FLK Free Press - Key West Citizen

NAVIGATING THE ISLANDS SINCE 1987 • Key Largo • Islamorada • Marathon • Big Pine Key

Press

FLORIDA KEYS

F R E E

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018 • VOLUME 31, N0. 28 • 32 PAGES

Play ball? No timeline yet for Harry Harris ball field repairs. 4A

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT No. 469 Key Largo, FL 33037

FREE

KEYSNEWS.COM

Back in the race

Sort it out

New organizer amped up for event’s return. 1B

Business gets rid of clutter. 16A

Village seeks public vote on four-year terms BY KEVIN WADLOW Free Press Staff

ISLAMORADA — Twoyear terms for Village Council members, which once were four years, could become four years again. Some villagers, however, are not too enthusiastic about the proposal. Village Council members cited the need for “continu-

ity” June 14 as they decided on a 4-1 vote to commit to a November referendum on a potential return to staggered four-year council terms. “Continuity helps open doors and gets you the money” for local projects that need funding from the state and federal budgets, Councilman Mike Forster said. The current system risks

five new council members being elected at the same time, depriving Islamorada of needed institutional and historical knowledge at the board level, proponents said. “The possibility of five new [council members] coming on at one time with no background, that could stagger the community,” Coucilman Jim Mooney

said. “My first year on the council I had to get up to speed,” said Mayor Chris Sante, who is not running for re-election this fall. “We have issues two or three years old that I’m still trying to move forward on. I’d feel better with more continuity.” Mooney said he considers a staggered system with a three-year term ideal,

but could not find a way to make it work with the general election schedule. Residents John Fernandez and Van Cadenhead spoke against a return to the fouryear term, pointing to the outsized influence of a three-member bloc on early councils. A backlash against some decisions of the “gang of three” sparked a successful

2004 referendum that put all five council seats up for vote every two years. “Four years is a long term. There was a reason it was changed, that gang of three back in the day,” Fernandez said. “They controlled the council for four years and some things people didn’t want to happen occurred.” See TERMS, page 7A

City prepared for takeoff, but lacks an airline

Unjust compensation

Chamber focus returns to commercial flights BY KEVIN WADLOW Free Press Staff

ROB O’NEAL/Free Press

Harry Appel and Jenny DeMaria, owners of this Long Beach Road home on Big Pine Key, are suing their insurance company’s underwriters to cover the costs of repairing their business and replacing their home, which was pummeled by Hurricane Irma. The fireplace, seen at right, is made from ballast stones from the HMS Looe, a Royal British gunboat that ran aground off Summerland Key in 1744. They are not alone in their battle with insurance companies to pay for losses from the storm. See story on page 9A.

MARATHON — The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport can boast of a long runway, a welcoming terminal, convenient car rentals and parking. Just one missing ingredient remains: a commercial airline with regularly scheduled flights. “This is something we want to start working on again,” Daniel Samess, chief executive of the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce, said last week. “It’s on our radar, for sure. We were starting to make some progress before Hurricane Irma. Obviously that got derailed.”

The addition of nearly 300 new resort rooms opening in Marathon in coming months lends some urgency to the quest for a reliable airline connection to Miami International Airport, said Samess. The Knights Key resort being developed by Pritam Singh will offer 199 highend units by itself. “It’s going to be a fourstar resort with two or three restaurants, three to five pools, a small meeting room and an outdoor wedding venue,” Samess said. “We’re excited about the clientele it will bring.” The Hampton Inn near Vaca Cut will open soon with another 80 rooms, See AIRLINE, page 8A

Fighting a New York ‘sex cult’ from Big Pine Housing unit increase set for Florida Keys BY ALEX WILSON Free Press Staff

BIG PINE KEY — NXIVM has made headlines recently, after the U.S. Justice Department levied charges of sex trafficking and forced labor at founder Keith Raniere and actress Allison Mack. NXIVM, which markets itself as a self-help program based out of Albany, N.Y., faces one of its biggest opponents here in the

Florida Keys. Frank Parlato, 63, is a New York blogger, real estate developer and owner of the weekly Niagara Falls Reporter newspaper. However, Parlato also spends a fair amount of time at his home on Big Pine Key, where he’s lived since 2011. It’s from there that Parlato says he’s waged a lengthy battle, both in and out of the courtroom, against his former employers at NXIVM.

INDEX

Parlato publishes almost daily on his blog, the Frank Report, utilizing the medium to publicize the NXIVM narrative. He also says that he’s harbored at least six different people trying to escape the reach of what he calls the “NXIVM cult.” According to Parlato, the story of his involvement with NXIVM began in 2007, when Raniere hired him as a publicist. See CULT, page 11A

Business & Real Estate ............. 16A Classifieds...........................11-13B

BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

CONTRIBUTED

Frank Parlato, a New York blogger has a home on Big Pine Key. He has waged battle with his former employer NXIVM, whose principals are accused of sex trafficking.

Crossword ................................ 10B Horoscope ................................ 10B

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet last week approved issuing up to 1,300 new building allocations for affordable housing projects in the Florida Keys. Representatives from the cities of Marathon and Key West spoke in favor of the

Opinion .................................... 17A Sports & Recreation ..........7-8, 10B

plan, while representatives from the Monroe County government and village of Islamorada attended the meeting but did not speak on the issue. Islamorada Vice Mayor Deb Gillis spoke generally about the need for worker housing when the governor and Cabinet heard a report on the Keys’ See HOUSING, page 3A

Tides .......................................... 8B TV Guide .................................... 9B

IF YOU’RE GOING TO CHILL, CHILL BIG! “One of the most impressive dining and entertainment experiences in the Florida Keys” Rated Best Sunsets

The Best SUNSETS in Key Largo!

Waterfront Dining & Tiki Barr MM104 • Bay Side • Key Largo

Ladie’s Night

Every Tuesday ladies drink free Mon-Fri 4-7PM from 6-7PM 305.453.9066 • www.JJsBigChill.com

2A • June 20, 2018 • Florida Keys Free Press

county & state news SCHOOL DISTRICT

SANCTUARY

MONROE COUNTY

School Board OKs contracts

Fireworks require permits

County launches revised placard program

ISLAMORADA — The Monroe County School Board last week approved one-year salary contracts with teachers and school-related personnel who are union members as well as with non-union, hourly workers. Each employee group received some form of wage increase depending on their existing position and salary. Each salary increment for teachers was increased by $300, while non-union, hourly workers each received a 60-cents-per-hour, or 2.75 percent, increase. “This is the first time in all my union contract negotiations that we were able to finish negotiations on a new contract before the current contract ended,” Superintendent Mark Porter said, thanking United Teachers of Monroe for their participation in the expedited negotiated process. The board, which met at Coral Shores High School, also held a second public hearing on the new student athlete drug testing program slated to be implemented as a oneyear pilot program for the coming school year. No one from the public spoke at the hearing, and the board will likely give final approval at the next meeting.

MONROE COUNTY — In the Florida Keys, fireworks displays require permits from several jurisdictions including Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. If fireworks will be discharged over water, the sanctuary requires a special use permit that includes a review of potential impacts on the sensitive marine ecosystem, according to sanctuary spokeswoman Gena Parsons. If fireworks will be discharged from a floating platform, the U.S. Coast Guard also must review and approve the activity. Monroe County and the municipalities place restrictions on how close displays can come to buildings, hospitals, power lines and wooded areas with wind speed being a determining factor. In all jurisdictions, operators must be properly licensed, certified and insured. Under Florida law, it is illegal for individuals to use exploding or flying fireworks. Only sparklers are approved for consumer use. Possession of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.

MONROE COUNTY — Monroe County Emergency Management has created a revised Placard Reentry Program to help ensure that personnel who are essential to the recovery of the Florida Keys are able to quickly return following a mandatory hurricane evacuation, according to county spokeswoman Cammy Clark. This program also requires those emergency workers returning early have a plan to be self-sufficient. This revised program includes lessons learned from Hurricane Irma. The program is available to agencies with representation at the Emergency Operations Center. These agencies can obtain early reentry placards for their employees from Monroe County Emergency Management. New this year, businesses or organizations not represented within the EOC, but who believe they have an essential response mission and wish to apply for inclusion within the second tier of the program, may apply as well. The placard program enrollment period for 2018 is June 15 through July 31. Applications are available at monroecountyem.com/placardprogram.

School district, Key West hit with ADA suits BY ALEX WILSON Free Press Staff

MONROE COUNTY — A deaf Miami man is suing the Monroe County School District and city of Key West because they don’t provide closed captioning for archived or livestreamed videos of their meetings and other proceedings. Eddie Sierra filed two separate suits on May 2, demanding that the school district and city provide closed captioning for all of their audio-visual services. He is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages, court and attorney fees and the creation of an “accessibility policy” to be posted on both entities’ websites. “This is about getting accessibility for government records for people that are hard of hearing or deaf,” said Sierra’s attorney, J. Courtney Cunningham. “Mr. Sierra

doesn’t just pop up and sue people. He actually sends them a letter, and says ‘Listen, there’s uncaptioned content on your website and people who are hard of hearing or deaf can’t access it.’ In this case he sent this letter almost a year ago.” The suit stakes its claim in the wording of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Section 12132 of the ADA states that “… no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.” Cunningham argues in the suit that the city of Key West’s video and online content constitutes “programs, services and activities” and that their lack of closed captions is both

unlawful and discriminatory. “This is the way that you get behavior to change. This the way you get people to do what is right, period,” Cunningham said. “If you ask them, and they refuse to do it, what’s your alternative?” The school district and Key West are just two more in a long list of entities that Sierra has sued in recent years. Sierra recently filed a federal lawsuit in April against the state of Florida, the Florida Senate and House and Florida State University. He has also filed suits against various cities, counties and school districts, including Miami, Naples, and Fort Myers. Since 2016, Sierra has filed at least 24 suits against various entities in Florida, according to public records. As of now, there are still eight open cases, including the city of Key West and school district.

Cunningham would not provide a complete list of entities sued. Cunningham insisted that, despite the fact that Sierra isn’t a resident of the Keys, or many of the other places he’s been suing, he still has a vested interest in the proceedings of local governments. “He’s a businessman, and he’s a person very interested in politics,” said Cunningham. “He majored in political science in college.” In 2016, Sierra sued the city of Marathon, resulting in a settlement before any litigation took place. Marathon ultimately agreed to caption any videos posted to its website starting in 2017. They also agreed to pay Cunningham $8,117.50 in attorney’s fees. Marathon City Attorney David Migut said the city doesn’t generally comment on settlements. In response to Sierra’s

initial complaint, the city of Key West noted that “The City’s website, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by disabled individuals. The website provides information regarding City public meetings in text, video and audio formats.” The response further states that “the actions requested by Plaintiff Sierra would result in an undue financial burden to the City, and as such are not required by the ADA or the Rehabilitation Act.” Alyson Crean, spokesperson for the city of Key West, said she is unable to comment on open litigation. The Monroe County School District, which recently held a closed session in relation to the suit against them, issued the following statement: “Sierra is the named plaintiff in what [Superintendent Mark Porter] would describe as a serial lawsuit seek-

ing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. … The lawsuit seeks compliance in the form of closed-captioning of all live broadcast and video replays of public school board meetings. The closed session was to discuss possible settlement alternatives with legal counsel.” According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 15 percent, or 37.5 million, of Americans report at least some difficulty hearing. Hearing problems also significantly increase with age. Around 2 percent of adults aged 45 to 54 have hearing loss that qualifies as disabling. This increases to 8.5 percent for ages 55 to 64, 25 percent for ages 65 to 74 and 50 percent for 75 and older. awilson@keysnews. com

Property values in Monroe County remain solid BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

MONROE COUNTY — Despite a Category 4 hurricane striking the Florida Keys last September, property values are up again this year, while the average home sales price and num-

ber of homes sold dropped slightly in many areas. Monroe County Property Appraiser Scott Russell has issued the annual property values for Monroe County. The taxable property value for the unincorporated areas of Monroe County increased from $24.6 bil-

Captain ºº•• Slate’s º

SCUBA ADVENTURE

located @ Casa Mar Village 90791 Old Hwy., Tavernier

2018 KIDS SCUBA CAMP CAPTAIN SLATE’S SUMMER KIDS SCUBA CAMP

OUR 24th YEAR! Monday through Friday 8:30 – 5PM

WHEN: JULY 9-13, AUGUST 6-10 Sign up now for our Kids SCUBA Camp! Every summer we have three separate SCUBA classes for Kids 10-18 years old and of course their parents if you want to be certified or recertified. The ‘camp’ starts each Monday and ends on Friday after the morning dives. Time to be at the store in Tavernier is 8:30 am until around 5 pm each day. Certification is life time and the cost is only $395 for the Kids Camp (usually $485). Everything is included all you need is a bathing suit, towel and lunch. There is also a restaurant located next door. All classes fill up every summer so...

•º

•º

º

lion in 2017 to $26.1 billion in 2018, according to the Property Appraiser’s Office. Property values rose from $6.8 billion to $7.2 billion in Key West, from $2.3 billion to $2.4 billion in Marathon, and from $3.2 billion to $3.4 billion in Islamorada, Russell said. “Some people on Big Pine Key are liquidating their properties, but in general, the market is still creeping up,” Russell said. The picture is much different than after Hurricane Wilma in 2005, when the Keys’ real estate market dropped dramatically. Russell said the market at that time did not drop from people being scared off by back-to-back bad hurricane seasons, but the fallout from the banking

year, with the average price dropping from a little more than $1 million last year to $911,633 this year. The number of homes on the market decreased from 428 last year to 340 this year. In Marathon, the number of homes sold dropped from 105 last year to 100 this year, with the average price dropping from $561,903 last year to $555,051 this year. The number of homes on the market decreased from 419 last year to 378 this year. On Big Pine Key, which took the brunt of Hurricane Irma, the number of homes sold increased from 54 last year to 70 this year, with the average sale price dropping from $422,324 last year to $351,213 this year. The number of homes on the

market increased from 159 last year to 171 this year. On Stock Island, the number of homes sold increased from four last year to 14 this year, with the average sales price increasing from $383,125 last year to $393,784 this year. The number of homes on the market increased from 25 last year to 35 this year. “The Florida Keys real estate market has momentum. I believe the continued story in the Keys and nationwide for 2018 will be fewer homes available among strong buyer demand, which places upward pressure on home prices,” said Will Langley, president of the Key West Association of Realtors. [email protected]

IGUANAS TAKING OVER? Our Patented Products And Procedures Are Proven To Work

• TRAPPING • ANTI-HOLE BARRIER • TREE WRAPS • SPRAYS

• BARRIERS • SEA WALL CONTROL • SITE MONITORING • FOLIAGE CONTROL

Commercial & Residential

Call toll free for a FREE Estimate

CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

855-525-5656

305-451-3020 WWW.CAPTAINSLATE.COM

industry and other issues tied to the national economy. The average sales price of homes and the number of homes sold dropped in most areas and increased in a few others in the first five months of this year, according to information from the Key West Association of Realtors. In Key West, the number of homes sold increased from 223 last year to 245 this year, but the average price dropped slightly from $791,209 last year to $786,576 this year. The number of homes on the market decreased from 1,026 last year to 912 this year. In Islamorada, the number of homes sold decreased from 85 last year to 68 this

www.iguanacontrol.com

With offices in Dade, Broward, Monroe & Collier Counties, We Service The Entire South Florida Region

NEWS TIP? CALL 305-853-7277

county & state news

Florida Keys Free Press • June 20, 2018 •

MONROE COUNTY

3A

FLORIDA

Hurricane re-entry stickers available at substations, DMV

FWC: Report fish, wildlife sightings

MONROE COUNTY — The Atlantic hurricane season began June 1, and Monroe County residents who don’t have a re-entry windshield sticker can obtain one for their vehicles. These stickers will be needed in the event that checkpoints are required to assure safe re-entry into the Florida Keys following a destructive storm. Those who don’t obtain a re-entry sticker will be delayed getting

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission invites Florida residents and visitors to take an active role in conservation by reporting fish and wildlife observations with the new FWC Reporter app. From fish kills to exotic species, to trapped or injured wildlife, FWC Reporter enables citizens to connect with FWC

back into the Keys. Residents of Key West can pick up stickers at Key West City Hall or the Key West Police Department, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents from the Ocean Reef Club to Stock Island can obtain stickers at Monroe County Sheriff’s Office substations or the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle or driver license service centers.

experts directly from their Apple or Android devices. To make a report, users select a category from the menu, provide information and submit photos if available. The free FWC Reporter app can be downloaded on Apple or Android smartphones or tablets from the App Store and Google Play.

County looking at restrictions on floating structures BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

KEY LARGO — The Monroe County Commission could take its first steps this week toward prohibiting non-motorized floating structures off the Florida Keys. For the past several years, the county has been looking at ways to control the number of derelict vessels. The county has spent more than $400,000 a year out of Boater Improvement Funds to pay for their removal. The biggest challenge is getting to the vessels before they sink, which makes the cost of salvage rise incredibly. Additionally, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been dealing with a proliferation floating structures being rented to tourists as well as vessels mooring on old engine blocks and oil barrels filled with cement, which can damage soft corals, seagrass and other critical marine life habitat. The Monroe County

Housing Continued from page 1A

progress on wastewater and other issues. Key West City Manager Jim Scholl said the city “applauded the initiative” and the plan will lead to “safe homes” for Keys workers. Marathon Mayor Michelle Coldiron told the state officials that “you have the 100 percent support of the city, staff and council.” Marathon has run out of affordable Rate of Growth Ordinance units and at the same time has seen a dramatic increase in transient rentals and owners of second homes, Coldiron said. “It takes all types of housing to maintain our community,” Coldiron said. Thomas Hawkins, who represents statewide environmental group 1000 Friends of Florida, urged the state officials to reject the proposal, which was put forward by Scott in response to local demands for workforce housing following Hurricane Irma. “I think we have other options for affordable housing in the Keys,” Hawkins said. The proposal “acts outside” of the state’s current plan for allocating ROGO units and the state evacuation plan for the Keys that requires residents to leave 24 hours before a hurricane

Commission on Wednesday, June 20, will vote to advertise a July 18 public hearing at the Marathon Government Center on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit floating structures in county waters. “Monroe County has identified that it has become an increasingly common practice to moor, anchor or otherwise affix floating structures to unpermitted or otherwise unlawful objects lying on submerged lands, to government-owned uplands or to coastal vegetation protected by federal, state or local laws pursuant to an endangered, threatened or species of special concern designation or listing,” county Marine Resources Division staff wrote in a memo the commission. “These floating structures present a dangerous public safety, navigational and environmental hazard, and the county has received complaints from concerned residents regarding these effects. Prohibiting these

floating structures will promote the health, safety and welfare of visitors to and residents of the county.” The floating structure issue came to head a year ago, when the owner of a helicopter tour company placed an aircraft-shaped floating sign in the shallows off the Lower Keys. Key West Air Adventures owner Peter Closi battled with the state Department of Environmental Protection and county code officers for months before eventually removing the sign. However, the county proceeded to strengthen its sign ordinance to prohibit floating billboards, and staff continued to work on regulations prohibiting floating structures. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers have struggled to regulate floating structures, because they are not motorized and do not have to be registered, so “there is little regulation to cover these structures,” FWC Capt. Dave Dipre said.

is expected to make landfall in the Keys, Hawkins said. Units could only be used for affordable rental housing projects and the residents would have to agree to evacuate 48 hours before a hurricane is scheduled to make landfall in the Florida Keys, which is the same time tourists and special needs and mobile home residents are ordered out. Only Florida Department of Agriculture Secretary Adam Putnam asked questions about how many and what types of homes were destroyed in Hurricane Irma, and if the new units would be placed on those

sites. Florida Department of Economic Opportunity representative Julie Dennis said she did not know exactly where the units would be placed, but said many homes that were destroyed in Irma where most likely not deed restricted as affordable. Staff with DEO, which regulates development in the Keys, will next work with the county and Keys’ cities that want to participate in the plan on modifying their comprehensive land management plans to accommodate the additional ROGO units. [email protected]

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Floating structures that become derelict can be “hazards to navigation and sources of pollution,” Dipre said. With the rise in vessels and floating structures being used as transient rental accommodations, the FWC has begun to take a harder look at floating structures and vessels to make sure they are safe for people renting them and to make sure they are being VACASA moored on the proper VACASA, a vacation rental property management company, has ground tackle. been advertising six floating cabins in Key Largo to vacationers. [email protected]

H OME OF HOME NACHOS OF THE THE ORIGINAL ORIGINA ALL TUNA TUN NA A NAC NACHOS

SATURDAY + JULY 7th

COMEDY NIGHT DOORS OPEN @ 6PM

+ SHOWTIME + STARTS @ 8:30PM

$ 35 PER PERSON

HEADLINER

For Reservations Call

Tim Moffett

305.664.8400 HOSTED BY & FEATURING

144 Palermo Drive, Islamorada

Only $1,300,000

FABULOUS 4 FAMILY APARTMENT WITH BEAUTIFUL DOCKAGE, WITH BOAT LIFT.

