sept. 21
• Pickleball tournament benefiting Wesley House from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new courts at Key Largo Park. Visit WesleyHouse.org/Pickleball to learn more.
• Submit a poem for International Day of Peace and/or Bookmark for Library Card Sign-up Month by 5 p.m. at the Key Largo library. Visit KeysLibraries.Org/Key-Largo for more information.
Monday, Sept. 23
• “Land to Sea, Large to Wee” lecture on community-focused coral reef restoration through I.CARE at 5:30 p.m. at The Protect Center, 82748 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
• Books on Tap discuss the book “The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Keys Meads. Borrow the book from the Monroe County library or download the e-book/e-audiobook from the Libby app.
Sept. 24-25
• JOY classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Plantation Key Community Center, Islamorada. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a full list of activities.
Friday, Sept. 29
• Conch Scramble kickoff party from 5 to 9 p.m. at 85500 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Tickets can be purchased at conchscramble.com.
Saturday, Sept. 30
• Conch Scramble Charity Golf Tournament begins at 9 a.m. at various locations in Islamorada. Learn more at conchscramble.com.
• Charity Comedy Show with Jame Schrader at 8:45 p.m. at Crooked Palm Cabana, Islamorada.
WHAT A ‘JOY’
September is National Senior Center Month
E. G. MERKEL www.keysweekly.com
September is designated National Senior Center Month and JOY (Just Older Youth Inc.) Center was recently involved in some formal recognitions and fun events. Here are some of the events that took place and those that will finish out a month of making powerful connections.
On Sept. 3, the Jiovenetta family with ALMA Wealth Management donated homemade cookies and bagels to kick off the celebration. Center class participants enjoyed the goodies during the Tuesday and Wednesday classes that week.
The Islamorada Village Council presented a proclamation highlighting the importance of JOY Center to our community on Sept. 10. Advisory board member Jerry O’Cathey, at-large board member Dawn Cale and program director Maria Uribe accepted the proclamation on behalf of JOY.
The next morning, Monroe County commissioners issued a similar proclamation from Mayor Holly
• 2025 local business tax renewals are due by September 30, 2024.
• The second property tax installment bill is due by September 30, 2024.
• Any property that is being rented for less than six months must have a tourist development tax account.
• All rental properties must also have a local business tax, regardless of how long they are rented.
• If you suspect a fraudulent property rental, you may report it on our hotline at 1-855-422-4540.
• Our o ce received the 2024 Legacy Award in Financial Operations for the second year in a row. We also achieved a Certificate of Merit for another perfect audit.
• Our Marathon Branch O ce and Key West Driver License O ce will be open to all Monroe County teenagers for driver’s license exams on Saturday, October 19, from 9:00am-3:00pm. Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
Raschien. The Sept. 11 meeting had entertainment from the center’s own Ukulele JOY. Word about JOY and the center’s good work are spreading.
An encore Bunco and Bagels added to the month’s celebrations on Sept. 11. The expanded time was in response to the extensive interest in the introductory event a few weeks ago. Of course, the tasty bagels from Marathon Bagel Company may have helped with interest.
As the month moves along, JOY is dedicating Sept. 24-25 as “Bring a Pal to JOY” days. If you have experienced JOY, invite a friend who has not. If you have not, invite a pal to check it out with you. New experiences are always easier with a pal. Just come in and take a look any time from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Plantation Key Community Center, 53 High Point Road in Islamorada. There will be various fun things going on in addition to the classes. You can always find information on JOY Center at justolderyouthinc. org. There is a link to nominate JOY Center for best nonprofit in the Upper Keys in the newsletter, too.
Top: The Ukulele Joy group receives a proclamation declaring September National Senior Center Month during a Sept. 11 meeting of Monroe County commissioners inside the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo. CONTRIBUTED. Bottom: From left, Maria Uribe, JOY program director; Dawn Cale, at-large board member; Islamorada Mayor Buddy Pinder; and Jerry O’Cathey, advisory board member.
Always
We’d
•Two-hour Cruises
•Private Charters
SLIPPING OFF THE KINOS IN KETCHUM
Talking piracy during the Hemingway Seminar in Idaho
After months of anticipation and weeks of preparation, the big event has come and gone.
I packed a bag, flew to Idaho and delivered the closing keynote at the 16th Ernest Hemingway Seminar on Sept. 7. The theme of the three-day event, hosted by the Community Library, was the novel “To Have and Have Not.”
At the time, his public wanted a new Hemingway novel, so he gave them one. The novel was written during the years he called Key West home, 1931-1937, and is set in Key West.
While I have not read the book, listening to the Hemingway scholars dissect it, it appears to be one of his more problematic works. Though commercially successful, it was something short of a critical success, and the book’s shortcomings were addressed in great detail.
I was invited to speak because of the Key West aspect of the book. One of the storylines in “To Have and Have Not” is that of a local charter boat captain smuggling human cargo into Key West — a form of piracy. Pirates and piracy were why I was invited, and the email I sent back accepting the invitation was enthusiastic.
This was the first time I’ve traveled north of South Florida to stand in front of an audience and spread what I think are good words. While
I wouldn’t say I like traveling, change, and, more often than not, leaving the house, it was not horrible getting away for a few days. After the heat and humidity that seems to have only become hotter and sweatier in the last few years, experiencing the mountain air and lack of humidity was a nice change of pace.
BERTELLI/Contributed
Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.
Ketchum is a cool little town filled with exceedingly welcoming people. It is also a walking town. The Community Library was an eight-minute walk from the Hotel Ketchum, where the library put me up for the weekend. The Sawtooth Brewery was across the street from the hotel. I had two meals and several beers during my stay. The Pioneer Saloon, one of the town’s classic restaurants, was three blocks away. I went for dinner on Friday night and ordered a thick cut of prime rib and one of those famous Idaho potatoes stuffed with butter, cheese, bacon and sour cream.
Ketchum is a ski town in the winter, a haven for lovers of all things Hemingway, and a fishing destination. Ketchum is a resort town made famous, in no small part, by Ernest Hemingway, who moved there in 1939. It is also where he ended his life. One of the things that Ketchum and the Keys have in common, other than Hemingway and fishing, is that they are both travel destinations.
Like the Keys, Ketchum relies heavily on the hospitality industry. One of the interesting things I learned was that the town is experiencing many of the same problems we have. I heard people in town, time and time again, say how it is getting harder and harder to live there. Apparently, they have a saying that rings true here, too. “In Ketchum, you either have two jobs or three houses.”
Traveling to deliver the closing keynote talk was an absolute treat. The staff at the Community Library was amazing and friendly, and the hospitality they afforded me was heartwarming. Being the last to speak at a three-day event was an anxiety-building bummer, but all of that disappeared as soon as I stood up in front of the crowd, kicked off my Kinos, opened my mouth, and let the fun begin. Surrounded by scholars and fans of Hemingway, I told stories about pirates, piracy, rum running and speakeasies for 75 minutes.
It was a big topic, and I had a lot to say; not all of it was confined to Key West. So often, when the subject of the Florida Keys comes up, the focus of the conversation revolves around Key West. Interacting with the attendees and the speakers, this certainly proved to be the case. In every talk, I try to stress that it is not so easy to tell a Key West story, or a Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada or Key Largo story without telling a greater Florida Keys story. I was happy to bring that message to a broader audience as the stories I told traveled up and down the island chain.
When I finished, I slid back into my Kinos, gathered my laptop and stepped off the small stage. The library’s executive director approached the podium to give a few closing remarks. She opened with, “You can tell we’ve come a long way at the seminar when our speaker slipped back into his sandals after his talk.” The comment elicited laughter from the crowd.
As I mingled with the audience afterward, several people approached. One lovely lady wearing pink, cat-eyed glasses put her hand on my arm and said, “Thank you for your enthusiasm.” However, the comment that really put a smile on my face came from one of my fellow presenters, who also worked behind the scenes to organize the event. He shook my hand and said, “I knew it was going to be good, but that was so much better.”
All in all, it wasn’t a bad way to wrap up a talk.
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI
Keys historian Brad Bertelli speaks during the 16th Ernest Hemingway Seminar on Sept. 7. CONTRIBUTED
A banner celebrating the Hemingway Seminar in Ketchum, Idaho. BRAD
BLEACHING A NATIONAL TREASURE
Coral decline hinders environment, economy
SHELLY KRUEGER
is the University of Florida, IFAS Monroe County Extension Florida Sea Grant Agent. Shelly is a marine biologist and provides sciencebased education about coastal environments.