You can live in one of the spacious 2 bedroom apartments and let your other 3 tenants pay your mortgage. Excellent opportunity to live full or part time in paradise, have your own boat, and all expenses paid by your renters. Located in beautiful Venetian Shores with direct access to both the world famous backcountry and offshore sport fishing capitol of the world.

CALL 305.393.1002

Perry Sak

Chris Flanagan

82779 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY • ISLAMORADA All Keys Real Estate

305.393.0523 Judy Rossignol, Realtor

Rich Trottnow, Realtor

The Judy Rossignol Real Estate Team

The Judy Rossignol Real Estate Team

[email protected]

[email protected]

305.393.0523

305.842.1151

509802


key largo news

KEY LARGO

18-MILE STRETCH

Meet the candidates June 20 KEY LARGO — The Upper Keys Action Network continues its meet-the-candidates nights at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, at the Key Largo Library, mile marker 101.4, oceanside. The public is invited. Scheduled speakers include Republican Michelle Coldiron, who is running for the District 2 Monroe County Commission seat being vacated by George Neugent. She is currently mayor of Marathon. Also speaking is Capt. Steve Friedman, a Democrat and a newly declared candidate for District 120 state representative currently held by incumbent Republican Holly Raschein. An 18-year backcountry fishing guide in Islamorada, Friedman is commodore of the Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association. In addition to the candidates, the June meeting features League of Women Voters member Cathy Bosworth, who will discuss a series of proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot. In addition to amendments brought by public campaign or the Legislature, the Florida Constitution is revised every 20 years through the Constitution Revision Commission. UKAN is a nonpartisan, unincorporated, all-volunteer local social club.

MCSO/Contributed

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer on the Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo that occurred about 8:49 a.m. last Friday in the southbound lanes of U.S. 1. There were no serious injuries reported, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

No timeline for repairs to park’s ball fields BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

TAVERNIER — Work has begun on the storm-damaged athletic fields at Monroe County’s Harry Harris Park, though no timeline for a resumption of baseball and softball games is currently known. Crews were seen on

the field after residents at a Tavernier Community Association meeting raised questions about the ball fields. The oceanfront park serves as a popular family picnicking area and has been a longtime host site of Upper Keys Little League baseball games. The county has previous-

ly announced that the park, which sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Irma, would reopen in stages and some restoration may take up to a year. The park’s boat ramp, playground, beach area and beach area bathrooms have reopened, but areas north of the boat ramp, including Wilkinson

Point and the athletic fields, remain closed. TCA members during their last meeting asked Monroe County Commissioner Sylvia Murphy about plans for the ball fields. Former TCA president Jerry Wilkinson said fencing issues appear to be holding up repairs. “We heard nothing positive, no hopeful dates for re-opening the ball fields and Wilkinson Point,” he said. “Monroe County is not

prepared to do any work until the fencing is repaired or replaced, and they have not been able to come to an agreement with FEMA about how to do the fencing.” “Not a whole lot is happening,” added Richard Barreto, another former TCA president. “That’s the bottom line. They want to take this opportunity to make it better. The park has been there for a long time and it needs to be updated

and restored in a right and meaningful way. We understand that, we are just looking for a timeline.” He said the TCA has offered to help with repairs. “We could complement what’s already been done, but nothing has been done since the boats were removed,” he said, referring to the park’s use after the storm as a storage area for vessels wrecked by the storm. [email protected]

Now Open-Key Largo! CT Scans Ultrasound Digital X-Ray On-Site Laboratory Urgent Family Care Blood Testing, Flu, Strep, Cuts and Sutures, Chest Pain, Heart Monitoring Telemetry

KEVIN WADLOW/Free Press

Crews began working on the Harry Harris Park ball fields after the Tavernier Community Association recently asked about the timeline for repairing the fields.

Walk-in...We Cover it All! Most Major Insurance Accepted, Cash or Credit Cards

Call Today for More Info

305-294-0011 100460 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo www.urgentcarefloridakeys.com

No Problem too Big or too Small 0QFO.POEBZUISV'SJEBZ 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM

4BUVSEBZBOE4VOEBZ 9:00 AM to 5 PM

See Our Cash Pricing! Save Time, Save Money

...Get Well!

Discover the Keys with great rates and fast local service on new and used Keys Boat and Engine-Only Loans.* Apply Today! Call 305-293-6000

Go to KeysFCU.org

Visit any branch in Key West, Big Pine or Marathon *Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply.


5A


islamorada news ISLAMORADA

LIBRARY

Man accused of throwing glass at manager ISLAMORADA — A 54-year-old California man accused of throwing a glass at a bar manager was arrested last Friday night, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. James Brooks, of Laguna Beach, was charged with battery. Upper Keys Deputy Justin Rivas was called to an Islamorada bar and arrived to find Brooks and alleged victim. The manager and witnesses said Brooks came into the bar to discuss a credit card he had left behind several nights before. Brooks ordered several alcoholic drinks and became upset with

the bartender over a discussion about the lost or missing credit card, reports say. After the manager attempted to resolve the matter, Brooks threw a glass containing an alcoholic beverage at his face, causing minor injuries, reports say. Brooks claimed Brooks the drink toss was in self-defense, reports say. Rivas reviewed security footage of the incident and Brooks was taken to jail.

VILLAGE

Smoking cessation class

Submit permit inspection requests online

ISLAMORADA — Florida Area Health Education Centers will offer a free, six-week smoking cessation class at the Islamorada Library-Helen Wadley Branch, 81830 Overseas Highway. The class, which runs from noon to 1 p.m., will begin Thursday, June 28, but those interested in quitting smoking can join at anytime during the course. Attendees will learn about what triggers their tobacco habit and how to handle withdrawal symptoms. For more information about Florida Area Health Education Centers, go to keysahec.org. For more information about the library, call 305-664-4645.

ISLAMORADA — Beginning July 1, all Islamorada building permit inspection requests will be required to be submitted through the village’s CityView Portal, village officials announced. CityView is the software program utilized by Islamorada’s building department to submit and track applications and building permits. There is no fee to use the portal and it is available 24/7. The direct link is cvportal.us/ CityViewPortal. Initial registration will be required of those who have not yet created an account in CityView. Once registered, one may simply sign-in to the portal to request an inspection. Instructions for how to register for the portal, request inspections and more information about CityView are available at the CityView Frequently Asked Questions page. For more information, contact Susan McLaughlin at [email protected] or 305-664-6429.


Left, Bill Shoemaker, project coordinator for the Monroe County School District, points out areas of the media center and library at the new Plantation Key School during a June 23 tour of construction for school board members and others. Above, Monroe County School Board member John Dick observes the planned playground area.

New PKS expected to open mid-year BY KEVIN WADLOW Free Press Staff

ISLAMORADA — When students fill the halls of the new Plantation Key School, they can stroll down Discovery Boulevard to spend time at the Learning Piazza.

Discovery Boulevard is a main hall expected to be filled with educational technology stations, while the Learning Piazza will have “flexible learning spaces” in addition to serving as cafeteria and auditorium. “There are no words to describe how excited we

are,” Principal Lisa Taylor said during a June 12 tour of the under-construction school near mile marker 89. “There’s so much technology and a real focus on the arts that kids can embrace and become whatever they want to be,” Taylor said. Monroe County School


Thorn Grafton, second from left, of Zyscovich Architects discusses features of the new Plantation Key School with a group as they exit from the entrance to the new gymnasium.

District Superintendent Mark Porter accompanied several school board members and others on the 30-minute tour, conducted by Bill Shoemaker, district project coordinator, and staff with Zyscovich Architects and Biltmore Construction. The new Plantation Key School of more than 100,000 square feet now is expected to receive its first students, in kindergarten through eighth grade, in December or January. A planned opening in time for the start of the 2018-19 school year in August fell victim to Category 4 Hurricane Irma. It actually was the second hurricane-related construction delay for the existing Plantation Key School, opened in 1976. The first came in 2005 when flooding from Hurricane Wilma damaged Key West’s Horace O’Bryant See PKS, page 7A


School board and district officials mount the outdoor steps to the second floor of the new school.

The world lost some of its sparkle with the sudden passing of Stephani Jo Hinton DaRoja, age 58, of Blooming Grove Pennsylvania on May 3, 2018. Stephani was a fabulous wife, cook, and organizer. Stephani was very loved by her husband, family, many, many lcose friends, pets and animals in general. Born in Delaware, Ohio, she lived most of her life in the Florida Keys, and the last 18 years in the Pennsylvania Pocono Mountains. Stephani lived a passionate life full of adventure, beginning when she left home at a young age and (literally) joined the circus. She was a tight rope performer and worked with many of the biggest names in the business. She was dedicated to helping those less fortunate than herself. One of the many things she did was start a successful traveling call center business that would send underprivileged and handicapped children to the circus and other events. Stephani sold her business and retired at a young age. After traveling the world, she returned home to Key Largo to share her adventures with wonderful stories and photos. There she met the love of her life, Jeff DaRoja, moved to the Poconos and was married. Stephani was a lifelong, passionate lover of the arts, travel and animals. She was an accomplished potter. Stephani had the biggest of hearts and was very devoted to all she held dear. She had a very special relationship with those of the four-legged variety. A viewing, and celebration of her life was held on May 12, 2018 in Bloomfield, N.J. Another celebration of her life was held in Key Largo on June 1, 2018, where some of her ashes where spread over Black Water Sound. Stephani was predeceased by her grandfather Branson Spring, grandmother Theodora Spring, her mother Marlene Yvonne DeStefano, and stepfather Robert DeStefano. She is survived by her loving husband Jeff DaRoja, aunt Janice Faller, uncle Robert Faller, and their children and grandchildren, four nieces, three great nieces, tow great nephews, her spouses loving and supportive family, so many dear friends, and her brother and sister.

If you would like to honor Stephani, donations in her name would be greatly appreciated to: The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: A Haven for Elephants and Rhinos www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org PO Box 15555, 00503 Mbagathi, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0) 20 230 1396


The new facility will include Plantation Key School’s first-ever dedicated gym.

isla/k.l. continued


Council tables decision on US 1 access closures BY KEVIN WADLOW Free Press Staff

ISLAMORADA — A plan to close access to U.S. 1 from two Upper Matecumbe Key streets was proceeding too fast, Village Council members agreed June 14. Under the pending proposal, the village would seek Florida Department of Transportation approval to close intersections with U.S. 1 at Beach Road and Palm Avenue to create more Old Highway parking in the popular Morada Way Arts and Cultural District. “Have the neighbors been noticed?” asked Councilman Jim Mooney. “I need to hear from the neighbors. ... We have to have input from the community.” Other council members agreed and tabled the item until June 28. Village Manager Seth Lawless said signs would be posted, and some mailings sent out to the affected area. Frank Shaw, an artisan who lives in the arts district, said he and his neighbors knew nothing about the parking and closure plan until he read a Free Press article. “We know businesses are expanding and we have to change with it,” Shaw said, “but I’m totally against this one.” Van Cadenhead, a board member of the village’s Local Planning Agency, cautioned the council. “You’re messing with ‘old Islamorada’ right there,” he said. “These people were living there a long time before there was an arts district.” Shaw said existing Old

Terms Continued from page 1A

In a 2007 special-election referendum, a question on restoring the four-year term was soundly defeated, 64 percent to 36 percent. A 2014 attempt to revive the four-year term stalled. “If the council all gets thrown out at the same time, they deserve it,” Fernandez said later. “I guarantee [the referendum] will get voted down again.” “Scrap this,” Cadenhead said. “Who is pushing

PKS Continued from page 6A

School, forcing construction money to be shifted away from a plan to start work on the Upper Keys elementary and middle school. The new Plantation Key School, built to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds, can accommodate more than 600 students. The new school year likely will be see around 510 students for the first day of class, Taylor said.

Highway parking, added as a boost to arts district businesses, “now is about 60 percent used by employees.” Closing the two access points means the nearest intersections with U.S. 1 would be at Jerome Avenue at mile marker 81.4, or Johnston Road at mile marker 81.7.

Publix traffic Highway traffic near the new Publix at mile marker 83.3 has lightened since the store’s long-awaited opening, neighboring residents said, but issues remain. Residents Dave Makepeace and Beth Kamenstein urged the village to work on closing the Old Highway access point to U.S. 1 across from Publix to discourage motorists using the street road as a bypass. Council members did not voice disagreement. The board members also directed staff to work with FDOT on landscaping to discourage employee parking in the median between U.S. 1 and the Old Highway. A new bus stop for the grocery workers already has created trash problems, Kamenstein said. She recommended adding a shelter with trash bins.

‘Skip the Straws’

Relief, to keep plastic out of the ocean. Miami Beach, Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach are among Florida coastal cities that have adopted rules against distributing plastic straws that cause long-term pollution and threaten marine life. “Let’s not do it halfway, let’s make a difference,” Forster said. Village attorney Roget Bryan was directed to review no-straw ordinances enacted by other communities. Reef Relief chief executive Mill McCleary said about 130 Keys restaurants and have signed onto the “Skip the Straws” effort. A survey of coastal cleanups in 2017 revealed that plastic straws were among the top-five pollution items menacing the oceans, McCleary said. k w a d l ow @ k e y s n e w s . com

7A

Irma may have revealed shipwreck clues KEY LARGO — Hurricane Irma has provided an assist to divers trying to determine if shipwreck remains at Molasses Reef might be that of a cargo ship built on the Adriatic Sea in 1884. The Category 4 hurricane removed sand and rubble in the area exposing more of the shipwreck and making it more readily available for inspection. Teams of divers from NOAA and the volunteer organization Diving With a Purpose have been mapping the shipwreck remains at Molasses Reef buoy 13 north of the “Winch Hole.” It is believed that the wreck might be that of the Slobodna. On its last voyage it loaded a cotton cargo in New Orleans bound for Tallinn, the current capital of Estonia, on the Baltic Sea. The ship ran aground on Molasses Reef on March 20, 1887. Wreckers salvaged some of its cotton before the ship broke apart. The researchers will gather information to determine if the shipwreck is associated with the

BRENDA ALTMEIER/NOAA

NOAA diver Matt Lawrence works near equipment used to map a shipwreck at Molasses Reef in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The tripod shown is holding the baseline. Slobodna or another vessel or vessels. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is asking divers to use caution when swimming around the area and refrain from approaching the mapping equipment. Divers should avoid the baseline and tripods from which it is suspended in order to maintain the integrity of the line, according to sanctuary officials. The baseline is tied and weighted but can get

tangled in a tank/diver and could result in the fall of the structures. The reliability of the measurements depends entirely on the stability of the baseline, so it is important that the line remain in the same position throughout the mapping process. Shipwrecks on Molasses Reef provide a habitat for marine life and are an important attraction for the Florida Keys diving community.

119 CORTEZ DRIVE G6 • ISLAMORADA Another Melissa Nowell Listing SOLD! If You Are Considering Selling or Buying A Property Call Melissa Today!

Melissa Nowell 305.394.3210 [email protected]

Councilman Mike Forster, a restaurant owner, called for the village to join a “Skip the Straws” campaign launched by environmental groups, including Florida Keys-based Reef

this? Not the people of Islamorada.” Council member Cheryl Meads, in her first term, voted against the four-year term referendum. Being saddled with an unpopular council majority for four years would be “miserable,” she said. “The people can say no again,” Vice Mayor Deb Gillis said. Village attorney Roget Bryan will work with elections officials to finalize the referendum question. k w a d l ow @ k e y s n e w s . com Features at the two-story school will include a marine-science lab, media center, an outdoor lakeside amphitheater and dock, a “Science-On-a-Sphere” lab using projectors to display aspects of the earth on a large globe, and a gymnasium. All elementary classrooms have dedicated bathrooms. Outdoor facilities include playgrounds and a ball field, to be phased in as the existing structure is demolished. k w a d l ow @ k e y s n e w s . com

Keys Window & Door Company 305 - 587- 0477 • IMPACT WINDOWS • FRENCH DOORS • SLIDING DOORS • STOREFRONTS Professional Window & • SHUTTERS Door Installation

30 Years of Installation Experience in South Florida Florida Certified General Contractor CGC1513148

85996 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, FL. 33036

492 BEACH ROAD • TAVERNIER The Newman Team SOLD this property! If You Are Considering Selling or Buying A Property Call The Newman Team Today! The Newman Team Margo, Brett & Rebecca

305.393.1770 www.TheNewmanTeam.com 85996 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, FL. 33036

1034 ADAMS DR • KEY LARGO Lizette Miller LISTED & SOLD this Property! If You Are Considering Selling or Buying A Property Call Lizette Today!

Lizette Miller

305.522.0684 [email protected] 85996 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, FL. 33036

139 OCEAN VIEW DRIVE • TAVERNIER SOLD for Full Price! If You Are Considering Selling or Buying A Property Call Jamie Today!

Jamie Engel 305.394.2500 View Details at www.ForSaleInTheKeys.com

85996 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, FL. 33036


marathon news

LIBRARY

MARATHON

OVERSEAS HIGHWAY

MARATHON HIGH SCHOOL

Help monitor coral bleaching

Woman accused of excessive littering

MARATHON — Mote Marine Laboratory will present a free program on coral bleaching at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Marathon Public Library, 3251 Overseas Highway. Cory Walter, staff biologist and coordinator of the BleachWatch program at Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration, will train divers and snorkelers interested in volunteering for the Florida Keys BleachWatch program. This program provides early warnings of potential coral bleaching events in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary during the warm summer months. No reservations are required. For more information, contact Allison Delashmit at [email protected] or 305509-9141.

MARATHON — A 28-year-old local woman accused of leaving about 150 pounds of trash on the ground at Coconut Cay Resort was arrested last Wednesday, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Mary Ann Scott was charged with dumping of litter exceeding 15 pounds on private property. Deputy Antonio Guieb was on an unrelated call near the property when he came across about five full garbage bags containing numerous household products and garbage scattered over a roughly 12 foot area. He estimated all the trash to weigh about 150 pounds. Some of the trash packages had Scott’s name on them, reports say. Scott lives in an apartment less than 100 feet away from where the trash was found. The trash was not left in a trash collection area. Scott was taken to jail.

Utility work scheduled

CONTRIBUTED

The Marathon Garden Club awarded a $1,500 scholarship to Marathon High School graduate Natalie Mendoza, center. Club members Nancy and Carl Miller presented the award. Mendoza will be attending Florida State University this fall to study environmental science. She was among 11 applicants for the scholarship. Mendoza’s interests in ecology and conservation led her to participate in a month-long study in Vietnam, where she gained hands-on experiences in organic farming and conservation. In addition to her academic achievements, she has been active in sports throughout high school, held offices in several extracurricular organizations and has secured a summer job.

MARATHON — The Florida Keys Electric Cooperative is repairing Hurricane Irmarelated damage to a transmission line from Knights Key to Coco Plum Drive. The repairs will require 600- to 900-foot segments of the right, northbound lane of U.S. 1 to be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, for approximately the next three months. FKEC will work with local authorities to keep traffic flowing safely.

City council requests 49 ROGOs from county BY ALEX WILSON Free Press Staff

MARATHON — The Marathon City Council last week agreed to ask the Monroe County government for 49 state-issued Rate of Growth Ordinance units, as Marathon continues to work to attract and retain a stable workforce. The council convened just one day before an important meeting with state officials in which Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet were deciding whether to allocate Marathon, other Florida Keys cities and the coun-

ty 300 new ROGO units each. Following Hurricane Irma, the Marathon City Council requested an additional 300 affordable units. In May, Gov. Rick Scott proposed his idea to issue new affordable ROGO units to the various Keys’ municipalities. “It was after the hurricane that we realized that our affordable housing situation wasn’t just a situation, it’s a full-blown crisis,” said Vice Mayor John Bartus. Marathon has previously entered into agreements with the county for some of the county’s ROGO stock, to be used

for affordable projects within city limits. Marathon has since allocated all of its ROGO units, leaving it with nothing left to develop housing for permanent residents. “I am going to be very nice and polite and encourage the county to please cooperate with us,” said Councilmember Mark Senmartin. “We are the affordable-housing leaders of the Keys here in Marathon.” The city initially planned to request 29 more affordable housing ROGO units from the county for immediate use on separate projects being built by Saint

Columba Church and IMBY Inc. However, the decision was made to add 20 more units for Habitat for Humanity projects, bringing the total request to 49. ROGOs, which fall into either an affordable or market rate pool, have been utilized by Monroe County since 1992 in an effort to control growth and monitor economic and environmental impact to the Florida Keys. City Manager Chuck Lindsey was not at the June 12 meeting as he had flown to Tallahassee to support the governor and cabinet’s offer of 1,300 housing allocations for the Florida Keys.

“I went up there to thank the [decision-makers] and especially their staff who worked hard every day to make this happen,” Lindsey told the Free Press. He also reported a positive outcome from a visit earlier this year to Washington, D.C. Marathon is to receive $1 million out of a $4 million Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program allocation to be used on stormwater and wastewater system upgrades. [email protected] Free Press contributor Jill Zima Borski contributed to this report.