Florida’s Coral Reef is a national treasure spanning more than 350 miles from Martin County to the Dry Tortugas. It supports an amazing diversity of marine life and wildlife, offers abundant ecosystem services and is a driving force in South Florida’s economy.
According to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, coral reefs in southeast Florida have a total economic value of about $8.5 billion. Florida’s coral reef-related expenditures are $4.4 billion per year. The reef supports 81,300 jobs and protects real estate and economic activity worth $675 million per year.
While coral reef ecosystems are extremely valuable, there has been a declining long-term trend in coral cover, accelerating in the last 40 years.
A bleached brain coral. SIMON STAFFORD/Contributed
There have been eight regional bleaching events in the Florida Keys since 1987. During the marine heat wave of summer 2023, the Keys and Dry Tortugas experienced the worst coral bleaching ever recorded. Unusually hot waters started mid-July, a month earlier than the peak heating months of late August and September. Water temperatures were about 5 degrees hotter than normal, with temperatures on some reefs reaching up to 93°F. Last year’s marine heat wave was particularly pronounced due to early season high water temperatures exacerbated by El Niño conditions, local meteorological conditions and
ongoing climate changes. This resulted in rapid and severe bleaching, surpassing previous records.
Coral bleaching can begin when water temperatures are above 87°F. Summer 2023 was the first time water temperatures surpassed bleaching thresholds in mid-July, taking until October to cool down, except for a small dip due to Hurricane Idalia. Our corals spent almost double the time in abnormally hot temperatures compared to any of the previous bleaching years in Florida.
Corals are animals in a mutually beneficial relationship with microscopic algae that live within their tissues. The microalgae have a safe place to live among the corals, while the corals receive sugars and amino acids from the microalgae. The microalgae also give corals their color.
Thermal stress events cause the microalgae to expel from the coral’s tissue and expose the white skeleton underneath. This is called “coral bleaching.”
Coral bleaching may be very severe on a portion of the reef while other nearby corals may fare well. Local weather conditions, oceanographic features, coral species and other vari-
FLORIDA KEYS NONPROFIT LEADERS GATHER FOR SOLD-OUT THIRD ANNUAL NONPROFIT DAY
ables may give an advantage to survive in higher-than-average thermal conditions. Cloud cover and choppy waters limit the intensity of solar radiation and help oxygenate the water.
In 2023, the most severe coral bleaching took place from Biscayne Bay to the Dry Tortugas. Northern areas of the reef tract in Martin, Palm Beach and Broward counties did well. Some places saw localized stony coral bleaching while it was widespread in others. Soft corals like the sea fans, sea whips and sea plumes had very high rates of mortality and people noted the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea looked like bleached snowflakes on the sea floor. Unfortunately, there were also massive sponge die-offs in the Lower Keys backcountry.
You can help report disease and bleaching conditions on the reefs by documenting what you see at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection SEAFAN.net website. Personal observations and photos can be uploaded using the “Report a Marine Incident,” including a feature to mark latitude and longitude. Documenting no bleaching is just as important for Florida coral reef managers.
Nonprofit professionals from across the region gathered last week at Marathon’s city hall for the third annual Florida Keys Nonprofit Day to share knowledge, collaborate and elevate the effect of local organizations.
Hosted by the Florida Keys Funders Alliance — composed of the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Ocean Reef Community Foundation and United Way of Collier and the Keys — the event featured speakers, including Will Bowen and Bruce Turkel, alongside nonprofit accounting expert Westin Fengler. Attendees gained insights on leadership, communication and financial strategies. A networking reception was sponsored by First State Bank of the Florida Keys.
“This is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Elizabeth Brown, interim CEO for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. “It’s a chance to bring high-quality professional development to our local nonprofits who do so much for our community. Each year gets better as we learn and respond to our nonprofit partners to bring them the timely resources they need to carry out their missions.”
K1
Each office is independently owned and operated. Buyers represented by: Lindsey Davis 305.395.2380 ldavis@oceansir.com lindseysellsflkeys.com
We are the industry’s best agents who curate with incomparable attention to style and detail. We get to know you. We get to know what that next is for you. Because, when you find it, nothing compares to it. Nothing compares to what’s next. 81888 Overseas Highway, Islamorada | 305.712.8888 | oceansir.com
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 to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.