FILE

Florida Keys Marathon International Airport has not offered regularly scheduled commercial flights in nearly a decade. The airport terminal houses rental-car agencies, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection international entry checkpoint, right, and temporary offices of the Marathon Jet Center, the fixed-based operator for private aircraft.

Airline Continued from page 1A

and the iconic Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key is expected to reopen its 177room main resort before

2019. “We’re growing and we definitely want our own commercial airline service,” Samess said. “It’s great to see Key West [International Airport] adding service, but as the No. 2-performing destination in the Keys, we

feel we can be successful in our own right.” Currently, said acting Monroe County airports director T.J. Henderson, “We do not have any definitive plans for commercial airline service to Marathon.”

MY LISTING: 203 Mohawk Street • JUST SOLD! • Keith Allen

KEITH ALLEN 305.481.5544 [email protected] www.c21schwartz.com Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated

The existing Middle Keys terminal now houses rental-car agencies, a U.S. Customs international entry checkpoint and temporary offices of the Marathon Jet Center, the fixed-based operator for private aircraft. “It might be a little tight,” Samess said of adding an airline counter, “but we

could move things around. That would be a great problem to have.” Henderson agreed, “If or when airlines return to Marathon, we will have terminal space to accommodate them.” More than 15 commercial airlines have come and flown away since Marathon’s airport opened

Let’s grow your business Together! Ask me about our special publications Keys Style & Florida Keys Bridal Magazine. Contact Melissa Fernandez, Advertising Representative, to advertise your business or event today!

Selling the Keys with Ease!

Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated

My Listing: 88540 Old Hwy 101 • JUST SOLD! • Marilyn Bastron

for public service in late 1959, according to author Douglas Henderson of “Sunshine Skies: Historic Commuter Airlines of Florida and Georgia.” The last regularly scheduled flights took place nearly a decade ago. k w a d l ow @ k e y s n e w s . com

305.509.1867 [email protected] 32 Park Road oad

Sold By: Marilyn Bastron

MARILYN BASTRON Real Estate Agent

305.394.8088

305.394.8088

[email protected] www.realestate-florida-keys.com

[email protected] www.realestate-florida-keys.com

AWARDS: 2013 - Masters Ruby

Selling the Keys with Ease! Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated

Selling the Keys with Ease! Each Office is Individually Owned and Operated

big pine area news


BIG PINE KEY

CUDJOE KEY

USFWS

Long Beach was one of the areas of the National Key Deer Refuge hit hardest by Hurricane Irma. Nine months later there are signs of recovery. Gumbo limbo and other trees have regrown leaves and plants that prevent beach erosion, such as blue porterweed, above, are coming back strong, according to refuge officials. However, some of the seaward facing red mangroves may have seen their last days. Many of the individual trees have not recovered and appear to be dead. The shoreline has changed, but it’s not the first time this has happened and it won’t be the last. Refuge officials ask those visiting Long Beach to tread lightly as it continues to heal.

9A

BIG PINE KEY

Scammers posing as deputies reported

Wildlife volunteers needed

CUDJOE KEY — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is once again warning residents about thieves posing as local deputies in phone calls threatening to make arrests on false charges. The latest incident came to light last Friday when a woman went to the sheriff’s Cudjoe Key substation to report that a caller posing as a detective told her she missed a court hearing. The caller identified himself using the name of a real sheriff’s office detective. The caller falsely told the woman she was fined $1,500 and that she needed to pay it using prepaid gift or debit cards. The thief used public information to use illegally pose as the detective, the sheriff’s office says. The incident is similar a recent case in which a scammer called an Upper Keys resident stating she had missed jury duty, which was false. The real number for the sheriff’s substation on Plantation Key was used. The caller also told the resident she needed to pay fines using pre-paid cards or face arrest. The sheriff’s office never asks residents to pay for fines in such ways, according to sheriff’s spokesman Adam Linhardt. Anyone receiving such a call is advised to hang up and contact the sheriff’s office.

BIG PINE KEY — The National Key Deer Refuge is seeking volunteers to assist wildlife biologists in the field in identifying, reporting and removing non-native plants from refuge lands. Volunteers can also participate in outreach events to distribute native plants and educate people in their communities about exotics and native alternatives. Another volunteer opportunity is assisting in monitoring critical wetland sites for endangered species through camera trapping and live capture/ release of at-risk reptiles. Volunteers will place and retrieve game cameras, review pictures and record data, and check traps for secretive aquatic turtles. For more information on these volunteer opportunities, email refuge biologist Adam Emerick at adam_ [email protected].

Residents sue over Irma insurance claims BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

BIG PINE KEY — Roughly 350 lawsuits have been filed against the main windstorm insurance provider in the Florida Keys since Hurricane Irma ravaged the chain of islands. The 350-plus lawsuits against Citizens Property Insurance Corporation have been filed by residents, hotel owners and other businesses in state court in Monroe County, claiming breach of contract, insurance claim and contract indebtedness. The Vaught family’s breach of contract lawsuit against Citizens Insurance is scheduled to go to trial before Monroe County Circuit Judge Tim Koenig in July. The family owns a home in Big Pine Key that was severely damaged when the Category 4 Hurricane battered the Lower Keys on Sept. 10. The home on Lobstertail Road had been the residence of Karen Vaught, who owns it with her parents, prior to the storm, but she has since been paying roughly $2,200 a month in rent for an apartment in Key West while the family continues to battle Citizens to pay for hurri-

ROB O’NEAL/Free PRess

Crews work to cover the roof of Harry Appel’s Deer Run Bed and Breakfast on Big Pine Key after Hurricane Irma slammed into Big Pine Key in September. Appel, left, filed a lawsuit in April stating underwriters grossly underpaid on their claims. cane damage. The family’s contractor has already replaced the roof, repaired inside and outside walls and done some mold remediation, and is awaiting payment to come through a settlement with

Citizens Insurance. The family filed a lawsuit against Citizens in February after struggling to have the insurance provider cover the costs for which the family has paid premiums, the family’s attorney John

Siracusa said. Citizens offered an initial $40,000 settlement and at one point offered an additional $60,000, but nothing for the contents, even though contract states the homeowners are enti-

tled to as much as $66,000 for personal property. The family and Citizens were in discussions at one point for about a $170,000 settlement based on estimates and work done so far by their contractor, but Citizens is now “playing hardball,” Siracusa said. The family and the insurance company are currently deadlocked on resolving the claim and the case appears to be headed to court. “This is not a negotiation” Karen’s father, Bill Vaught, said. “They need to live up to their responsibilities.” “They shouldn’t wear people down,” said Karen Vaught. Citizens is easily the largest carrier in the Keys, covering roughly 16,100 residences and businesses. Those property owners have been paying roughly $60 million a year in premiums to Citizens, according to Fair Insurance in Monroe County. Citizens has paid out $255 million in claims to Monroe County residents post-Irma and expects to pay out another $36 million in the coming months, according to Citizens. See CLAIMS, page 10A

Historic family documents, photos found; given to deputy BY MANDY MILES Free Press Staff

BIG PINE KEY — A concerned resident recently found a meticulously compiled collection of family records lying on a roadway on Big Pine Key and turned it into the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at the Cudjoe Key substation. The binder, which was wet and somewhat smudged, had been lying at the corner of Sands Road and Bailey Street, near the site of the former Seahorse Trailer Park, which was dismantled shortly after Hurricane Irma. The binder contains death certificates, marriage licenses and birth certificates for “The family of Fred Schaeffer Boyer Sr. and Lillian Mae Fernandes,” according to a handwritten

note on one page of the collection. According to one of the death certificates in the binder, Fred Boyer died in Nov. 9, 1939, in Decatur, Illinois of “coronary hypertension thrombosis” while “cleaning up yard, raking leaves, exhausted ... In home, suddenly expired.” The binder contains many such documents, plus some local newspaper accounts about the same family, said Deputy Seth Hopp, who accepted the collection from the resident who CONTRIBUTED found it. Hopp placed the A scrapbook, apparently belonging to the Schaeffer/Boyer family, binder in the property room is now in the custody of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after at the substation, where it being found near the Seahorse Trailer Park. wouldn’t get damaged, said sheriff’s spokesman Adam Glass Bottom Boat Tours aboard the luxurious Linhardt. A cursory glance at the documents did not show NARRATED TOURS

A Professional Organizing Service from Key Largo to Key West

75’ Key Largo Princess II

See DOCUMENTS, page 11A

The “ONLY” Glass Bottom Boat with a Full Cocktail & Snack Bar

Mar.-Oct. ~ Fri. & Sat.

SUNSET CRUISES

Let me help you declutterfy your home, room by room • space by space • piece by piece.

6:30-8:30 6:30 8:30 p.m.

OPEN MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS FLORIDA KEYS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.

NOW CAgLetL33% OFuFse

to . trips, 10 a.m FPKLAM. F code 20% OF t Or, ge oon trips, . afternde FPKL12 c use o

2 Hour Hour Cruises: Cruise 10 a.m. • 1 p.m. • 4 p.m.

MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2018 AT 1: 00 PM

Location: Holiday Inn Docks at MM 100 - Tickets in Gift Shop BOOK in ADVANCE and SAVE at: KeyLargoPrincess.com

FKEC TAVERNIER HEADQUARTERS, BOARD ROOM

Or by phone at (888) 307-1147 or (305) 451-4655 Bar & Grill Available on Board • Free Parking • No Entrance Fee

Call for free consultation

Serving all of the Florida Keys

305.407.0411

email: [email protected] Monday - Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm www.dedeclutterfy.com


keys news

Kasper loves the weather in the Keys BY ALEX WILSON Free Press Staff

KEY WEST — Some people go their whole lives without finding a career that sparks their passion, but for Key West National Weather Service meteorologist-in-charge Kennard “Chip” Kasper, that moment came early in his life. Like any child, Kasper had a number of aspirations growing up, but when he saw his first hurricane up close, he knew he wanted to be a meteorologist. “Once a year, [my family] would load up the station wagon, my dad would drive, and we’d go see something different,” Kasper said. It was August of 1983, and this particular year led the Kasper family to Texas. Unbeknownst to them, however, they were driving straight for the site of Hurricane Alicia’s landfall. Alicia would strike Galveston and Houston directly, causing $3 billion in damage, one of the costliest hurricanes in Texas’ history. “It made a big impression. The winds came up, the rain was pounding and transformers were blowing everywhere,” Kasper said. “I was just completely hooked.” Kasper would go home a different person, now with a personal mission to learn everything he could about weather. He would

even go on to build his own home weather station, complete with a coffee can rain gauge. “It was a sense of wonder that quickly became extreme curiosity,” Kasper said. “I ended up going home and checking out every book on weather from my local library.” Originally from the Chicago area, Kasper has lived in Florida since the early 1990s, when he moved with his family to help establish their restaurant in Central Florida. After helping them out, Kasper finished school at Florida State University, earning his degree in meteorology. He went on to work with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay and Birmingham, Ala. Kasper has lived in Key West now for almost 20 years. He’s worked through 28 tropical storms and hurricanes in his time here, and his experience recently landed him a promotion as top meteorologist at Key West’s NWS office. “I love Key West and the Keys. I’ve been enchanted by them since I first came here,” Kasper said. “I think the people are great, and it’s got this diverse population with a great history in a beautiful location.” These days, Kasper’s relationship with hurricanes is a little different. While the curiosity is still there, he also feels a sense of


Kennard ‘Chip’ Kasper has worked with the National Weather Service for the past 29 years. responsibility for the community during storms. And he is quick to point out that it’s a team effort for everyone in the Keys, from

the military to the citizens themselves. “We’re all working together, from the science side to the ser-

vice side, to help protect people,” Kasper said. “It’s about teamwork.” [email protected]

Record rains were recorded last month in county BY KEVIN WADLOW Free Press Staff

MONROE COUNTY — As summer dawns early Thursday, the Florida Keys bid farewell to a soggy spring. Key West sloshed through the wettest May on record, about four times the average rainfall for that month in the southernmost city. “Rain was reported in Key West on 25 out of 31 days in May,” said

Claims Continued from page 9A

Fellow Big Pine Key residents Harry Appel and Jenny DeMaria filed a lawsuit in April, suing “certain underwriters at Lloyd’s of London” for contract indebtedness to pay the costs to replace their home

forecaster Christopher Rothwell of the National Weather Service office in Key West. The 14.17 inches of rain that fell on Key West International Airport set a new May mark, on records dating back to 1871. Staff at Key West’s National Weather Service forecasting office measured 14.08 inches of rain in May. The historic monthly average Key West for May: a hair under 3.5 inches.

and repair their eco-friendly bed and breakfast on Long Beach Road. The underwriters grossly underpaid on their claims, Appel said. Their one-story, beachfront concrete home was destroyed by Irma. A fireplace made out of the ballast stones from HMS Looe, the roof and part of a wall

Up the road at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, gauges registered 9.7 inches of rain in May, nearly three times the 3.35-inch monthly average. One station in Key Largo, which has a May average of about 3.7 inches, reported 10.01 inches. Another station, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, recorded 8.38 inches but missed one day of reporting. Tropical Storm Alberto “was

were all that were left after the Category 4 storm struck the Lower Keys. The couple lost everything, Appel said. They have run the Key Deer Run bed and breakfast on Big Pine Key for decades and Appel is the president of Save-ATurtle club in Florida Keys. They have blown through his savings and cashed in

just an episode in a couple weeks of wet weather,” Rothwell said. “A mid-upper level storm system persisted across the Gulf of Mexico for much of the month of May. These systems are very effective at pumping tropical moisture northward along their eastern flank. The low level surges in tropical moisture were conducive for heavy rainfall across the Florida Keys and much of the state of Florida.”

stocks, Appel said. Their situation has become so dire, they are contemplating filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy. “We have put every dime into this place, including our retirement,” Appel said. “When this is all done, we are putting it up for sale and leaving.” Appel’s neighbor, well-

Other May 2018 rainfall amounts in the Keys, compiled by NWS staffer Bryce Tyner, included Curry Hammock State Park on Crawl Key, north of Marathon, 9.33 inches (one missed reporting day); Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys, 8.29 inches (three missed reporting days); and the Dry Tortugas National Park, 6.92 inches (three missed reporting days). [email protected]

known veterinarian Doug Mader, also filed a lawsuit in April, suing his insurance carrier, Homeowners Choice & Casualty Co., to cover the claim he filed on his home on Long Beach Road. “I’m lucky. I can afford to do battle with them, and I won’t stop until I win,” Mader said. “Our house

on Long Beach Road on Big Pine was completely destroyed — I call it ground zero — and the insurance company offered $45,000. Twenty-one years of paying insurance premiums — it’s criminal. And most people on Big Pine can’t afford to fight back.” [email protected]

WHITE LION CAFE & THE FREE PRESS... What a Team! If you would like to reach

12,084 Homes and get the same expert service, rvvvic rvice, iice ce ce,

Call Tammy Collins TODAY! DAY! DAY DA DAY!

479.422.3797 • [email protected]

! esteadre m o H e osph t in SecreBar • Friei ndly Atm t p e K Best Crafted Food • Full f-

Che

CaTfEePARTIES! n o i hite LATE OR PRIVA

pm m3 11 a pm ay • 0 d 1 r s! u Sat sday • 5 lady sing ay r t ZE I uesd ay - Thu il the fa T M : O ‘t d ch CUST Lun r: Tues ay: 5pm y 859 e d a 526 atur ond Dinn

W D CORPOR

S M ay & nday & Frid u .com ed S cafe Clos o li e n

k Swan ann Lory PRIETOR PRO

.whit www

6

48.107

• 305.2

meste

eet • Ho

7 Str 146 NW

3030 ad, FL 3

526863

Dear Free Press, r advertising specialist Tammy Collins has been ou r needs as to our three for many years serving all ou businesses. to where our ads will be She is very knowledgeable as ys. most effective in the Florida Ke ce in making our ads We appreciate all her assistan designing and sizing stand out. She is so helpful in each ad to our budget. without her. She goes We cannot do our advertising all the current possible that extra mile to keep up with best placement and designs. advertising needs as to She can handle all aspects of each and every business. Our best to her, Sallyann Swank The White Lion Cafe Swankridge Care Centers Swank General Contractors

keys news


11A

Council to address Volunteer finds nook among books mangrove snapper BY KEVIN WADLOW Free Press Staff

BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

KEY WEST — One of the big local issues the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is tackling this week is a recovery plan for gray snapper, also known as mangrove snapper. Mangrove snapper is a starter fish for many young anglers in the Florida Keys and a staple for people fishing from their docks. They can be found in nearly every canal and under every mangrove offshore. However, a stock assessment released earlier this month by NOAA’s Southeastern Fisheries Science Center found the species is “overfished” or “undergoing overfishing” in Gulf of Mexico waters, according to council spokeswoman Emily Muehlstein. The council, which has jurisdiction from the Gulf side of the Florida Keys through Texas, now has to

KEY LARGO — Even when things are slow at the Key Largo Library’s gift shop, volunteer Dorea Schramm never gets bored. “I always have a book,” she smiled. The retired office worker now donates time as buyer and volunteer coordinator for the Friends of the Key Largo Library gift shop, snugly nestled in the corner of the library at Tradewinds Plaza, mile marker 101.4, oceanside. ‘The best part is meeting the people, all kinds of people, who come in, and answering their questions,” Schramm said. “The thing I hear most is ‘I didn’t know this shop was here.’” “I love doing it, and it’s a way to stay involved with the community,” she said. Schramm and her husband escaped from Chicago’s cold winters in 2006 to take up full-time residence in Key Largo, their favorite vacation spot. While leading a nutri-

develop a 10-year rebuilding plan for the fish, which could call for increased size limits and reduced bag limits. The plan is a requirement of all overfished fish, according to the federal Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The council will meet through Thursday, June 21, at the Marriott Beachside resort in Key West. The council will not decide on a specific plan, but will review the stock assessment and discuss the next steps, Muehlstein said. Also, the council will move forward on the same rules the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted for bully-netting spiny lobster. Those rules call for no dive equipment or hydraulic trap-pulling equipment on boats used for commercial bully-netting. The council will vote to put those rules out for public comment. [email protected]

into one of her manors to use as both a home and office, complete with a full staff. Over the next few months, Parlato said he worked his position as a publicist and managed to fend off negative press. Despite his initial impression of Raniere, Parlato says their friendship didn’t last long. A series of conflicts between him, Raniere and the Bronfman sisters led them to fire him, according to Parlato. Shortly after his departure from the group, the Bronfmans brought a lawsuit against Parlato, alleging that he stole $1 million from them. Parlato says the $1 million was an up-front payment for his work in recovering assets for the group. However, according to him, he was fired before he was ever given a chance to produce results. In the middle of this case, Parlato did the only thing he knew to do. “I started writing about it. They’ve got the power of money, but I have something more powerful. I have the power of the pen,” he said. As Parlato began to doc-

ument his legal battle using his blog, the Frank Report, he says members of NXIVM began to contact him. “People started calling me, and I developed sources. Pretty soon I had 50 or 60 sources. And then the branded women themselves called me,” Parlato said. According to charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office against Raniere in March, women who were part of NXIVM’s inner circle were “branded on their pelvic area, using a cauterizing pen with a symbol which, unbeknownst to them, incorporated Raniere’s initials.” “I was beating my head against the wall, until this branding thing came up,” Parlato said. “I needed something that everyone could rally against. To me that was the game changer.” Years later, the charges from the Bronfmans have been dropped, but Parlato is facing an 18-count indictment from the Justice Department, including charges such as fraud, tax evasion and money laundering. The charges are not

binder has not been thoroughly examined. “I’m sure there is someContinued from page 9A one, somewhere, missing it anything specifically related dearly as it looks irreplaceto the Florida Keys, but the able,” Hopp said.

Anyone interested in claiming the binder can contact Hopp at the Cudjoe Key substation at 305-7453761. [email protected]

Cult Continued from page 1A

“They had a couple of news media guys that smelled something fishy,” Parlato said. “Forbes delivered them up a pretty smashing article. So they were reeling from that, and they didn’t know how to deal with the media.” Parlato began working with Raniere and other NXIVM members in an effort to clear the organization’s name, and over time, he came to enjoy the camaraderie as well as the pay. “We became close friends. I knew Keith [Raniere] very well, and I knew Allison Mack and the other people,” Parlato said. “It didn’t hurt that I was paid well. It’s easier to like someone when they appreciate your value and pay you for it.” According to Parlato, Raniere was paying him $75,000 a month for his services. Parlato also said that Clare Bronfman, an heiress to the Seagram Company fortune and one of the financial backers for NXIVM, had moved him

Documents

tion group that met at the library, she signed on as a volunteer. When the group disbanded, library manager Paulette Sullivan asked Schramm if she would take over as merchandise buyer for the gift shop that supports library activities. “I was already coming in to help put the books out,” said Schramm, who also has served as a Friends treasurer and board member. In her role as shop buyer, she periodically travels to merchandise trade shows in Fort Lauderdale to seek items that appeal to library patrons, from unique note cards to jewelry in all price ranges. “Basically we try to make sure there’s something for everybody, and select items based on what people seem to like,” she said. “The greeting cards are very nice. People come out of their way to buy them here.” Schramm also coordinates shifts for about eight regular shop volunteers, along with winter members

connected with NXIVM, but rather stem from a yearslong FBI investigation into his businesses in Niagara Falls, such as his ownership of the One Niagara, a downtown office building. If convicted, Parlato could face up to 20 years in prison. Parlato doesn’t take credit for turning the world’s focus on to the cult, but hopes his blogs have assisted authorities as they have hunted down and charged the leaders. In March, Mexican authorities tracked down


Key Largo Library volunteer Dorea Schramm makes sure the library’s gift shop is stocked with intriguing and affordable items for all ages. of the Friends. “The library staff here has pretty much stayed the same through the years, and it’s a friendly staff that works well together,” she said. “What I really like is that

this isn’t the traditional quiet library,” Schramm said. “Kids come here to have fun, and I love seeing their smiling faces when they do their programs.” kwadlow@keysnews. com

Raniere and extradited him to Texas for arraignment after he was indicted on charges of sex trafficking and forced labor conspiracy. According to the indictment, “Mack recruited women to join what was purported to be a female mentorship group that was, in fact, created and led by Keith Raniere. The victims were then exploited, both sexually and for their labor, to the defendants’ benefit.” A month later, on April 20, Mack was arrested and indicted on similar charges.

Mack was ultimately released on a $5 million bond and is currently under house arrest. Meanwhile, on May 4, Raniere pled not guilty to all charges. Both now await their trial, which is slated for Oct. 1. Until then, Parlato says that he’ll continue to consult his sources and publish new material on his blog, as well as fight the indictments against him. “I have to keep going until they break this cult up,” Parlato said. [email protected]

$ 4 a week Just

GET TOTAL ACCESS

CALL TODAY 305.292.7777 • Home Delivery • Daily E-edition • Access on Keysnews.com & iOS/Android App

LOCALLY CONNECTED WITH EVERY FORMAT

Spread the word with Advertising! Placing Your Ad Is Quick & Easy. Contact Tammy Collins to advertise your business or event today! For reliable and friendly service,

Call: 479.422.3797 Email: [email protected]

Healthy Air Products Exposure to air pollutants can be 100 times higher indoors than outdoors.

EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM

IMPROVED

CAC1815697

For More Information 305-852-2960

Offer includes daily access to electronic edition. Mail subscriptions excluded. Payment for services must be applied prior to start of subscription. Florida sales tax and fees apply. Contact us at (305)292-7777 or visit us at keysnews.com

528654


upper keys news

CONTRIBUTED

Above, U.S. Navy Watch Commander (MA1) Stephan Dombroski-Ferguson was presented with a framed flag of the African nation Djibouti aligned with the U.S. flag after helping to teach English to Djiboutian college students. Left, Dombroski-Ferguson poses with some Djiboutian youth.

Navy commander enjoys Elks fishing program Free Press Staff

TAVERNIER — U.S. Navy Watch Commander (MA1) Stephan DombroskiFerguson is Florida Keys Elks Lodge 1872’s most recently sponsored military member to enjoy two days at sea through its Vets on the Water program. Last Thursday, he was taken to Donut Reef to snorkel with Theater of the Sea, and shortly before that, he was given the opportunity to kayak through John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park with Florida Bay Outfitters.

D o m b ro s k i - Fe rg u s o n said he loves being out on open water. He grew up in Tavernier until his sophomore year in high school. He visits often as he still has family here. He said being out on the water helps him reacclimate being back in the U.S. after being abroad for more than a year. “Vets on the Water is unique,” he said. “It’s different because it’s a small organization, and it’s here.” Since the program’s beginning in 2013, Vets on the Water has sponsored visits to the Keys by more than 200 current or former mem-

ber of the military. “I was telling a lot of people in Djibouti about it. It’s a great way for veterans to experience the best of what the Keys has to offer. It’s a very generous program as well,” he said. “It’s a great way to get out of your head.” D o m b ro s k i - Fe rg u s o n joined the Navy after high school. Ten years later, he’ll be pursuing a master’s degree in business administration this fall. Dombroski-Ferguson is on leave from one of Africa’s smallest countries, Djibouti, a gateway to the Suez Canal and one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. CONTRIBUTED

Dombroski-Ferguson spoke at a recent high school scholarship ceremony hosted by the Florida Keys Elks Lodge 1872. At Camp Lemonnier, Dombroski-Ferguson served as a project manager for Troops to Teachers, organizing about 110 voluntary military personnel to teach English to Djiboutian college students. This experience helped him to identify and develop his ability to manage people and led to his decision to seek a master’s degree. Djibouti is not in a time of conflict, despite the Horn of Africa’s instability with border and civilian wars.

Dombroski-Ferguson said that the country embraces the U.S. military there and loves western pop culture. The U.S. Navy has given Dombroski-Ferguson a lot of opportunities, he said. It’s provided him with a college education, a stable career path and the opportunity to travel to about a dozen countries throughout the Middle East and Europe. Toward the end of his time in Djibouti students presented him with a framed flag of their native country

aligned with the U.S. flag. “Being able to go back to school, Djibouti and being able to be here in the Keys,” he said, “I’m so thankful.” Vets on the Water through its community partners offers backcountry and offshore fishing trips, diving, snorkeling and kayaking trips and more. For more information about the program, visit vetsonthewater.us or email vetsonthewater@gmail. com. [email protected]

WEBSITE WOES? Feeling frustrated with the online side of your business? Are you not meeting today’s mobile demands? Is your business not being found on Google? SHIRLEY CAN HELP! Call Today! 305.853.7277 x19 [email protected] Responsive Web Design | Local Search Marketing & SEO | Online Advertising

// T O P R E S T A U R A N T S O F T H E F L O R I D A K E Y S //

®

GET THE

menu RESTAU

THE

BY THERESA JAVA

MAP

LOW ER KE YS AN D KE Y W ES

LATEST EDITION I N L O C AT I O N S

throughout

THE KEYS

RANT

BANG BAN

TON IO’S

G SHR

IMP SEA FOO D SHACK & TIKI BAR

key we stm

T H E L AT E S T E D I T I O N S C O V E R A R T F E AT U R E S TONIO’S SEAFOOD SHACK & TIKI BAR

enu .com

PG.

24


13A



15A


business & news real estate

KEY WEST

DUCK KEY

ISLAMORADA

Bank employee celebrates 25th year

Retired banker joins trust board ISLAMORADA — John Cooper, a retired international banker and 18-year fulltime resident in the Florida Keys, has joined the Matecumbe Historical T r u s t ’s board of directors. T h e Matecumbe Cooper Historical Trust Corp. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the education, history and preservation of the Florida Keys. Cooper is a visiting lecturer of business ethics and international business at Florida International University. He was immediately elected to serve as the MHT treasurer.

GREATER MARATHON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce members gathered for snacks, drinks and networking at Hawks Cay Resort’s Angler and Ale for the chamber’s monthly business after-hours social. From left, Erik Pendlebury, Sandra Bradshaw, Harry Wagner, Bruce Ferraro and Dennis Casey.

KEY WEST — Daisy Naseiro, senior vice president and branch administration manager, recently celebrated her 25th year with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Naseiro began her career at First State Bank in 1993 as a main branch officer and was promoted to vice president in 2005 and senior vice president/retail operations administrator in 2009, before assuming her current role in 2012. “We congratulate Daisy on 25 years of dedicated service to our bank, our customers and our community,” said Karen Sharp, First State Bank president and Naseiro CEO. “Her steadfast commitment, sound work ethic, unwavering professionalism and warm-hearted personality have been an inspiration to her colleagues, and contributed greatly to the ongoing success of our bank.” Naseiro is a graduate of Key West High School and the Florida School of Banking. Naseiro’s is a board member of the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys, a past board member of the Cuban American Heritage Foundation, and a former Take Stock in Children and Challenge Day mentor.

Tired of clutter? Business helps sort things out BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

KEY LARGO — Deanna “DeDe” Mousseau has predicated her professional home organization business, DeDeClutterfy, upon her belief that people pack every nook and cranny of their homes with loads of sentimental memorabilia or things they think they may need. In time, drawers are stuffed, closets out of control and sought items are rarely found. Her company’s aim is help reduce home clutter. Mousseau said DeDeClutterfy’s core value is making space in homes for the things that matter the most. Her business organizes things to make homes become more comfortable and run more efficiently. “When everything has a home and things are put back in place, then we know where to find them. It helps to get out of the house faster. There’s no more, ‘Mommy, I can’t find my shoe.’ Things don’t get lost as easily,” Mousseau said. The average junk drawer stashes pens, scissors, tape, scratched sunglasses, tchotchkes and other detritus cast into the shadows. Mousseau said she identifies which objects don’t belong and should be tossed and places the useful things, like the paper clips and rubber bands, in neatly labeled baskets and bins. She’ll find other homes for

CONTRIBUTED

Deanna Mousseau decided to start her business after helping neighbors get back into their homes after Hurricane Irma. things the client may not be ready to part with and arranges the remaining items back together in a way that makes sense, either by

function, color or design. Closets can become time capsules with old photos and clothes that no longer fit.

“Maybe there’s the one pair of pants that you’ve had for 20 years, and you will get back into them, but the rest of it has to go,” she said. “It’s hard getting rid of things. ... I help people let go.” Mousseau finds her line of work relaxing and even cathartic as she purges the dust-covered parkas and broken tennis rackets. “I feel better making people’s homes more comfortable,” she said. Her work is personal from the first call. “Every household is different. I need to know how it works, so I can help make it better,” she said. Mousseau does a home visit and from there draws up a detailed plan on how to get to the end result. Clients can be involved in the process as much as they like. If clients aren’t involved in the home overhaul, she’ll provide a detailed summary of where things were moved and what she recommends be thrown away “There are things I can help with like making inserts, baskets and creating labels,” she said. “It’s simple things that make a big difference, and sometimes people just can’t see them.” DeDeClutterfy client Dawn Brenner recently moved for the second time following last September’s Hurricane Irma. She said an initial purging by DeDeClutterfy made the second move a lot easier.

“She organized my daughter’s nursery when we moved to much smaller home after the hurricane,” Brenner said. “She found good ways to make things more accessible and not feel so crammed.” Client Caroline Hendrix has used DedeClutterfy for a few room overhauls. “She started with the guest bedroom, then she did my daughter’s room and then came back again and did my bedroom,” Hendrix said. “She did a great job, and she was professional. When she finished, she went over everything that she did and offered pointers to keep it up.” Mousseau, a Key West native who has been living in Tavernier for four years, serves the entire Keys. She can do small projects to full garages and attics. Her policy is to throw nothing away without client approval. DeDeClutterfy services also include packing and unpacking, home sales staging and creating photograph books. The process, Mousseau said, may take up to a week between consultation and the work beginning to give her time to draft a strategy. For more information about DedeClutterfy’s services or pricing, call 305-407-0411, email [email protected] or visit dedeclutterfy.com. [email protected]

Two dive operators earn Blue Stars MONROE COUNTY — DiveN2Life of Ramrod Key and Key Dives of Islamorada are the newest participants in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Blue Star diver conservation and education program. The Blue Star dive program has grown to 27 oper-

ators since its inception in 2009. The nonprofit DiveN2Life hosts a children’s program that focuses on coral restoration initiatives, documents underwater heritage sites, and collaborates with NOAA on education and research activities. Through its diving, snorkeling and

LION’S MM 100

spearfishing services, Key Dives offers environmental awareness and leads activities such as wetsuit recycling events and marine debris cleanup dives. Operators join the Blue Star program by attending annual training on issues affecting coral reefs, sanctuary regulations and coral

reef etiquette. In turn, they educate their customers and participate in conservation activities. For more information and a list of recognized operators, visit floridakeys.noaa. gov/onthewater/bluestar. html, or contact marlies. [email protected] or 305DIVEN2LIFE 434-9385. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has recognized DiveN2Life of Ramrod Key as a Blue Star operator. Pictured are, front, Jake Houchins, Will Stolze, Zoe Hays and Blue Star program coordinator Marlies Tumolo; back, Kama Cannon, Richard Quality Senior Living Cannon, Rex Houchins and Katie McHugh.

CLUB BEHIND CAPITAL BANK

Est. 1965

Care Centers

Don’t Stuff Mom in a Nursing Home

Every Sunday!!

FLEA MARKET DONATE THAT CAR!!! TRUCK • BOAT • JET SKI • ETC! Free Pickup • Tax Deduction • Call Chris 305.522.6598 For Flea Market, Call 305.451.4332

Call Sallyann for an appointment and tour

305.248.9662

122 N.W. 7th Street • Homestead, Fl • Located next to White Lion Café

www.Swankridge.com

LISA MONGELIA/Contributed

Tumolo recognizes Jason Adams, Cortney Benson and Rafael Kubiak of Keys Dives in Islamorada for achieving Blue Star status as a partner in conservation.

opinion


17A

CONTACT US

Can expanded air travel make US 1 safer?

Florida Keys Free Press 91731 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Phone: 305-853-7277

BY RICHARD TAMBORRINO Florida Keys Free Press Publisher

E

Classified Ads 305-292-7777, ext. 210 Advertising Email [email protected] News Email [email protected] News Fax 305-853-0575 Website keysnews.com President Thomas Kent Cooke Publisher Richard Tamborrino [email protected] Managing Editor Dan Campbell [email protected] Office Manager Carol Koris [email protected]

INFORMATION The Florida Keys Free Press is published each Wednesday with a weekly distribution of 12,000 copies serving Big Pine Key to Key Largo. Deadlines Display Advertising . . . . . . . . .Thursday 3 pm Classified Advertising . . . . . . . . Friday 10 am Editorial & Photos. . . . . . . . . . . . Friday 5 pm Office Hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (Voicemail after hours.) Notice to Advertisers The Free Press assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisements, but, when notified promptly will reprint that part of the advertisement in which the typographical error appears. All advertising in this publication is subject to the approval of the publisher. The Free Press reserves the right to correctly classify, edit or delete any objectionable wording or reject the advertisement in its entirety at any time prior to scheduled publication, in the event it is determined that the advertisement or any part thereof is contrary to its general standard of advertising acceptance. This newspaper is made using renewable wood fiber from sustainably managed forests that are independently certified to meet globally recognized sustainable forest management standards. Free Press is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cooke Communications, 3420 Northside Dr., Key West, FL 33040.

©2018 Cooke Communications

very year, more than 30,000 people are killed in road crashes in the United States. There are dozens of dangerous roadways that are the site of many of these crashes. But one that’s particularly treacherous is U.S. 1. Its 544mile span in Florida claimed 1,079 lives between 2007 and 2017, with a chart-topping fatal crash rate of 2.8 incidents per million vehicles driven, according to a study of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration data conducted by the telematics supplier Geotab. Our 120-mile portion of this 544-mile stretch continues to get more dangerous. So far this year, through roughly fiveplus months, it’s produced 11 fatalities, including the horrific March 5 crash in Islamorada that killed four young tourists from Spain, a scene that troopers said was so intense it wasn’t until firefighters cut the vehicle open that the fourth victim was discovered. There were 14 fatalities in all of 2017, so we might exceed last year’s total well before the end of this year. The factors that make U.S. 1 so deadly are mostly the same as they are nationally. Distracted driving frequently tops the list, and that generally includes texting and cellphone use. But in our region, it also includes sightseeing and visitor uncertainty in locating their intended

FILE

Florida Keys Marathon International Airport offers no commercial service, even though its runway is longer than that at Key West International Airport. destinations, causing late turns and abrupt adjustments. It’s doubtful Keys roadway safety will improve dramatically in the future. Sure, we are doing a good job of lowering speed limits in dangerous stretches, but the reality is U.S.1 will remain a congested Keys roadway. But what if air traffic into the Keys increased? Would that help or hinder road safety? Just last week, the first American Airlines flight with nonstop service between DallasFort Worth International and Key West International Airport was initiated, with 71 passengers aboard the commemorative inaugural flight. This is an important destination for Midwest travelers and kudos to all those that worked to make this happen. Currently, Florida Keys Marathon International Airport offers no commercial service, even though its runway is longer than that at Key West International Airport. But if

Press no longer warrants freedoms Inculcating the ether with twisted information designed to undermine and discredit the ideas, experiences and beliefs of other citizens is such an offensive, dishonorable and unloving approach at building relationships. As we divide and divert the populace from the principles that once drew our union together, we’re becoming a fractured and increasingly dysfunctional society consumed with anger, distrust, hate and repressed aggression. Mesmerized partisan occultists, once identified as our free and independent press, have taken sides in their coverage of the news. Renouncing their impartiality via clear and scientifically accrued data, their bias has been detected. They’ve drank the politically progressive

there were a limited commercial flight schedule available to currently underserved destinations like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, it could be a worthwhile solution. The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce has been encouraging Florida Keys Marathon International Airport to seek expansion of commercial flights for years. Monroe County owns the airport and would need to take a more proactive stance on this subject since the subject of revenue guarantees, which is very common these days when coming into new or smaller markets like Marathon, would have to be arranged. Terminal space at Florida Keys Marathon International Airport is adequate — it might not be as spacious as other airports, but its workable. TSA security would potentially be required onsite in the terminal and costs associated with this will likely top six figures annually. And any air service provider

Kool-Aid proffered as the only version and authentic understanding of events that can be considered newsworthy. Censorship, insults and threats are hurled at those who don’t think, write or speak in a manner acceptable to these publishing elitists. By whatever means necessary, any deviation or alteration from “their” truth will not be tolerated. The established narratives and interpretations thereof, set by the media and print moguls, are the only religion bowed to on the altar of their politics. Investigative inquisitiveness, courageously advancing toward the truth has been abandoned, as the ethics and core values that once drove journalists and editors on their quest “for the rest of the story” has been relinquished. Fanatical zealots and sycophants portraying themselves as earnest seekers and conveyors

would have to be a good partner, have realistic expectations for traveler volume and longterm growth, along with the revenue guarantee. The flight capacity might need to be positioned as 30-passenger maximum to start with and it even might need to be seasonal, but it would be a great start. It’s difficult if not downright impossible to determine if increased air traffic would reduce auto fatalities. You could point to the fact that once those air travelers arrive, they would need transportation to get around, but in Key West, for example, ride-sharing and public transportation are already in place and wholly accessible. Maybe we’re looking at this road safety issue all wrong. There will never be a light-rail alternative or a Keys-wide public transportation model that meets county needs sufficiently, so instead of managing the problem “on the ground,” why not look at it from above?

of accurate information, allegedly in service to the citizens of this nation, have devolved into a fraudulent charade designed to dupe the American people and citizens of the world. The constitutional rights and protections afforded to the press in our Bill of Rights have been won and maintained by the blood sacrifices of many Americans. Three successive generations of my family have shed their blood on foreign soil in defense of journalistic liberty. The corruptive and treacherous conduct of many media staffers and outlets negates them warranting special protection and rights under the law. The empty, deluded and tyrannical vessels of humanity that identify themselves as newspeople, while voraciously prevaricating distortions of fact, are at war with the ideals and values of all free people. John Donnelly, Key Largo

M A I L L E T T E R S T O F L O R I D A K E Y S F R E E P R E S S , A T T N : E D I T O R , 9 1 7 3 1 O V E R S E A S H I G H W A Y, T A V E R N I E R , F L 3 3 0 7 0 • E M A I L L E T T E R S T O D C A M P B E L L @ K E Y S N E W S . C O M

business & real estate continued Foundation adds board members

Ex-controller charged with bank robbery Free Press Staff

ISLAMORADA — A local insurance agent and a real estate professional have joined the board of directors of the Florida Keys History and Discovery Foundation. The not-for-profit organization formed in 2013 to develop and operate the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. Roberto I. Alonso is the owner/operator of Borland & Associates Insurance in Key Largo and currently serves as the chairman of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. Born in Cuba and raised in Miami-Dade County, he was a resident of Hialeah for many years.

He is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton with a bachelor’s degree Alonso in political science and has been a Key Largo resident since 2005. He has been married to wife Ana for 50 years, and has two children and five grandchildren. Emily Carter, a graduate of Coral Shores High School, is part of the real estate team at American Caribbean Real Estate. She has served as a

committee member with the Bougainvillea Ball supporting Mariners Hospital and is co-founder of Flagler’s Folly Society, a member organization of the foundation formed in 2015. C a r t e r lives in Taver nier with husb a n d Carter Justin, also a graduate of Coral Shores, and their two children. The center located at the Islander Resort, mile marker 82, oceanside.