TRY ’N’ FIND
Words that remind us of conflict resolution are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
The United Nations established the International Day of Peace in 1981. It is observed on Sept. 21 each year. Along with promoting nonviolence and cease-fires, the Day of Peace “must also be a time for people to see each other’s humanity,” the U.N. says.
The 2024 theme is Cultivating a Culture of Peace — not just avoiding conflict, but actively trying to understand and cooperate with one another. This week, The Mini Page looks at how kids can learn to be peaceful together.
CONFLICTS HAPPEN
Wherever people work or live together, there will be conflicts — fights, arguments or quarrels. If you have brothers or sisters, you probably tussle with them now and then.
Whether at home, at school or in another setting, kids can use these tools to help resolve conflicts without violence or hatred.
TRY TO DEBUG
If you’re experiencing conflict with someone, you can remember these steps by their acronym, DEBUG:
D: Decide to ignore the other person.
E: Exit. Move away, to another seat or part of the room.
B: Be friendly and politely ask the person to stop what they’re doing.
U: Use firm talk. Don’t raise your voice, but look the other person in the eye.
G: Get help from an adult.
REACH FOR THE STARS
In some classrooms, a talk-it-out table is a special place for students to sit down and resolve their problems with each other. They might use the STARS method:
S: State the problem. Ask each person to clearly state the conflict and share their feelings.
T: Think about strategies. Suggest ways the problem might be solved.
A: Agree on a plan in a way that works for everyone.
R: Recognize responsibilities. Each person decides what he or she must do to solve the problem.
S: Seal the deal. After reaching an agreement, the kids involved shake hands on the deal.
THE ‘I’ METHOD
IConflict resolution experts recommend using the “I” statement: talking about how “I feel” about a situation rather than pointing a finger at someone and saying what he or she did. For instance: I feel bad when you make fun of my shoes because I have to wear my sister’s hand-medowns. I would appreciate it if you would not criticize my clothing.
At least three donkeys on a Kenyan island are dying from colic each month after eating plastic from trash dumps, which scientists fear could become a global problem affecting other animals. The Guardian reports that with little grass to eat on Lamu, the donkeys rummage through heaps of plastic and other debris, occasionally ingesting enough plastic to bring on colic. There have been numerous studies on the effects of plastic pollution on marine life, but little is known about how it is affecting land animals.
GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
In any situation where there is a conflict, it helps to use excellent communication skills. Remember these when you’re talking with others.
• Choose a good time and private place to talk and agree that you both want to settle things.
•Tell the truth.
•Listen politely without interrupting.
•Use a calm voice.
•Use good eye contact.
• Be respectful. No name-calling or fighting.
• Take responsibility for carrying out wha ever solutions you come up with.
PEER MEDIATORS
Sometimes people ask another person to be a “go-between” to help them work things out. People who look for peaceful ways of settling things are often called mediators (MEE-dee-ay-tors).
Some schools use specially trained peer mediators to help kids work out their problems. A peer is someone who is near your own age.
Mediators don’t come up with solutions themselves. They listen while the disputants (kids having the dispute) come up with their own solutions.
RESOURCES
On the Web: •bit.ly/MPconflict At the library: • “I Can Use an I Statement” by Jenelle French
• “Talk and Work It Out” by Cheri J. Meiners
Founded by Betty Debnam
Mini Fact:Class meetings are another place to solve individual or group problems.
CARL ‘FIZZ’ FISMER WAS A TREASURE
Shipwreck diver who worked with McKee and Fisher passes away
www.keysweekly.com
Capt. Carl Edward Fismer III, a local legend affectionately known as “Fizz,” passed away on Aug. 21, 2024. He lived for many years in the Florida Keys and was a shipwreck diver and treasure finder.
Fismer, who was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on Oct. 30, 1938, was 85.
He started his treasure-finding career working with the father of modern-day treasure diving, Art McKee. Capt. Fizz also worked for Mel Fisher and Treasure Salvors for more than a decade.