PLAINWELL, Mich. — The former controller of The Key West Citizen was charged last Friday in Michigan with robbing a bank. Paul Donnelly, 50, was found early Friday morning walking along a highway a few miles outside the Plainwell, reportedly with his pockets stuffed full of cash and lottery tickets. He allegedly stole more than $4,700 from the bank and spent about $300 on lottery tickets. According to media sources in Michigan, his

blood alcohol level was 0.24, or three times the legal limit. Police say Donnelly entered a bank on Thursday morning with a backpack that he told the teller contained a bomb. After he left the bank with a bag of money a teller handed him, he was able to elude police. An entire city block was reportedly evacuated until it was determined that the backpack was full of clothing, and there was no bomb. Deputy James Pell of the Plainwell Department of Public Safety said he expected the Federal

Bureau of Investigation to take over the case and file federal charges. Donnelly was turned in by family members who recognized him in bank surveillance footage released by authorities. Family members say Donnelly has no criminal past and has been battling alcoholism and a recurring brain tumor. Donnelly was fired by the owners of the newspaper, Cooke Communications, and escorted out of the Key West office in March. Cooke Communications also owns the Florida Keys Free Press.


keys news

DAY IS DONE, GONE THE SUN

College may adopt students’ solar project BY MANDY MILES Free Press Staff


Islamorada Founders Park’s Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina is an ideal spot to catch a sunset.

READY FOR A DIP


Florida Keys Dive Center’s Big Dipper heads to Tavernier Creek and the open ocean Monday for an afternoon of exploring the Upper Keys’ reefs.

Expand Your Online Presence • Web Design • Email Marketing • E-Commerce • Local Search Management • Web Hosting • Mobile Website • Ad Placement on Top Tourism Websites

Call Karrissa To Learn How Today!

E-mail: [email protected] Visit us at: www.FloridaKeys.com/info

305-853-7277 x24

STOCK ISLAND — One or more of the five sunniest spots on the Florida Keys Community College campus may eventually house solar energy equipment, thanks to research completed by students in the school’s Introduction to Solar Energy class. The Solar Feasibility Project was an end-ofyear project for the 10 students and Professor Halle Cheeseman, Ph.D. Working together, the class identified five potential locations on the Key West campus for the installation of solar panel systems. Then, in teams of two, they developed feasibility plans for each location. The students, who ranged in age from recent high school graduates pursuing a degree to adults considering a second — or third — career, developed design plans to show what the array would look like and what components would be needed. They calculated construction and installation costs, potential energy production, energy cost savings and battery back-up systems. “This class is part of our new Associate in Science in Engineering Technology: Renewable Energy Technician degree that we just launched in the fall, “ said Amber Ernst-Leonard, director of college and public relations at FKCC. “That degree program focuses on solar, wind and hydrokinetic power as potential sources for renewable energy.” Student Naomi Seal and

her partner studied the potential and possible benefits of a solar array atop Building A, the college’s main administration building. “This class has taught me so much,” said Seal, who said she hopes to have a career in renewable energy one day. “One of the first things we learned was that given the rate water flows underneath the Seven Mile Bridge, a hydrokinetic power plant could power all of the Keys just from that one bridge.” But the project was about the power of the sun, so Seal’s proposal included the installation of a canopy-like solar array that would hang from the roof of Building A, providing shade for students below, while harnessing the sun’s power above. The system would realize a return on the initial investment in 12 years, the students’ research showed, and would generate about $11,000 worth of free energy during its estimated 25-year life span Another potential site is at Building D, which houses the school’s aquaculture labs and dozens of fish tanks and other equipment that need constant power to keep filters, pumps and tanks operational. Students Jason Heath and David Combest, in evaluating their site, used photos and information collected via a high-tech drone to conduct aerial surveys of the campus roofs. “I flew the drone over the roof at various times and found that there was almost no shade that would be a problem throughout the

day,” Heath said. “We could actually turn Building D into a kind of moneymaker in terms of energy production. It could be a positive producer of power and save at least a few hundred dollars and possibly up to $1,000 a month.” Cheeseman, college administrators and deans toured each site and heard from each pair of students. Brittany Snyder, vice president of academic affairs at FKCC, listened closely to Heath and Combest’s explanations. “You had me at saving $1,000 a month,” Snyder told the pair of student researchers while wheels started turning in the mind of Patrick Rice, the school’s chief science and research officer, who said he was considering potential sources of grant funding for such a solar array. “Also, another point to consider, is that there has only been a .01 percent rate of damage to solar structures after heavy wind events,” Heath told the administrators. “So these rooftop installations would likely survive hurricane winds up to 110 mph or more. And in San Juan, Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria, there was a hospital with a 645-kilowatt solar system that was back on immediately following the storm and providing power on an island that had almost none.” Faculty and administrators were impressed with the students’ research, and Seal said, “We’re hoping to have at least one of our sites set into action in the coming year, hopefully by October.” [email protected]

HAVE A STORY IDEA? CALL 853-7277

pursuits • Living • Learning • Playing • Exploring

KEYSNEWS.COM

FLORIDA KEYS FREE PRESS • WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2018

Cool off County to host ‘Beat the Heat’ outings this summer. 5B

ANDY NEWMAN/TDC

New bridge run director amped up for event KEY LARGO — The Key Largo Bridge Run, set to return this November after a brief hiatus, is being put on by new race director Enrique “Henry” Menendez and his race production team, HNO Productions. Early registration for the 5K and 10K races will begin July 1. Key Largo Baptist Church created the event, which drew about 1,000 racers and walkers in its first year, but announced last summer no 2017 race. Menendez said the church graciously handed the event over to him, and for that he’s grateful. The 2018 event will be the ninth run. Menendez said he enjoyed participating in the run and wanted it to

continue. “When you get to the top of the bridge and see that view, it’s amazing,” he said. “We want to bring back an event the community loves and visitors Menendez enjoy. It draws runners from all over the world to Key Largo. It puts us on the map and it’s good for the community.” But Menendez, who runs three to five miles four days a week, said he’s probably not going to be running during November’s race. “The first year is always the trickiest, because we don’t know what to expect,” said Menendez, who has a

1B

Smoke Show team wins Ladies Dolphin Tournament. 7B

Previously, the Key Largo Bridge Run was conducted in the northbound lane of U.S. 1, above. This year’s installment will take place in the southbound lane.

Free Press Staff

4B

Crowning achievement

Back in the race

BY THERESA JAVA

Thriller keeps readers e enthralled

team to help with the event. The start and finish lines will be at Gilbert’s Resort, which differs from years past when the race began and ended near the start of the Lake Surprise causeway on U.S. 1 at mile marker 106. “The course will be certified,” Menendez said, explaining that the USA Track & Field certifies road distance for accuracy. That way, should an elite runner attempt to break a record, the distance can’t be challenged. Bernard Lagat set a USATF record with a 13-minute, 39-second 5K run in 2016 and a 27-minute, 48-second 10K in 2015. “If we get some elite runners, we See RUN, page 6B

Here’s a clue: Mystery Fest is this weekend KEY WEST — No sleuthing skills are needed to understand why missing Mystery Fest Key West, set for Friday, June 22, through Sunday, June 24, would be downright criminal, according to event organizers. Readers and writers seeking clues about crafting and enjoying mystery fiction can meet, interact with and learn from some of America’s most notable authors during the fifth annual Mystery Fest Key West. Among the featured guests are keynote speaker Ace Atkins, a prolific crime novelist chosen by the Robert B. Parker estate to continue Parker’s iconic “Spenser” series; editor, publisher and Mysterious Bookshop proprietor Otto Penzler, a world-renowned authority on mystery fiction; and multi-genre author Heather Graham, who has penned more than 100 volumes including the “Krewe of Hunters” novels. Other presenters include forensic scientist and top-selling author Lisa Black; Diane A.S. Stuckart, who created the Leonardo da Vinci historical mysteries; cozy mystery writer Nancy J. Cohen; and Charles Todd, co-author of the award-winning Inspector Ian Rutledge series. Law enforcement experts are to offer insights as well. The festival will be headquartered at the DoubleTree

Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd. Attractions include writing workshops, panel discussions, book signings, receptions and gatherings where mystery buffs can mingle with the genre’s leading lights. Workshop and panel topics include the forensic use of fingerprints, writing historical mysteries, book promotion and the state of the publishing industry. Festival happenings include a poolside welcome reception featuring Graham and a Conch Tour Train excursion. In addition, they can speak with Atkins and Penzler at an ice cream social at the Key West Lighthouse, 938 Whitehead St. Other highlights include the Saturday presentation of the Whodunit Mystery Writing Award. The winner receives a publishing contract with Absolutely Amazing eBooks among other prizes. The events conclude Sunday, June 24, with a waterfront brunch at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., sponsored by Mystery Writers of America’s Florida chapter. Cost of the festival is $195 per person and special hotel rates are available for registrants. Event information and registration is available at mysteryfestkeywest.com.

Archaeologist uncovers Stock Island’s Native American past KEY WEST — Key West Art & Historical Society will welcome Ryan Harke to the Custom House Museum, 281 Front Street, at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 28, when he will present research from his dissertation on the “Southernmost PreColumbian Site.” Harke has been researching whether Stock Island was a seasonal fishing ground used by mainland natives or the site of a permanent year-round village. “Knowing whether it CONTRIBUTED was a year-round village In a method similar to that which he is employing with artifacts provides a platform for recovered from the Stock Island site, Ryan M. Harke mills sam- other exciting research in ples of powdered shell off of a horse conch to study its geochem- the future,” said Harke, an istry to determine how long they live. archaeology/anthropolo-

gy lecturer and a doctoral student at the University of South Florida. “If it was year-round, how was that culture related to other native chiefdoms on the mainland, like the Tequesta in Miami or the Calusa in southwest Florida?” For more than eight years, Harke has conducted compliance archaeology throughout Florida and has served as a public archaeologist for the Florida Public Archaeology Network at Flagler College in St. Augustine. Harke’s primary interest is in the relationship between small-scale foraging economies and fragile ecosystems, which

have led him to his studies in the Florida Keys and its aboriginal occupants. “I’ve always been interested in coastal Native American populations in Florida, especially those that relied primarily on the sea for their livelihood,” Harke said. “So little is known about the natives who lived in the Keys.” Harke is studying one of the biggest pre-Columbian habitations ever known in the Keys and the second archaeological site recorded in Monroe County, located where the prison and its parking lot now are. By studying the black-earth mound and a large midden

of shells, fish, shark, sea turtle, shellfish, and the now extinct Caribbean monk seal and pygmy sperm whale remains found there, Harke can determine how Keys natives interacted with their island environments 800 years ago, including knowing what species they ate and what tools they used. “Ninety-five percent of the history museums, tours and tourist information is concerned with the European, American and later Caribbean presence in the islands,” he said. “It’s exciting to learn See PAST, page 3B

2B • June 20, 2018 • Florida Keys Free Press

home & garden at the movies … IN THE KEYS & SOUTH FLORIDA

new releases: Jurassic World: Fallen King (PG-13, Action/Adventure and SciFi/Fantasy) - It’s been three years since theme park and

luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles. When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Owen is driven to find Blue, his lead raptor who’s still missing in the wild, and Claire has grown a respect for these creatures she now makes her mission. Arriving on the unstable island as lava begins raining down, their expedition uncovers a conspiracy that could return our entire planet to a perilous order not seen since prehistoric times.

now showing: The Incredibles (PG, Kids/Family, Action/Adventure and Animation) - With Helen now in the spotlight, Bob is left

at home with Violet and Dash to navigate the day-today heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transistion for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again. Gotti (R, Crime/Gangster and Drama) - Legendary mobster

John Gotti was head of the largest and most powerful crime organization in North America, the Gambino Family. His flamboyant style, charm and ruthless personae made him the most famous mobster in the 20th century. His story, told through the eyes of eldest son John Gotti, Jr. delves into the past and explores Gotti’s epic rise and fall in the mob. Tag (R, Comedy) - One month every year, five highly com-

petitive friends hit the ground running in a no-holdsbarred game of tag they’ve been playing since the first grade — risking their necks, their jobs and their relationships to take each other down with the battle cry, “You’re It!” This year, the game coincides with the wedding of their only undefeated player, which should finally make him an easy target. But he knows they’re coming … and he’s ready. Information courtesy of movieinsider.com

future releases:

Ant-Man and Wasp

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Uncle Drew

dvd releases PICK OF THE WEEK The Death of Stalin (R, Comedy) - Dictators have always

ended up falling on their own sword. A Soviet dictator’s last days and the chaos of his regime that follows is as relevant today as it was decades ago. There are lessons that anyone can learn and apply to today’s political scene and world events. Or, there are lessons that can be ignored.

mystery PHOTO

Mamey tree’s fruit bountiful, sumptuous between the firehouse and a neighboring home. Still, it lost many large branches he lush, orange to breakage and each of flesh of the mamey those tears must heal. The fruit (pronounced tree has been very busy in mam-A) is reputed to be its own slow-moving way. an aphrodisiac. Biting Underneath the mamey into this Cuban hottie is a tree is millions of gallons of supremely sensual expefresh surficial aquifer water rience. It is reported that that keeps it watered even a Cuban woman named in the winter drought. Josefina Jimenez smuggled Mamey is so loved by three mamey seeds into Cubans that it has been the U.S. in her brassiere in chosen as their national 1952. That would make her fruit. In the U.S. the fruit is a bit lopsided, so maybe highly desired and expenshe only brought two of the sive. Covered with a fuzzy 4-by-2-inch seeds. brown exterior, the interior The Key West mamey orange fruit is creamy and tree is far older than that soft. bit of folklore. Its 104th Mamey tree fruits, birthday was celebrated although biologically conwith a cookout fundraiser sidered a berry, grow from for the Firehouse No. 3 branches after small white Foundation. The glorious flowers form. It is four to crowning edible was the 10 inches in length and free mamey ice cream three to five inches wide flavored with cinnamon, with one to four three-inch nutmeg and hot chilies. oblong seeds in the center. Yummy! It was made and Flowers, immature fruit served by Rich Siniscalchi. and ripe fruit occur on This granddaddy mamey the tree at the same time. has provided all of the The fruit is ripe when the nurseries in southern brown skin is scratched ROBIN ROBINSON/Contributed Florida with its grafted open and the color underThe mamey tree loses its leaves and buds anew in June. DNA. Eugenio Pantin is neath is pink or darker. credited with establishing Vitamins C, E and B-6, the tree will not thrive and flower and fruit to preserve these nurseries and the riboflavin, niacin, and the possibly die. The tree puts their genetics in the world. trees have been named minerals manganese and all of its energy into replac- Many bloomed in October Pantin mamey sapotes. potassium abound in the instead of May, and several fruit. The seeds are used to Pantin grew them as seed- ing these vital roots. Also, many trees, includ- bloomed in only half of the manufacture sapayul oil, a ling rootstocks, onto which tree. ing the royal poinciana, Mayan secret weapon that he grafted budwood of The mamey tree was were bamboozled by the produces bountiful lusthe Key West mamey tree. trous locks of hair. Every mamey in South winds of Irma into thinking protected from much of Clusters of long, pointed Florida is a descendent of that they must immediately the wind because it grows dark-green leaves form on this granddaddy mamey terminal branches. Leaves tree. fall off and regrow in the The firehouse tree is the spring. Massive limbs U.S.-certified champion extend horizontally from tree. This number is deterthe tree that, in Florida, mined by measuring the can grow to 70 feet in width, height and trunk height. size of an individual tree. So keep your honey filled As with many fruit trees, with mamey fruit and oil the tree did not produce your hair with sapayul oil, a bumper crop this year, and life will be bountiful maybe due to damage by and sumptuous. Hurricane Irma. Even if a Key West Master Gardener tree does not look damRobin Robinson was a aged, the small invisible columnist for the Chicago roots that feed the tree, Daily News and syndicated along with the fungus that with Princeton Features. provide useable nitrogen Her books are “Plants of for the tree, can be broken Paradise” and “Roots Rocks by the swaying of the tree ROBIN ROBINSON/Contributed and Rain: Native Trees of in the wind. These tiny The mamey fruits grow directly on the tree’s branches. the Florida Keys.” roots must be regrown or

BY ROBIN ROBINSON Key West Garden Club

T

Protect landscape in hurricane season PREMIERING THURSDAY, JUNE 21st

JURASSIC WORLD (PG13) 7:00pm Nightly 2:00pm Matinees Saturday & Sunday 3D Showings: Tues, Thurs & Sunday Matinee 305.743.0288 • 5101 Overseas Hwy.

Behind Marathon Liquors & Deli

www.marathoncinema.com

If you know the location of this week’s Free Press Mystery Photo, call 305-853-7277, starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday. If you are the first caller with the correct identification, your name will be published in the next edition of the Free Press.

BY MICHELLE LEONARD-MULARZ Environmental Horticulture Agent

Hurricane season began June 1 and many of us are still putting the pieces back together from Hurricane Irma. So what should be done to prepare local landscapes for hurricanes? Hurricane Irma created a lot of damage to our mature tree canopy, and although

much of that debris has been removed, there still may be lingering issues in our trees. Here are some hazards that should be addressed now, if they haven’t already: • Dead or broken branches – look up and inspect your trees. Are there any dead or broken limbs hanging in the tree? Remove those branches so they don’t become projectiles.

Travis W. Bennett, DMD

102965 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

305-451-2616 LAST WEEK’S PHOTO: Crane Point Hammock & Museum, Marathon WINNER: No winner

Sandy M. Brito, DMD

90290 Overseas Hwy, Suite 108, Tavernier, FL 33070

305-852-5099 www.EveryoneLovesaGentleDentist.com

• Twisted branches – hurricanes blow trees in all directions, and even though a branch may be still attached, there may be tears (places where you can see through the branch); those should also to be removed since it is a weak point in the tree. • Leaning trees – trees leaning toward your house, or another potential target, pose a risk, and depending on the scenario, they should either be braced or removed. • Staked or braced trees – keep stakes and/or braces on trees that have been recently installed or propped up after Irma. They can be re-evaluated after hurricane season. • Dense canopy – thinning the canopy will reduce the density of branches and allow for air movement, which will also reduce the weight of the limbs and help a mature tree resist significant storm damage. However, since most of See LANDSCAPE, page 6B


3B

things to do Seminole Theatre group presents Broadway musicals HOMESTEAD — The Seminole Theatre Players, a cast of local South Florida singers and dancers, will present two musicals this summer: “In the Heights” from June 22 to July 1, and “Annie” from July 27 to Aug. 5. “We are excited to bring two unique and beloved Broadway musicals to South Florida,” said Mickey McGuire, Seminole Theatre executive director. “The local talent here is fantastic, and we are proud to support and entertain our community members.”

Conceived and composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of “Hamilton,” “In the Heights” tells the story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take

with you, and which ones you leave behind. “In the Heights” was the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. The next production is the family musical, “Annie.” With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage operated

by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of uptown Manhattan. She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. “It is so important that everyone has access to the arts and that is the rea-

son behind the Seminole Theatre Players and its parent organization, the Friends of the Historic Seminole Theatre,” McGuire said. “For this reason, we keep ticket prices at $15 and provide sign language interpreters for certain performances. We also offer one free performance during a weekday so that local youth and other at-need groups can experience the excitement of

seeing a live theatre show.” Other than the special youth shows mentioned above, performances begin at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit seminoletheatre.org or visit the box office at 18 North Ave., Homestead, which is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Sale dates Monday June 25th thru Saturday June 30th DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS: MON - F R I : 8A M - 5 PM •SAT: 9A M - 2 PM

FOR OUR 20th YEAR IN BUSINESS!

20% OFF ALL IN STOCK PARTS & PRODUCTS AND AN ADDITIONAL 20% OFF ALREADY DICOUNTED OBSURE PARTS*

CONTRIBUTED

Above, some of the rescue details are spelled out in this rendering. Left, a diver prepared to descend on the USS Squalus.

Learn about the ‘Greatest Submarine Rescue Ever’ ISLAMORADA — History of Diving Museum’s Immerse Yourself! lecture series will feature a presentation by Historical Diving Society board member Ed Uditis titled “Greatest Submarine Rescue Ever.” During a sea trial off the coast of New Hampshire, on the morning of May 23, 1939, the USS Squalus unexpectedly took on water and sank in 240 feet with 59 crew on board. The flooding quickly claimed the lives of 24 sailors and two civilians, leaving 33 others trapped below

the surface. To signal for distress, the ship’s captain sent up a marker buoy that was labeled, “Submarine sunk here. Telephone inside.” The surviving crew also released red smoke rockets and blew slugs of oil out of toilets to supplement the smoke bombs. When the ship failed to surface for its regular check-in, the shipyard commander’s instinct was that she was in trouble. His quick response and call to action proved crucial to the rescue of the men. Uditis will explain the

Items include but are not limited to Yamaha/Volvo/Cummins/Northern Lights/Kohler parts, bottom paint, boat accessories, and MUCH more!

steps that it took on this rescue mission, the equipment and technology that was used to bring the survivors to the surface, and how the submarine was eventually raised. Free admission tickets are available beginning at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, with the presentation following at 7 p.m. The History of Diving Museum is located on Upper Matecumbe Key at mile marker 83, bayside. Visit divingmuseum.org for more information.

*Excluding Bulk Oil and Box Motors

RELIABILITY STARTS HERE

20% OFF MSRP ON ALL NEW 2018 MODEL YEAR BOAT INVENTORY (19 MODELS IN STOCK TO CHOOSE FROM)

Kayak trip to benefit refuge volunteer group BIG PINE KEY — Big Pine Kayak Adventures is offering a full moon kayak trip for a $25 donation to the Florida Keys Wildlife Society, a nonprofit volunteer organization whose mission is to support the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex through education, advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising. The trip is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 26. Call or text 305872-7474 to reserve a spot and arrive a half hour before launch time. To learn more about the Florida Keys Wildlife Society, visit favorflori-

dakeys.org or call Nancy Overseas Highway. Chatelaine at 305-731-6362. In this flick, the Guardians team must help their leader discover the truth behind his parentage. Along the Library to screen way, they find out about a ‘Guardians 2’ flick new menace threatening the galaxy. MARATHON — For The movie will be shown movie fans looking on the large screen in the for free popcorn fare, library’s community room. Marathon Public Library Free popcorn will be given will screen “Guardians of out. the Galaxy Vol. 2” at 6 p.m. For more information, Wednesday, June 20, at 3251 call 305-743-5156.

(5 MODELS IN STOCK TO CHOOSE FROM) Stop in to see what we have to offer but don’t wait! During SALE WEEK, products and boats at these discounts will not last!

REW RE R EW EW WA AR RD D IIN ING NG Our Loyal Customers for Their Business Over the Past 20 Years! 2059 Overseas Hwy • 305.743.6341 • www.MarathonBoatYard.com

New Boats

2017 2017 2017 2017 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018

305.367.3969 Call for Details and Showing Appointment

150 BOSTON WHALER SUPER SPORT 275 SCOUT DORADO 275 SCOUT LXF 350 SCOUT LXF 130 BOSTON WHALER SUPER SPORT 230 BOSTON WHALER DUAL CONSOLE 270 BOSTON WHALER DUAL CONSOLE 270 BOSTON WHALER DAUNTLESS 280 BOSTON WHALER OUTRAGE 330 BOSTON WHALER OUTRAGE 350 SCOUT LXF 290 SEA RAY SDX OB

60 HP MERCURY OB TWIN 200 HP YAMAHA OB TWIN 200 HP YAMAHA OB TRIPLE 300 HP YAMAHA OB 40 HP MERCURY OB 300 HP MERCURY OB TWIN 225 HP MERCURY OB TWIN 225 HP MERCURY OB TWIN 350 HP MERCURY OB TWIN 350 HP MERCURY OB TRIPLE 300 HP MERCURY OB TWIN 250 HP MERCURY OB

“IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK” “IN STOCK”

Brokerage & Pre-Owned Boats

Past Continued from page 1B

more about the first people to ever inhabit Key West and the other Keys. I hope to research in the Keys for many years to come.” Tickets, which are $5 for KWAHS members and $10 for non-members, and are available at kwahs.org. For more information, contact Adele Williams at 305-2956616, ext. 115.

OVER 20% OFF MSRP ON ALL NEW 2016 AND 2017 MODEL YEAR BOAT INVENTORY

Ken Reda Director of Sales

Craig Stephens Sales Consultant

“MAGIC” 2006 TIARA 29’ HARBOR EDITION CLASSIC DAY BOAT

Capt. Jeff Fraser Sales Consultant

“GEE SEA” 2013 34’ BOSTON WHALER ONLY 187 HOURS LOADED/TURN KEY

“UN-NAMED”

2015

177 SCOUT WINYAH BAY

YAMAHA F90LA HP

$26,500

“KNOT REEL EE”

2002

18’ BOSTON WHALER DAUNTLESS

MERCURY 135 HP

$19,900

“UN-NAMED”

2012

24’ SCOUT CENTER CONSOLE

YAMAHA 250 HP OB

$69,900

“ANTIDOTE”

2013

26’ PURSUIT DUAL CONSOLE

YAMAHA 300 HP OB

$105,000

“MAGIC”

2006

29’ TIARA CORONET

TWIN 8.1 CRUSADERS

$69,900

“WHIPPER SNAPPER”

2011

30’ GRADY WHITE 307 FREEDOM

TWIN YAMAHA 300 HP

$139,900

“UN-NAMED”

2013

30’ JUPITER CENTER CONSOLE

TWIN YAMAHA 300 HP

$239,500

“GEE SEA”

2013

34’ BOSTON WHALER CONQUEST

TRIPLE 300 HP MERCURY

$330,000

“LOVE THIS LIFE”

2017

37’ BOSTON WHALER OUTRAGE

TRIPLE MERCURY 350 HP

$515,000

“UN-NAMED”

2007

43’ TIARA SOVRAN

TWIN VOLVO IPS 600 435 HP

$299,000

“PLEASANTVILLE” 2008 32’ EVERGLADES CENTER CONSOLE LOW HOURS. NEW TO MARKET

“LAR LIN” 2005 36’ TIARA SOVRAN SPECTACULAR MID-SIZED FAMILY CRUISER. NEW TO MARKET!

“ANTIDOTE” 2013 26’ PURSUIT DC YAMAHA 300 HP OB READY TO ENTERTAIN

“LOVE THIS LIFE” 2017 370 BW OR TR/350 HP MERCURY’S W/JS THIS BOAT DOES IT ALL


other pursuits ‘True Grift’ keeps readers enthralled I have heard it said that if crime paid, it would attract smarter criminals. Just about every character in this book is crooked and s I read a novel, I try thinks he can manipulate the to pigeonhole it in my mind. Is it a mystery, a system. Unfortunately for them, comedy, a human interest story they are simply losers and dimand maybe an adventure tale? wits. It has been a long time since The file where I ended up slotting I have seen so many morons “True Grift,” by Jack Bunker, was collected in one place. Even the “smart” guys are morons for “neo-noir,” and I found myself giving the real morons a second thinking of Elmore Leonard’s chance at try to pull off their effortless, vivid writing style ill-conceived scam. I found with the satirically, dark-humyself laughing out loud at these mored spin of Carl Hiaasen idiots as I thought “is this person and the groaner portions of a really going to …?” and then, Coen Brothers movie all thrown sure enough, the character did together. the stupidest thing he could have On more than one occasion,

BY DAVID BECKWITH Free Press Contributor

A

possibly done, leaving me to sigh out loud and shake my head. Gilbert Gottfried once said that comedy and tragedy were roommates. And while you don’t see the word “allegory” used very often outside of an English literature class, “True Grift” is allegorical in a funny, cynical way. The story begins with an impromptu meeting at the 19th hole of a California golf club between a lawyer of questionable integrity who is facing serious financial problems and a senior insurance claims manager whose continued employment has been threatened by a pending merger. Together, the two hatch a scam

that has all the earmarks of the plot to a great movie. They then pull together a team to concoct a personal injury scheme involving a runaway shopping cart. They recruit the golf club’s “good-oldgirl waitress,” Wanda, who from the get-go is looking out primarily for herself, and Mack, the course’s dim-witted handy man. The plan calls for Wanda and Mack to have an in-name-only wedding, and after the wedding, they will stage an accident. They will then sue for consortium, a claim for damages involving a spouse. Meanwhile, 430-pound shylock Frankie Fresh and the vicious gangster, Vinnie Fangs,

lurk on the edges of the scheme. As you might expect, the whole affair quickly spirals out of control. Some of Bunker’s writing style might be considered unorthodox since he sometimes has run-on sentences and adjectives flying off the page. The style sometimes made me feel my teeth were rattling as we bounced down a potholed road. I thought this added to the overall feel. I could feel a worried Al sitting at his desk watching his miserable life flash before his eyes and could hear the stacks of $100 chips being shuffled against the casino’s felt See REVIEW, page 5B

faces & places HELPING HAND

NIGHTHAWK DAYS

top 10 bestsellers HARDBACK FICTION 1. The President Is Missing (Debut) 2. There There (Debut) 3. The Outsider 4. Warlight 5. Florida (Debut) 6. Little Fires Everywhere

ADAM SANJAR/Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Common nighthawks are one of the many bird species commonly observed on Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. They are nocturnal and insectivorous, and are often observed between dusk and dawn catching insects on the wing with their deceptively large mouths. They are currently in the breeding season, which involves the males performing an aerial display called ‘booming,’ which gets its name from the sound it produces. During this time of year the refuge gets more reports of daytime sightings of common nighthawks than usual since they breed and nest in open areas, which is where this bird was photographed.

7. The Word Is Murder (Debut) 8. Circe 9. A Gentleman in Moscow 10. When Life Gives You Lululemons (Debut)


H A R D B A C K N O N F I C T. 1. Calypso 2. How to Change Your Mind 3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck

TOW COMPANY HONORED

Linda Fatora, a volunteer with D’Asign Source in Marathon, offered her painting skills last week in one of 10 new, 1,100-square-foot units being built on Big Coppitt Key by Habitat for Humanity of Key West and the Lower Keys. Two shifts of 25 employees of the Marathon home improvement store donated their time to help move the project along. The affordable housing development is slated to open in early 2019.

4. Astrophysics for People in

VISITOR GOES LOCAL

a Hurry 5. The Soul of America 6. Educated 7. Barracoon 8. A Higher Loyalty 9. The Restless Wave 10. The World As It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House (Debut) The Indie Bestseller List is produced by the American Booksellers Association and is based on sales in independent bookstores nationwide during the week ended June 9.

CONTRIBUTED

JOHN PARK/Contributed

A northern curlytail lizard, another non-native to grab a foothold in the Florida Keys, rests on a bench outside in Key West.

All American Towing owners Jerry and Melissa Norman donated $1,500 to Community Safety Net, an organization that provides educational safety material to children and families, which the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department will be using in its fire prevention campaign in schools this October. The fire department’s Capt. David Garrido presented All American with a plaque in return.

live entertainment LOCAL BAND AND VOCALIST PERFORMANCES FRIDAY, June 22 Bayside Grille: Steve Venini 6 to 9 p.m. Blackwater Siren: Alex Hendrix 6 to 9 p.m. Boondocks Grille: High South 7 to 11 p.m. Caribbean Club: Silver Spine 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Cheeca Lodge Tiki Bar: John Bartus 4 to 6 p.m. Gilberts: The Beatleman Jimmy O’Shea noon to 4 p.m., Rick Valido 7 to 11 p.m. Hog Heaven: TBA 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. (outside); DJ 10:30 p.m. to closing (inside).

Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill: Taylor King Band 5 to 9 p.m. Looe Key Tiki Bar: New River Band 7 to 11 p.m. Lorelei: The Carousers 6 to 9 p.m., Magic with Michael Trixx 8:10 p.m. Pilot House: The Outer Band 6 to 10 p.m. Skipper’s Dockside: Bobbe Brown 6 to 9 p.m. Snappers: Caribbean Slim 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Snook’s Bayside: Yishka 6 to 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, June 23 Bayside Grille: See Friday listing.

Boondocks Grille: In Pursuit 7 to 11 p.m. Caribbean Club: Bob Albright’s 70th Charity Birthday Party 2 to 7 p.m., Uncle Smokey 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Cheeca Lodge Tiki Bar: Sweetwater 4 to 6 p.m. Gilberts: Brothers of Others 1 to 5 p.m., Chain Reaction 7 to 11 p.m., Magic by Michael Trixx 8 to 9 p.m. Hog Heaven: Mr. Stix & The Spurience 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. (outside); DJ 10:30 p.m. to closing (inside). Looe Key Tiki Bar: Moondogs 7 to 11 p.m. Lorelei: Ericson Holt noon to 4 p.m., Lady A’s Blues Fuze Band 6 to 9 p.m.

Pilot House: Taylor King Band 6 to 10 p.m. Skipper’s Dockside: Bobbe Brown noon to 4 p.m., Lee Sharp 6 to 9 p.m. Snappers: See Friday listing. Snook’s Bayside: The Freddies noon to 4 p.m., Ashba 6 to 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, June 24 Bayside Grille: The Outer Band 6 to 9 p.m. Boondocks Grille: Gina DeSimone & The Moaners 6 to 10 p.m. Caribbean Club: The Taylor King Band 5 to 9 p.m.

Florida Keys Brewing Co.: Leah Sutter 3 to 7 p.m. Gilberts: Mr. Nice Guy 1 to 6 p.m. Hog Heaven: Jade Sanders 2 to 6 p.m., John Ciulla 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Lorelei: Webb, Webb & Davidson 6 to 9 p.m. Pilot House: The Freddies 4 to 8 p.m. Skipper’s Dockside: Reggie Paul noon to 4 p.m., Derrick Herring 5 to 8 p.m. Snappers: Frank C. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Yishka 5 to 9 p.m. Snook’s Bayside: Sweetwater noon to 4 p.m., Steel Drums by Sir Cedrik 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.


5B

festivals & events ‘Beat the Heat’ events CONTRIBUTED

Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote in Key West during the 1930s.

Hemingway Days to celebrate literary legend CONTRIBUTED

Children play with a beach ball during a previous ‘Beat the Heat’ event in Tavernier. MONORE COUNTY — The return of summer means it is time again for Monroe County Fire Rescue’s “Beat the Heat” events. Firefighters will provide a gentle stream of misting water for children in a safe environment at different locations throughout the Florida Keys. There also will be free snow cones and giveaways. Each event lasts

one hour. Children are encouraged to wear bathing suits and tennis shoes or sneakers, and to bring towels. “Beat the Heat” events: Saturday, June 23 – Blue Water Apartments, Tavernier, 10 a.m. Sunday, July 1 – Layton Community Baptist Church, 4 p.m. Saturday, July 7 – Big Pine

Community Park, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 14 – Sugarloaf School, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21 – Bay Point Park, Saddlebunch Key, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28 – Wilhelmina Harvey Park, Big Coppitt Key, 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 – Stock Island Fire Station, 10 a.m.

CONTRIBUTED

A chance to use a fire hose and free snow cones will be offered at each event.

Tickets are $15 person person; children ages 6 and under are admitted ISLAMORADA —The Matecumbe free. For more information or reserHistorical Trust’s “29 Points of Interest” vations, contact Barbara Edgar at 305Historical Trolley Tour continues 393-0940. Saturday, June 23, at the Islamorada Moose Lodge, 81573 Old Highway. The tour begins at 10 a.m. and takes approximately one hour. Tickets may Orchid care class be purchased on site, though reservations are recommended. KEY LARGO — The Florida Keys

Historical trolley ride

thing he had won. I was sitting at the same table as Frankie Fresh woofed Continued from page 4B down his hamburgers and table top as Mack made his ogled Wanda. The author’s descriptive prose had me run before losing every-

Review

Orchid Society will hold an orchid care class with Juanita Contreras, owner of Juanita’s Orchids, at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 21, at the Key Largo Library, mile marker 101.4, oceanside. Contreras will demonstrate how to divide large plants and repot them. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-4512396.

right there. The subplots were properly interwoven, had their share of surprises and the ends ended up being neatly tied. If you can tolerate my being trite

once more, I’ll conclude by saying, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” David Beckwith is author of “A Jamaican Conspiracy.”

Whether You Live Here All Year Long or Visiting for a Short Time, You Can Trust The Professionals At

WHEATON’S SERVICE CENTER MV10170

Quality Service Since 1972 AMERICAN & FOREIGN CARS, TRUCKS, SUV’S, VANS, TRAILERS & RV’S

• OIL CHANGES • FULL SERVICE CAR CARE • CERTIFIED MECHANICS • TIRE SALES AND REPAIRS • 24 HOUR TOWING

101500 Overseas Highway Key Largo • MM101.5

(305) 451-3500

“Physical Fitness is the first requisite to Happiness” Joseph Pilates Privates and GROUP CLASSES available!

CLASS SCHEDULE TAVERNIER: MONDAY 9:00am: Intermediate Apparatus • 5:30pm: Beginner Apparatus TUESDAY 9:00am: Beginner Apparatus • 12:00pm: Intermediate Apparatus WEDNESDAY 9:00am: Intermediate Mat • 10:00am: Beginner Mat 5:30pm: Beginner Apparatus THURSDAY 9:30am: Beginner Apparatus • 11:30am: Intermediate Apparatus FRIDAY 9:00am: Advanced Apparatus • 10:00am: Beginner Mat 4:00pm: Men’s Class SATURDAY 9:00am: Intermediate Apparatus • 10:00am: Beginner Mat Now offering massage by Kathleen Heath of Healing Waters

Initial Assessment and sign-up required! Class space is limited to 5!

Call to book your assessment/class TODAY and ask for the New Client Class Special! 305.453.0801 • www.pilatesinparadise.net www.facebook.com/PilatesInParadise

KEY WEST — Ernest Hemingway fans can celebrate the late author’s literary accomplishments and Key West lifestyle Tuesday, July 17, through Sunday, July 22, during the 38th annual Hemingway Days The annual festivities salute the legacy of the Nobel Prize winner who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. Events include the Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, prose and poetry readings, the tonguein-cheek “Running of the Bulls,” symposium presentations and a film evening, a look-alike party on Hemingway’s July 21 birthday, running and paddleboarding challenges, a street fair and a three-day marlin tournament recalling his passion for Florida Keys angling. The festival begins with a Hemingway museum exhibit “open house” at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. At 6 p.m. July 17, the Key West Hemingway Symposium is to feature scholars Kirk Curnutt, Ashley Oliphant and Brewster Chamberlin; Hemingway interpreter and playwright/author Brian Gordon Sinclair; and writer Cristen Hemingway Jaynes, Ernest’s great-granddaughter. The festival’s other literary offerings include the “Voices, Places, Inspirations” author readings, “Papa’s Poems” presented by the Key

West Poetry Guild and an evening spotlighting Sinclair’s “The Hemingway Monologues” film and seven-book series. The latter event also includes the presentation of Canada’s Hemingway on Stage Award. Those whose resemblance to Ernest is literal rather than literary can compete in Sloppy Joe’s annual Hemingway LookAlike Contest. Past winners choose the new “Papa” from 125 or more bearded contestants at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, 201 Duval St., a watering hole frequented by the author. Preliminary rounds are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. July 19-20, with the final round July 21 — the 119th anniversary of Hemingway’s birth. The “Papas” also enliven other festival events including the “Running of the Bulls” on July 21. Set for 1 p.m. outside Sloppy Joe’s with manmade bull replicas, the event recalls Hemingway’s fascination with the bull ring. Held in conjunction with the festival is the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition coordinated by Ernest’s granddaughter, author Lorian Hemingway. Hemingway Days concludes Sunday with Sloppy Joe’s annual arm-wrestling championship and a historian-led trolley tour of Key West sites related to the island’s most famous literary resident. More event information is available at hemingwaydays.net.

Only the Best for the Ladies

Beat the Clock with Vueve Cliquot WEDNESDAYS

Gentlemen, you’re invited too! A Glass for

5 at 5pm $ 6 at 6pm $

7 at 7pm 8 at 8pm

$ $

and so on...


outdoors Head off the beaten path

CONTRIBUTED

Key Largo runner Randy Wetzel, who is looking forward to this year’s race, participated in six of the past eight events.

Run Continued from page 1B

may see some of those times,” Menendez said. Marathon High School student Aydan Child won the 5K race in 2016 with a time of 18 minutes, 36 seconds. Child said he won’t be able to participate this year as the date conflicts with state championships. Otherwise, he’d be there. Key Largo runner Randy Wetzel has run the bridge race six times. “It’s going to be better this year,” he said. “It being staged at Gilbert’s, which will be fun, and Henry has put a lot of thought into it.” There will be trusses set up, with audio speakers and a professional announcer. Racers will be individually timed by a tracking chip inserted into each race bib. Event T-shirts and participant medals will be awarded.

Menendez encourages those considering running the race to begin training in the summer. “If you train while its hot outside, when it gets cooler, you will run better and faster,” he said. “A close friend taught me that.” The Key Largo Bridge Run is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10, with a start time of 7:30 a.m. The southbound lane will be closed during the run and will reopen to vehicles at 10 a.m. Gilbert’s Resort is located at 107900 Overseas Highway and shuttle service from parking areas will be provided. A discount may be applied for early registration. For race updates or to learn about volunteer opportunities, follow Key Largo Bridge Run on Facebook or visit keylargobridgerun.com. To contact HNO Productions, call 305-383-8245. [email protected]

MM 82 • 664-4335

BIG PINE KEY — The National Key Deer Refuge is offering a free Wednesday evening nature program, “Off the Beaten Trails: Adventures on the Refuge.” Children must be accompanied by a parents or guardian, and attendees are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring cameras and bug spray. The following activities are planned: • June 27, “Mothman Bioblitz” – Witness the diversity of creatures that wake up when we go to sleep, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; • July 11, “Recovering from Hurricane Irma” – Find out how the Key deer and other wildlife are doing, explore pine rock-

Private Table Dances Available

Full Liquor & Food Served ’til Close CONTRIBUTED

Tears, such as this one in a silver buttonwood, create a weak point in trees and should be removed.

Look for the YELLOW TAGS at your local Lumber Liquidators for the BEST DEALS!