Fismer was always diving and treasure finding, working on leads for the next big ship. Fizz shared his love of maritime history with people, lecturing around the country. He was part of the television show “Treasure Divers” and appeared as a treasure and coin expert on several shows, including “Pawn Stars,” and on the History Channel.
He was often called by famous writers, actors and directors to consult about maritime history and wreck diving on documentaries and on shows alike. One of Capt. Fizz’s favorite dives was when he got to take out Arthur C. Clarke (yes, the Arthur C. Clarke of “Space Odyssey” fame) off Sri Lanka, the island nation off India.
Fismer was a big part of our community; he gave lectures with local historical groups and schools all along the Keys. His wife, Scooter, was head emergency room nurse at Baptist Health South Florida’s Mariners Hospital. Before he moved to the Keys, he was a paratrooper in the
An avid shipwreck diver and treasure hunter, Capt. Carl ‘Fizz’ Fismer passed away on Aug. 21. CONTRIBUTED
82nd Airborne Division, a firefighter and EMT for the Sarasota City Fire Department. Above all things, Fismer was a patriot and family man.
With Carl’s passing, we lost another keeper of our local history and Spanish Main. He was one of the last remaining with knowledge of diving before it became scuba and a sport. Capt. Fizz was best friends with another local historical legend, longtime Islamorada resident and archival researcher Jack Haskins, who died in 2012 at the age of 84. Haskins and Fismer were war veterans (Haskins during World War II and Fismer during the Korean War).
After moving in 1980 to the Florida Keys, which he said God created to take his own vacations, Fismer embarked on what would become his most thrilling career — becoming a shipwreck diver and treasure finder. His adventures took him around the world, exploring more than 100 ancient shipwrecks and recovering treasures from the
sea. Some notable shipwreck sites he dove over were the 1733 fleet off the Florida Keys, the 1715 fleet off Fort Pierce, the San Josef off Panama and the Concepcion off the Dominican Republic.
Fismer’s passion for maritime history was shared through hundreds of lectures and fundraisers across the country, appearing as “Everyone’s Favorite Pirate,” captivating audiences with tales of sunken treasures and a pirate hat to match.
Beyond his professional life, he was a staunch supporter of the U.S. Constitution and a beloved figure in his community known for his generosity, wicked sense of humor and ability to see the positive in every situation. He loved all animals: turtles, dogs, raccoons and birds — he rescued many. His personality was larger than life; he never met a stranger. He was a treasure to his friends and family, always ready with a joke or a helping hand, all the way to the end.
Fismer knew so many stories, not only about history and the Spanish fleets that would travel by our islands, but also about a time in the Keys when it was more like old Florida. My hope is that in his hundreds of lectures around the country, people remembered them and keep sharing the adventures of wreck diving, the Spanish Main and old Florida.
To dive deeper into Capt. Fizz’ adventurous life, check out his selfauthored book “Uncharted Waters.”
A memorial service was held at Sun City Center Funeral Home on Sept. 3. He was buried at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
WHAT: “The Man in the Iron Mask” (1998)
WHY: I’ve never bought Leonardo DiCaprio as a romantic or serious lead, but he’s just about perfect playing identical twin roles as nasty young French King Louis IV and nice Phillippe, the brother imprisoned in the titular iron mask. The real fun of this adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel, though, is the actors hamming it up as aging but still legendary former musketeers — Jeremy Irons as Aramis, John Malkovich as Athos and Gérard Depardieu as Porthos. Gabriel Byrne is more restrained as straight man D’Artagnan and that works, too. A young Peter Sarsgaard and a campy Hugh Laurie show up in small roles. One especially smart thing I have always appreciated about this movie: everyone speaks with their actual accents, or close to them. If only more costume dramas took the same approach.
WHERE: This film is available on Kanopy, the library’s streaming video app.
HOW: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org.
WILLIAM DEPAULA
ONLINE AT
Festival/Event
Sunset
Volunteer
Educator
Neighborhood
Musician/Band
Non-Profit Organization
Place to Take a Date
Place to Take the Kids
Local Celebrity
Elected O cial
Artist
Place to Swim
Park/Nature Preserve
Medical Doctor
Jewelry Store
Marina
Dive Shop
Bait & Tackle Shop
Presented by
Sponsored by: All
Nominations
Thursday, Sept. 5 at noon to Sunday, Sept. 22 at 11:59 p.m.