VISIT US IN MARATHON! 5585 Overseas Highway

Laminate Flooring

55+ varieties from

JUNE 13 - 30 WED - SAT lumberliquidators.com

Waterproof Flooring

Prefinished Hardwood & Bamboo Flooring

275+

65+ varieties from

varieties from

49¢ 59¢ 99¢ sqft

sqft

10% OFF 10% OFF ALL TOOLS (See Sales Associate.)

ALL Supreme & Morning Star Bamboo Flooring

sqft

ALL

$1 OFF

sq ft

(or more!)

Special Financing Available While supplies last. Product prices & availability are subject to change. See store for details.

CONTRIBUTED

Overpruning can actually weaken palms, making them more susceptible to damage in a storm. area through this website: treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist • National standards – Are they familiar with the national guidelines for tree care professionals put out by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A300 and Z133). • More than one written estimate – Ask what equipment will be used, cost, timeframe, and how will they dispose of the debris. You can even ask for local references to make sure they do quality work.

Things to remember

Florida’s Most Beautiful Women

CLEARANCE

Are there other issues?

Should I hire a professional? Pruning trees, especially using power equipment, can be inherently dangerous work, and with little warning, accidents can occur. When working with large, mature trees, it’s always best to hire a professional. Here are some points to consider when hiring a tree care professional: • Insurance – Does the company carry property damage, personal liability and workers compensation insurance? • Certification – Are they a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture? You can find certified arborists in your

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details.

Refuge Visitor Center, 179 Key Deer Blvd., Winn-Dixie Plaza, Big Pine Key. Call 305-872-0774 for more information.

erty does have mangroves attached to it, this website provides valuable resources: floridadep.gov/water/ submerged-lands-environmental-resources-coordination/content/mangroves.

our trees were significantly damaged from Irma caution should be taken to not remove too much foliage and further stress the tree.

Distinctive and Tasteful

2-4-1 Dances 2-4-1 Drinks ½ Price Appetizers 4-8pm • No Cover

area and look for plants and wildlife along the way, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants should meet at the National Key Deer

Continued from page 2B

TOTAL NUDITY

am! Open ’til 4s Couple Welcome!

lands and wetlands, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; and • July 18, “A Walk in the Woods” – Head off trail to explore the Big Pine wildfire

Landscape

The HOTTEST Dancers in the Keys!

KEYS HOTTEST HAPPY HOUR

DAVID FINE/Contributed

A program on moths is planned for the evening of June 27.

Best management practices will help your landscape withstand future storms and reduce damage. • Proper planting – trees and shrubs planted properly, which includes addressing any root defects at the time of planting, will go a long way to ensure your trees survivability in the landscape. More information on proper planting can be found online at edis. ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/

EP11200.pdf. • Proper pruning cuts – remember, trees don’t heal. They compartmentalize damage, which includes pruning cuts. Where those cuts are made will either help or hinder that process. When trees are well maintained, they increase property value. When they are poorly pruned, they become a liability. • Structural pruning – structural pruning increases the structural integrity of the tree, which can prolong its life and make it safer in the landscape. For detailed instructions, visit/hort.ifas. ufl.edu/woody/structural-pruning-flash.shtml. • Palms – do not remove green fronds from the crown of the palm. This can actually weaken the palm, making it more susceptible to damage in a storm and induce nutrient deficiencies. • Mangroves – you may need a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to prune mangroves, even if they are dead. If your prop-

Trees aren’t the only culprits when it comes to risks and landscape hurricane preparedness. When a storm is approaching, don’t forget about other hazards: • Make sure any potted plants and hanging baskets are moved indoors. • Outdoor furniture, kid’s toys, garbage and recycling cans should also be secured. • Have a plan for dissembling, removing or securing large play equipment such as trampolines or swing sets that can become very dangerous or end up in our canals. • Make sure gutters are cleaned out so water can flow freely and not contribute to roof damage or leaks. Landscape hurricane preparedness should be included in every hurricane plan. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your landscape. It can be dangerous and debris may not get picked up in time and become another hazard. Remember, just because a tree is damaged from a storm doesn’t mean removal is the only option. Contact a consulting arborist to do a risk assessment and determine if the tree can be saved. For more information on assessing damage and restoring trees, visit hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/ documents/ep300.pdf.


7B

sports & recreation ISLAMORADA

MIAMI

Women and teenage girls can learn to fish and have an option to go charter fishing at the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels Tournament June 22-23 in Islamorada. Offshore guided charter fishing with equipment and license supplied should be booked early. Registration is $85 per adult angler, $35 for teens and includes about $20 in gifts. Call 954-475-9068, email [email protected] or visit ladiesletsgofishing.com. Above, the Costa Morada team celebrates a successful dolphin catch during a past event. Pictured are Kathleen Tylman, Pompano Beach; Lisa Thornhill, Islamorada, Dawna Young, Fort Myers; Betty Bauman, Davie; Mary Metcalf, Fort Lauderdale; and Nicole Kalil, Fort Lauderdale.

Over the course of two days last week, 14 lionfish hunters descended on the reefs of southeast Florida to compete in Key Largo-based Reef Environmental Education Foundation’s Miami Lionfish Derby presented by Whole Foods Market and hosted at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Divers competed to bring in the most, smallest and largest lionfish, and win their share of more than $6,500 in cash and prizes. By the end of the weekend, 309 invasive lionfish had been removed. Team Proweb/Zookeeper took first place for most lionfish with 169 lionfish. Team Sharkbait finished second with 113 and team Frost Science Silky Sharks placed third with 26. The event also served to educate the public about invasive species issues, to gather scientific information on lionfish populations and to promote a consumer market by providing free samples of fresh lionfish ceviche. Above, David Ventura, far left, seafood coordinator for Whole Foods Market, and Lad Akins, far right, REEF’s director of special projects, congratulate team Proweb Zookeeper for their first place win of the most lionfish, largest lionfish and smallest lionfish categories.

GABBY MAGALSKI/REEF

CONTRIBUTED

Smoke Show trio wins dolphin tournament TAVERNIER — Last year’s winning captain, Justin Matson, led his anglers to victory aboard Smoke Show during the Florida Keys Elks Lodge’s 6th Annual Ladies Dolphin Tournament. A total of 113 anglers on 44 boats competed in the June 9 tournament, where the combined weight of three fish determines the winners. Smoke Show’s Rebecca Brito, of Tavernier, landed the largest dolphin at 23.9 pounds to net her an additional $1,000 check sponsored by Yamaha Outboards and a gold dolphin pendant from DePaula Jewelers. Brito was fishing with Michala Laufle, of Islamorada, and Brittany Block, of Tavernier. Mate Spencer Holeman would gaff the big fish and another two weighing 8.9 and 7.2 pounds for the anglers, producing a combined winning weight of 40 pounds. First-place tiaras and trophies, sponsored by Upper Keys Marine Construction, were awarded to the winners along with a cooler bag full of prizes and a check for $3,0000. Matson and Holeman received artwork sponsored by Caribee Boat Sales. Second-place awards, sponsored by Tackle Center of Islamorada, went to Cooper City residents Dania Benito, Karen Tillinghost and Gianna Rivera. The trio’s

TIGER PHOTO

Team Smoke Show won the Florida Keys Elks Lodge’s 6th Annual Ladies Dolphin Tournament on June 9 with three fish with a combined weight of 40 pounds.

TIGER PHOTO

Team Smoke Show’s Rebecca Brito, center, landed the largest dolphin of the tournament at 23.9 pounds. Michala Laufle, left, and Brittany Block hold two other fish weighing 8.9 and 7.2 pounds. fish were caught aboard the Playpen captained by Sandy Voll. The team weighed in dolphin of 14.4, 10.1 and 6.9 pounds, for a total of 31.4 pounds. The team took home a travel bag of items donated by local businesses, trophies, plus a check for $1,500. The Last Dance, operated by Capt. Robert Collins and mate Brandon Hopper,

led anglers Jamie Smith and Lindsea White, both of Tavernier, along with Taylor Buggia and Jenny Mason, both of Islamorada, to the American Legion Post 145-sponsored thirdplace trophies. The team weighed in fish of 11.4, 10.5 and 5.8 pounds, for a total of 27.7 pounds. The team also received a travel bag of goodies and a check for

$1,000. Junior angler Abigale Varela, 11, of Miami, was awarded the Keys Tropical Windows Top Junior Angler Award along with a tiara. Abigale was fishing with her best friend and cousin, Victoria Puente, aboard Victoria’s father’s boat the Bottom Line. Abigale weighed in a 5.5-pound dolphin Prizes were awarded to the top 10 teams: Nuff Said, fourth place; Redneck Waterbed, fifth place; Reel Deal, sixth place; Wine Knot, seventh place; Gonfishin V, eighth place; Playbaby, ninth place; and Hell-Bent, 10th place. For more information, visit floridakeyselks1872. com or call 305-852-1872.

Hemingway run, paddleboard races set for July KEY WEST — Ernest Hemingway’s sporting lifestyle is to inspire athletes on land and water in Key West, the island where the legendary writer lived during the 1930s, during the Hemingway 5K Sunset Run/ Walk and Paddleboard Race on Saturday, July 21. The competitions are part of Key West’s annual Hemingway Days, a celebration of the author’s life and literary talent set for July 17-22. On-the-water athletes can compete in the Lazy Dog Paddleboard Race beginning at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21. The threemile ocean course is to start and end at the island city’s Southernmost Beach, 1405 Duval St., on the Atlantic Ocean. For those who prefer

land-based competition, the run/walk begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Southernmost Point, located at Whitehead and South streets. Racers

proceed through Key West’s Competitors in both historic district and past events can celebrate landmarks that include the their accomplishments Ernest Hemingway Home & See HEMINGWAY, page 8B Museum.

TIGER PHOTO

Junior angler Abigale Varela, 11, of Miami, was awarded the Keys Tropical Windows Top Junior Angler Award along with a tiara. Abigale, left, was fishing with her best friend and cousin, Victoria Puente, aboard Victoria’s father’s boat the Bottom Line. Abigale weighed in a 5.5-pound dolphin.

Florida Ankle and Foot Institute Dr. John F. Torregrosa Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Medicine Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Dr. John F. Torregrosa

• Fractures/Dislocations • Heel Pain • Joint Arthritis or Pain • Muscle Tears • Tendonitis/Tendon Injuries (Achilles or Others)

• Reconstructive & Trauma Surgeries • Ligament Injuries • Wound Care • Nerve Injuries • Bone Repair/Regeneration

Please join us in Welcoming

Dr. William Thetford American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Dr. William Thetford

Tree Trimming & Tree Removal • Stump Grinding • Mangrove Trimming Landscape Design and Installation • Monthly Property Maintenance

Have your lower leg, ankle and foot ailments treated with the latest techniques in regenerative medicine by our ankle and foot surgeons.

1 6 0 F L O R I D A AV E • TAV E R N I E R , F L

Upper and lower extremities (knee and above) as well as trigger points can be treated by orthopedic surgeon, Richard Giovanelli M.D. 91550 Overseas Highway Suite #107 • Tavernier • (305) 853-5151 13365 Overseas Highway Suite #101 • Marathon • (305) 853-5151 www.AnkleandFootSurgery.net • www.AminoAndPRP.net


s&r continued Do you keep to your daily limit? BY C.J. GEOTIS Fishing Columnist

A

local angler sent me an email not too long ago about conserving fish stocks. I’ve been thinking about this conservation since then. I could not get it off my mind, in fact. It keeps creeping into my thoughts. It seems as if Hurricane Irma changed the topics of conversation for all of us. Just to survive the post-storm days of cleaning up and dealing with insurance companies, government regulations, lack of Internet, unreliable cell phone and television services, and the host of horrors associated with post-disaster issues became the norm. Strangely enough, just before the storm, I had a problem with the boat. Then, the evacuation took me out of town before I could get the problem fixed. Upon returning, it took almost two months to arrange getting the boat to a service center. In all that time, although fishing was always on my mind, these other pressing issues took precedence and fishing went on the back burner. Now, nine months after the storm, my fishing buddies and I are finally settling into our old routines. We are fishing, and catching, on a regular basis, and the thoughts of Irma are far from our minds. With mahi-mahi season upon us, conversations about fishing and conservation are becoming more frequent. My wife and I do not like to freeze fish. We always joke about eating “same-day” fish. We like to cook and eat fish the same day it was caught. Because of this, I don’t really need to catch

a lot of fish to have a perfect day of fishing. I remember fishing with friends when I lived in Orlando. We would trailer one of the boats to the ocean, run 26 nautical miles offshore to reach 100 feet of water, fish all day, clean the boat, fillet the fish and drive almost two hours with the boat on the trailer to get home. Out of necessity, we vacuum sealed and froze fish to eat later. Now that I live in the Florida Keys, this is not necessary. The guys I fish with all feel the same way. The point of this whole thing is, we set our own daily limits. For instance, if three of us head out for a day on the water, our legal limit for mahi-mahi would be 30 fish. This is way too many for us. Of course, it is every angler’s right to “catch the limit.” But, it just might not be necessary to catch the limit every time. I was talking to some visitors from up north last week and they told me they limited out on yellowtail snappers with four people onboard. They cooked some of it themselves, took some of it to a local restaurant for a fresh “cook-your-catch” dinner and gave some to a neighbor. But, they still wound up with some they had to throw away when it was time to go home. We talked about this and they agreed that the next time, they would limit their catch to only what they were going to eat before the next time they went fishing. I find it much more challenging, and satisfying, to catch one big fish than 10 little fish. When I fish for yellowtails my “personal-minimum-size” is around 16 inches. Once I’ve caught two of these, I really don’t need anymore. This is not to say, there are not some really slow fishing days when I’m running out of chum, I have no fish in the box and decide to put a few smaller, but legal-size, snappers in the box for dinner. But, I still have

Paddleboard awards await the first- through 10th-place male and female Continued from page 7B finishers. In the 5K, prizes at an awards party at the are to be presented to the Southernmost Beach Café. top three male and female

Hemingway

KEYS

CONTRIBUTED

It doesn’t take much mahi to serve a delicious meal. Prepared here, it’s baked with vegetables on rice. no reason the keep 10 12- or 13-inch yellowtails. Again, this is every angler’s choice. Some of my most memorable fishing days are when I have caught enough snappers early in the morning, head offshore to do some trolling and happen to run across that wahoo that was cruising by. I also find that when I limit my catches, I can be home with the fish cleaned, the boat rinsed and flushed, and everything cleaned up by early afternoon. This gives me time to relax and enjoy cooking and eating a delicious same-day fish dinner with my wife. I have fished with people who will not stop until they “catch the limit.” By the time we get back to the dock, put the boat away, clean the fish and I final-

overall finishers, masters, and finishers in age categories ranging from 9 and under to 75 and over. In addition, multi-sport athletes can take home spe-

tides

397747

ly drove home, it was too late to cook a fish dinner and the whole idea of same-day fish went right out the window. I’ve lived in the Florida Keys full-time since 2001. I guess I’m spoiled. All I have to do is motor out of Sister Creek and I am in world-class fishing waters. I’ve learned to fish these local waters and enjoy every minute of it. Of course, it’s a little better when I catch fish, but even a day with no fish is a great experience and gives me the opportunity to do just what I want to do: spend time in the Atlantic Ocean. Living here has made my life’s dream come true. I hope every visitor has a great time here and gets to do some fabulous Florida Keys fishing. People often ask, “Don’t you take this all for grant-

cial medals for competing in both challenges. A registration booth is to be open 3-7 p.m. race day outside the Southernmost Beach Café. Race packets

ed sometime?” I think I speak for all the fortunate locals when I answer, “No, I don’t.” I can’t wait for my next opportunity to get out on the water. I hope that all Florida Keys anglers enjoy fishing here and maybe think about catching only what they need and not “filling the box” every time they’re on the reef or the Hump or in the bay. Because, like I say it, life is good in the Florida Keys; life is very good in the Florida Keys. C.J. Geotis is a life-long fisherman who followed his dream 17 years ago to live in the Florida Keys. His book, “Florida Keys Fish Stories,” is available at amazon. com. He lives in Marathon with his wife, Loretta, and her CocaCola collection. His email is [email protected].

can be picked up there. Interested participants can register online at active. com or download registration forms by visiting keywesthalfmarathon.com.

The registration fee is $45 per person for either race or $85 for both races. The fee includes a collectible race tech shirt, food, libations and giveaways.


PICKUP THE LATEST EDITION OF

| ON | ED ITI EDI TIO N FA LLING | SPR |

20 17

20 17

e l e l y t y t S S S S Y Y E K KE PE OP LE

• EV EN TS

• FE AT UR

ES

PE OP LE

TS • EV EN

UR • FE AT

NOW AVAILABLE AT

ES

WALGREENS DIONS BOOKS & BOOKS

KEY WEST'S

mAeOBgPOCaETt

T'S KEY WES

CCR

KEYS NEWS AND COFFEE in Marathon, FL

COM PLIM ENTA

FOR MORE I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L RY

COPY

95 US 5 US $3. $3.9

1

305.292.7777 EXT. 204

PEOPLE ARE WATCHING

THIS SPACE!

YOUR BUSINESS can be a weekly sponsor in THIS SPACE for a special rate.

Call 305-396-7423 today to start advertising.

9B


s&r continued BOB ROYALL/Contributed

RON COOKE/Free Press

Capt. Rob Fordyce, left, and angler Julian Robertson collect the championship trophy after winning the 44th Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Fly Tournament.

Oceane Peretti nears the Cow Key Bridge en route to a record-setting female time on Saturday in the 42nd annual Swim Around Key West.

Robertson wins Hawley’s 44th tarpon tournament

Peretti devoted her all for record swim

ISLAMORADA — New Zealand angler Julian Robertson released 18 tarpon to win the 44th Don Hawley Invitational Tarpon Fly Tournament, held June 3-8. He was guided by Capt. Rob Fordyce. Coming in a close second with 17 releases was angler Steve Ward, of Flower Mound, Texas, who fished with Capt. Paul Tejera. Placing third with 14

releases was Rand Holstead of Houston, Texas, led by Capt. Brian Helms, who are both past tournament winners. The New Angler Award went to Mark Weeks of Tokyo, Japan, who had six releases while fishing with Capt. Andy Thompson. The five-day tournament kicked off with a full field of 25 boats targeting tarpon four feet and over with a 12-pound tippet

requirement. The annual event began in 1974 as a way to raise funds for the Guides Trust Foundation, which was created to help support Florida Keys guides in times of hardship and disability. It also raises funds for scholarships for Florida Keys students. For more information on the Guides Trust Foundation, visit guidestrustfoundation.org.

crossword KEY

BY RON COOKE Free Press Staff

KEY WEST — When Oceane Peretti collapsed at the finish line on Smathers Beach, the 20-year-old Florida International University swimmer left it all on the course of the 42nd annual Swim Around Key West. On Saturday, Peretti clocked a new female record with a time of four hours, five minutes and 36 seconds over the 12.5 miles and in the process took first place overall. FIU swim coach Randy Horner, who was Peretti’s support kayaker, said Peretti is a senior and team captain of the swim team. “We came down to do the swim. It was our goal this summer to do this swim,” Horner said. “She’s never done open water until this year. She did a 10K a month ago in Miami, saw this race and was inspired by the achievement of it and challenging herself.” Just past the jetty at the tip of Fort Taylor Beach, Peretti began to make a move as she entered Key West Harbor.

RON COOKE/Free Press

Second-place finisher and top male swimmer Craig Frederiksen and his support kayaker cruise along Cow Key Channel near mile 9 of the 12.5 miles to finish with a time of 4:10:19. At the Cow Key Bridge — the ninth mile – she was well ahead of her competition. “She finally broke away at the Fleming Key Bridge,” Horner said. “From there, she distanced herself from the top male finishers. She got pushed into the pilings at Fleming Key Bridge and

horoscopes KEY

JUNE 20 - JUNE 26

ACROSS

1. __ fi (slang) 4. Anecdotes about a person 7. Central Standard Time 10. Beverage receptacle 11. Football’s Newton 12. Be in debt 13. Tattles 15. Musician __ Lo 16. Arrange again 19. A binary compound of carbon with a metal 21. Brazilian futbol great 23. Feared 24. Annoy 25. Unit of heredity 26. Small freshwater fish 27. Muscular weaknesses 30. Fined 34. One-time EU currency 35. Egyptian unit of weight 36. Winged horse 41. Increments 45. Abnormal rattling sound

46. Middle Eastern country 47. A type of greeter 50. __ inning stretch 54. Reaches 55. More gray 56. Football term 57. Swiss river 59. Ninth day before the ides 60. Grow old 61. Don’t know when yet 62. College hoops tournament 63. Japanese monetary unit 64. Medical device 65. Antidiuretic hormone DOWN 1. Put fear into 2. Partner to corned beef 3. Interiors 4. Agrees to a demand 5. No (Scottish) 6. __ Hess Corp. 7. Ornamental molding 8. Garment 9. Electric car company

13. Decimal digits in binary (abbr.) 14. Gibbon 17. Sun up in New York 18. __ the line 20. A vale 22. Old Irish alphabet 27. A type of band 28. A team’s best pitcher 29. Floor covering 31. A __ in the machine 32. Supplement with difficulty 33. Prosecutors 37. Place in order 38. Japanese lute 39. Mongolian city __

Bator 40. Perceived 41. A cloth for washing dishes 42. Chocolate cookie with white cream filling 43. Grassy plain 44. Barometer 47. Father 48. Of the ear 49. Thomas __, British dramatist l652-85 51. After eighth 52. Where golfers begin 53. Time units (abbr.) 58. Basics

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, this week you are in the mood to rise above petty conflicts and mend fences. Set aside time to speak one-on-one with those who need forgiveness.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Infuse your social circle with some fresh energy, Sagittarius. Get together with friends and find ways to include new people into your social circle.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, fun and physical activity attract you this week, especially as you approach your birthday. Surround yourself with loved ones and enjoy some fun nights.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, if life has been rushing by at a harried pace, you need to find a place of solace where you can sit and exhale. It’s important to have this time to rest.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 It is alright to want to escape your daily routine sometimes, Leo. If you are feeling restless this week, plan a getaway so you can take in new sights and sounds.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Be conscious of how your actions and words affect others, Aquarius. Communication issues can affect relationships when misconstrued words are taken to heart.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, there is no need to worry about whether or not you have been handling affairs deftly. Others will be quick to vouch for your work if called on.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, procrastination is often a sign that a person is not interested in what he or she is doing. Find activities that truly motivate you.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Your competitive nature might be needed this week, Libra. Your confidence will be an asset as you propel through tasks in record speed. Slow down to catch your breath.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, thinking about the future is exciting, and it may motivate you to make some changes. Picturing the future helps you try different scenarios on for size.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, take some alone time to SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 focus on what is important to you. It is time to share your good fortune This will help you to feel the joy and with others, Scorpio. Expressing fulfillment that keeps you going gratitude and helping those who do even when times are tough. not have enough will make you feel happier and more fortunate.

hit her ankle.” Peretti was forced to slow down as she exited Cow Key Channel into open water off South Roosevelt Boulevard. “She slowed her pace from a 19-minute pace to a 28-minute pace,” Horner said. “She trained hard for this and was steady and strong the whole way. It’s been inspiring just to see her focus and dedication, training for this all summer and be ready for it.” In his ninth time in the race, Eric Sullivan placed fourth overall in 4:28:18 after a first-place finish in 2017. Second overall and the men’s winner was Craig Frederiksen, 32, with a time of 4:10.19. In third was Dimitar Videnov, 42, from Bulgaria. It was Frederiksen’s first time in the event. He said he was a pool swimmer from his college days. “I recently got into this open-water swimming,” the Illinois resident said. “I find I might be better at this than pool swimming. I need to find something else to excel. I’m just coming off a failed English Channel crossing attempt, so stuff like this gets me motivated again.” With a mile to go in the English Channel, Frederiksen was finished. He said it will not be his last attempt. “I went into hypothermic shock and had to be rescued. I’ll go back in another two years,” he said. “Today, I really didn’t think I was going to be that fast.” Finishing in fifth place was Tiffany Brennan with a 4:30:41 and sixth overall was Hannah Molden with a time of 4:30:27. [email protected]


11B

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED® NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS 0UJHZLVMLYYVYZWSLHZLJOLJR`V\YHK[OLÄYZ[KH`P[appears. 0U[OLL]LU[VMHULYYVY^LHYLYLZWVUZPISLMVY[OLÄYZ[ PUJVYYLJ[PUZLY[PVUVMHUHK;OL*P[PaLUKVLZUV[HZZ\TL YLZWVUZPIPSP[`MVYHU`YLHZVUIL`VUK[OLJVZ[VM[OLHKP[ZLSM

WEDNESDAY FREE PRESS: 4PM FRIDAY FOR LINE ADS ONLY CALL SABRINA AT 305-292-7777 EXT. 208 MON-FRI 8AM-3PM

010

ANNOUNCEMENTS

050

LEGAL NOTICES CES

Apts Lower Keys

474 Unfurnished

1BR/1BA, Kitchen, $1,575 month, security $1,400, no last, no pets, no smoking, 1 paid utility, 305-434-2047.

Unfurn. Condos Lower

480 Keys

KEY COVE CONDO 3BR/2.5BA Waterfront, garage central A/C, W/D, lease $3,300, F/L/S. No pets 305-797-3356.

482 Condos Upper Keys

PLANTATION VILLAS 1BR/1BA. $1,200/ mo., F/L/S, plus utilities. C21 Schwartz, Eric Johnson 305-393-3706

100

TRANSPORTATION T

BOATS

Houses Upper Keys

488 Unfurnished

520 Retail Space for Rent

221 Duval Rest/Bar: 4604sf, $65psf 400 Duval: 1845sf - 4538sf 824 Duval: 1452sf, $62 Base+NNN Conch Harbor Retail: 1200sf, $25psf Old Town Office: $700 - $900 per mo. Cudjoe Key: office suites, $650+ 910 Duval: 1,748sf store front 1213 Truman: 1020sf, $3000mo Conch Harbor Offices $700- $950 524B Front: 1000sf, $2917+NNN 538 Truman: 1437sf, $25 +NNN Prof. Blvd: 2339sf, $6,902 mo. 519 Duval: 2400sf, $105+NNN All Major Shopping Center Spaces #1 FLKeys Team Gardner/Langley 305-394-0858 keysrealestate.com

Commercial Property

525 for Sale

ALL REAL ESTATE advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Houses Lower Keys

486 Unfurnished

RIVIERA DR. KEY WEST 1BR/1BA, Fully privacy, marble floors, W/D, full kitchen, A/C, no pets. F/L/S, $1,850 includes water, year lease. 305-731-9990.

Houses Upper Keys

488 Unfurnished

HOMESTEAD 2BR/2BA Gated community. $1,200 per month, 24/7 security. W/D, Club house and pool, top of the stretch. [email protected] Call (786) 554-9474

RV SITES FOR RENT MM 113 Daily • Weekly Monthly Full Hookup

Condo Complex 12 Units, 3 Bldgs 528 Front : Rest. & Bar 3,965sf Lower Keys Rest.& Bar: $1,600,000 320 Grinnell: Rest/ Bar w/ 2 Apts Commercial Lots: 2 – 25 Acres of Land Escape Games: BizOpp. $75,000 24458 US Hwy 1 - $625,000 1108 Duval A: $580,000 1010 Kennedy Unit 307: 2,058sf $549,000 Large office Condo 1815 Atlantic Blvd: $1,595,000 Transient Property close to beaches and bike paths. 330 Julia: 2 res. Units & Gallery #1 FLKeys Team Gardner/Langley 305-394-0858 keysrealestate.com

715 Business Opportunities MONROE 5COP/ QUOTA Liquor License For Sale. Serious inquires 305-797-8425.

Help Wanted Lower 960 Keys BUSY BAR ON DUVAL ST. Has multiple part time & full time positions available, ( Barback & Security ) Apply at 427 Caroline Street.

AUTOS WANTED ALL YEARS Junk or Used Cars • Vans & Trucks Running or Not!

CA$H 305.332.0483

A tree and landscape professional who will maintain property with care. Great local references.

MERCHANDISE

250 YARD SALE

Help Wanted Lower

960 Keys

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (Regular Full Time/ Key West, Florida) We are growing again! Have you always dreamed of living on an island in the tropics doing what you love every single day for a job that rewards your extra efforts? Are you Creative, Organized? Outgoing? Do you respond well to product training and consider yourself a quick study? If yes, please contact us about a rare opening. We would like to tell you all about our team. Description: You will develop an understanding of the Key West Citizen’s products and market the unmatched reach of the daily newspaper to the advertising community; produce and present effective sales strategies to new, existing and developed accounts that solve client problems and increase newspaper revenues; and develop relationships with new advertisers, existing print advertisers and their agencies. A college degree or equivalent work experience is required. The ideal candidate should possess top communication skills and be service oriented. Experience with new business development preferred. The perfect candidate is highly creative. This position requires a strong-minded person with high ideals, professional and personal standards. General computer skills a must. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer a competitive base salary plus commission opportunities and other competitive benefits.

400 RENTALS

500

Help Wanted Lower

960 Keys

AVALON AND DUVAL GARDENS Now hiring Front Desk Full time and part time positions available.Must be enthusiastic, self motivated, and like people. Possess strong written and verbal communication skills and be computer literate. Excellent starting salary. Non smoking environment. Apply in person Tue – Fri after 11am.1317 Duval St, Key West. Busy Title Agency On Big Pine Key Seeking a highly organized, detail and customer service oriented individual, who is computer savvy and can handle a fast paced environment. Duties include managing closing files, coordination with Realtors, sellers, buyers, and lenders, regularly updating all involved parties. Salary, health insurance and pension. Fax resume to 305-872-4041. CARRIER The Key West Citizen and Florida Key Free Press need excellent newspaper carriers to deliver newspapers each morning. The perfect candidates must have attention to detail and a positive attitude toward giving the customer a great experience. Areas are available in Key West. For more information, contact Chad Zander at: [email protected] The Key West Citizen 3420 Northside Dr., Key West, FL 33040

COCONUT BEACH RESORT KEY WEST, FL Front Desk Agent - Part Time EOE, m/f/d/v Apply online at: Spottswood.com/careers

For more information or to apply please email a letter of interest to: Publisher Richard Tamborrino at [email protected] or 305-292-7777 x201. All inquires are kept in strict confidence.

*DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH AND *BOOKKEEPER/ EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT For the KWCC. For more information visit www.keywestchamber.org

A division of Cooke Communication Florida, LLC., The Key West Citizen and the Florida Keys Free Press are equal opportunity employers. Veterans are always encouraged to apply. This position is based out of our Key West office, so you must live or be willing to relocate to the sunny Lower Keys. “The Key West Citizen, Florida Key’s only daily newspaper, first in local coverage online and on your doorstep every morning.”

Electrician & Helpers Wanted Competitive Starting Wage Paid Vacation, holiday, housing allowance, sick days. Part-time positions available, Military welcome. Apply In person Nearshore Electric 5680 1st Avenue #5, Stock Island.

Boat Captains EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Paid per trip plus tips, profit sharing & sales commission. Send résumé to [email protected]

Please call 305.853.6849

HURRICANE INSTALLER NEEDED Must have experience, tools and transportation. 305-304-5753.

CDL DRIVERS 305.451.3782

SANDAL FACTORY SALES ASSOCIATES

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Professional Insurance Office License preferred but will train Benefits

• • • •

Retail Attendant Concierge Guest Service Agent Housekeeping Supervisor Public Area Attendant Room Attendant Turndown Attendant Reservations Agent

• • • • • • • • • •

Banquet On Call Staff Steward/Dishwasher Houseperson Laundry Driver Line Cook Host Fine Dining Server Cocktail server Food runner Bartender

Applicants must apply online at www.cheeca.com, select careers at bottom of the page For food and beverage positions, candidates with at least 1 year of fine dining experience will be considered competitive candidates.

LOOKING FOR LABORER AND CARPENTER HELPERS Must have own vehicle. Pay base on experience. 305-509-7571. MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN NEEDED Historic Key West Inns is currently seeking a talented individual with gifted hands to help maintain our group of properties in the Old Town area. Experience in electrical, a/c refrigeration, plumbing, drywall and/or pool maintenance would be greatly beneficial. We offer a competitive salary along with benefits such as medical, dental and vacation pay. Drop by and see us at 409 Angela Street. You may also send your resume to: [email protected] MEL FISHER’S TREASURES Finance Assistant Must be proficient with QuickBooks and Excel. Requires accurate handling or AP, AR and GL, banking, payroll and reporting. Full time, great benefits. Send resume to: [email protected]

NOW HIRING *Experienced Electricians *Generator Technicians Stop by to fill out an application 3255 Flagler Ave. #303 PT Bookkeeper For Non-Profit. Exp. with GAAP, Quickbooks, Payables, Payroll, data entry, 20 hrs/wk. Drug free workplace, EOE. Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. No phone calls.

SALES PEOPLE Key West Hammock Co. is looking for great SALES PEOPLE. Hourly pay plus commission. You should be motivated and proactive. Will train the right person. To apply please call Alex 305-293-0008.

Recycle Your Stuff for Cash in the Classifieds School Food Service Manager This Monroe County School District opportunity requires 4 years of experience in institutional food service and experience in food service management. To apply, please visit: www.Keysschools.com.

Help Wanted Middle

961 Keys

TEACHER Grace Jones Daycare in Marathon is looking for a caring, qualified professional full time teacher. Please call Iris at 305-743-6064 to set up an appointment.

962 Help Wanted Upper Keys EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS & ELECTRICIAN HELPERS Wanted in Ocean Reef. Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to pass a background check. Must have a minimum of 3 years experience. Call 305-367-5033 THE GLASS SHACK At Robbie’s Marina Is hiring! Part time, flexible. Ready to move and sweat! Call 570-401-5000

RN/HOSPICE - Key West Fulltime/Per diem Fax resume to 305-664-2489.

LINE COOK AM & PM Apply In Person. Hungry Tarpon Restaurant MM77.5 Islamorada

INSURANCE PRODUCER

FINE JEWELRY SALES ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY Blue Marlin Jewelry is looking for a dynamic, driven Fine Jewelry Sales Associate to join our established family-owned business in the heart of Islamorada. We are looking for individuals with a high level of commitment, excellent customer service skills, with a goal oriented, teamwork mindset. Please send us a resume and cover letter letting us know why you are interested in joining our team to [email protected]. Currently Full and Part-Time positions available. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

81549 Old Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036 • 305.664.8004

www.keysnews.com

Property Casualty Insurance Agency Benefits

RECEPTIONIST Professional Office Entry Level to Professional License Benefits “Positive Teamwork Environment” Will respond to all applicants in confidence Forward resume to: PO Box 372084 • Key Largo, FL 33037 or fax to 305.451.2303

• • • •

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Very good pay for mature responsible worker. 305-304-8029 or 305-745-3677.

• Paid Vacation • Employee Discounts • Major Medical

Call 305.453.9194 • [email protected]

We are currently hiring for the following positions:

960 Keys

EXPERIENCED CARPENTER WANTED Key West General Contractor is looking for a highly skilled, professional carpenter to join our company. Must have reliable transportation, tools and live in Key West or the Lower Keys. This is a career opportunity and we are looking for an experienced carpenter who is looking for a long term position. We pay top dollar and a full benefit package is available. Please call 305-8964435 for more information or to apply.

000TOP PAY 000 • PROFIT-SHARING • 401K PLANS

FULL TIME FREEZER PERSON

IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS!

Help Wanted Lower

960 Keys

FOR MATES AND STORE PERSONNEL. On board duties to include, bar tending, narration, basic shipboard duties and light maintenance. Apply in person Key Largo Holiday Inn gift shop or call 305-451-4655. Interview will include a two hour boat ride. Must be drug free

Customer Service Experience Helpful

305.451.3782

Help Wanted Lower

1000

SERVICE DIRECTORY

NOW HIRING

KEY LARGO FISHERIES

PLEASE APPLY WITHIN 1313 OCEAN BAY DRIVE • KEY LARGO

960

HELP WANTED

KEY LARGO PRINCESS IS NOW LOOKING

KEY LARGO • ISLAMORADA • MARATHON • KEY WEST

Picks customers order from cooler or freezer area for truck loaders. Stocking the freezer and cooler.

700 0

KEY LARGO FISHERIES

BUSY KEY LARGO DIVE CENTER has immediate openings for

600 0

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS 4VUYVL*V\U[`YLX\PYLZ[OH[*VU[YHJ[VYZ[OH[HK]LY[PZLT\Z[ PUJS\KL[OLPYWLYTHULU[JLY[PÄJH[LVMJVTWL[LUJÙ\TILY 0M`V\OH]LX\LZ[PVUZJVUJLYUPUNYLX\PYLTLU[ZWSLHZLJHSS[OL 4VUYVL*V\U[`)\PSKPUN+LWHY[TLU[H[

REAL ESTATE - COM. REAL ESTATE - RES. SERVICES

PLEASE APPLY WITHIN 1313 OCEAN BAY DRIVE • KEY LARGO

305.451.5223 CARETAKER POSITION WANTED

200

MM105 2/1, W/D onsite parking, a block from the bay. $2,000 a month includes electricity and water. Call (305) 968-7707

Houses Lower Keys

483 Furnished

140

CANCELLATIONS (SS^VYKHKYH[LZHYLWSHJLTLU[MLLZHUKUVUYLM\UKHISL MVYMYLX\LUJ`KH`ZJHUJLSLK(KZTHÌLYLTV]LKMYVT [OLW\ISPJH[PVU^P[OWSHJLTLU[MLLYLTHPUPUN

SMALL OFFICE Key Largo MM 100.5 Includes Utilities $400 Call Chris 305.522.6598

Keys News AVAILABLE ONLINE & ON DEVICES

Florida Keys Restaurant Management is now hiring for the following positions

SUNDOWNERS:

Applicants for these positions should have great people/ customer relations skills, and should be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays. We are looking for organized individuals willing to “pitch in and help” when necessary. Our biggest priority is in giving our customers the vacation of a lifetime one hour at a time.

• Servers

If you really believe in customer service, then apply online at fkrmjobs.com or drop off resume to our main office at Sundowner’s Restaurant in Key Largo.

SENOR FRIJOLES: • Servers

KeysNews.com


KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED

Call or go online to browse, buy or sell!

305.292.7777 www.KeysNews.com KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Sell Your Boat in the Classifieds

DREAM home found!

KEYS WIDE CLASSIFIED

Find Job Listings in

THE CLASSIFIEDS

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED


SERVICE DIRECTORY MARINE SERVICES

REPAIRS

305 . 852 . 4320 or Cell: 305 . 451. 7850 Marine Repair & Rigging Dockside Service Henry Panse Waverunners & Jetboats

JEFF’S

.

COMPLETE HOME REPAIR 305.393.1807 LICENSED & INSURED ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • PLASTER STUCCO • CEMENT • BRICK & BLOCK STEEL & ALUMINUM FABRICATION SEAMLESS REPAIRS

Screen Repair Storm Shutters Rescreens New Screen Rooms Frame Repair Accordion Shutters Storm Panels, Etc.

FREE

24-Hour Service

ESTIMATES

SP-4180, SP-4183, SP-4187, SP-4185, SP-4181, SP-4182, SP-4184, SP-4186

664 - 9243

Islamorada, FL 33036

CLEANING SERVICES

Bob Eyster:

LAWN CARE CHAGO LAWN MAINTENANCE SERVICE Complete Maintenance Call for a FREE Estimate

305.394.2430 “I like to keep my customers satisfied with my work!” FULLY INSURED

No. 011A00003965

G & S LANDSCAPING AUGER SERVICE • BOBCAT SERVICE • EXCAVATOR SERVICE BOULDERS • PEAROCK • SAND

FULL LAWN SERVICE • WEEKLY & BIWEEKLY

PEST CONTROL

Licensed & Insured • Residential & Commercial Locally Owned • Contractor # SP 4017

15%Off

For NEW “The Termite Professionals” Roberto (Bob) Lozano, Manager Customers! 104615 Overseas Hwy #4 Key Largo, FL 33037 Key West: 305.294.8770 • Tavernier: 305.852.0099 Dade: 305.234.5122 • Key Largo: 305.451.1105 Fax: 305.451.1107 Email: [email protected] • Whitefly Control • Mosquito Control • Complete Pest Control Service • Lawn & Ornamental Care

RM STO N UP Gunter Bloy CLEA 305.664.1233

MAINTENANCE

Sunshine Home Service & Maintenance, Inc.

CONTRACTORS

Doors * Cabinets * Custom Closets * Tile Painting * Shutters * Windows & Impacts Decks & Docks * Pressure Cleaning Framing & Forming SP2388 SP2397

Licensed & Insured

Gary Lentz

SP2396 SP3001

NEW & RETHATCH

Phone/Fax 305.853.0511 Mobile 393.6758

305.664.0099

www.sunshinekeys.com • [email protected]

We also build Decks & Pergolas by Advanced Construction Corps. - CYC 000002

w w w. t i k i h u t s . c o m

New Docks • Dock Repair Pile Driving • Boat Lifts Bulk Heads • Basin Dredging Beach Restoration

a Cell: 305.923.6338 Office: 305.853.2662

Tom Domiano President

Lic. No. ENG II 303C

SERVICE DIRECTORY ADVERTISE TODAY! 305.292.7777 EXT. 204

FLORIDA KEYS FREE PRESS • KEYSNEWS.COM • THE #1 WEEKLY IN THE KEYS! 512488

13B

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED


Offered at $1,500,000

Offered at $1,795,000

ISLAMORADA

81888 Overseas Hwy Islamorada, FL 33036 305.712.8888

MARATHON

12240 Overseas Hwy Marathon, FL 33050 305.204.4935

oceansir.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

KEY WEST

420 Fleming Street Key West, FL 33040 305.294.1117