Florida Keys Free Press - Parent Directory - Key West Citizen

1 downloads 224 Views 12MB Size Report
Jun 21, 2017 - mobile demands, it's time to get a new Website! Contact .... challenging and not a good fit for Monroe ..
NAVIGATING THE ISLANDS SINCE 1987 • Key Largo • Islamorada • Marathon • Big Pine Key

Press FLORIDA KEYS

F R E E

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017 • VOLUME 30, N0. 43 • 24 PAGES

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT No. 469 Key Largo, FL 33037

FREE

KEYSNEWS.COM

Open for business

County rivalry

TDC launches $1M ad campaign. 10A

Marathon overcomes Hurricanes. 6B

Big mess Venture Out residents pick up the pieces. 8A

County passes property tax increase BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

KEY WEST — The Monroe County Commission agreed last week to raise property taxes in unincorporated areas of the Florida Keys by roughly 3.8 percent for the 2017-18 fiscal year starting Oct. 1. The commission raised the property tax but res-

idents with homestead exemptions will actually pay slightly less and those without will pay slightly more, according to the Monroe County Property Appraiser’s Office. The owner of a $400,000 home with a homestead exemption will pay $5 less than he or she paid during the 2016-17 fiscal year and the owner without a home-

stead evaluation will pay $196 more, according to the property appraiser’s office. The 3.8 percent hike will allow the county to increase its general operating budget from $80.9 million from the prior fiscal year to roughly $84.9 million in the new fiscal year. The commission voted 4-1 on the tax rate and budget, with Commissioner

Danny Kolhage dissenting. Kolhage said he had been thinking about how to vote for several days. “I have great trouble raising taxes in this situation,” Kolhage said, referring to residents losing their homes in Hurricane Irma. “The people in the most affected areas are being taxed based on evaluations done Jan. 1 this year and

No port after storm

now are sitting on nothing. We can’t do anything about that. The same people will have to pay the additional $3 million and this is not the time to do that.” Commissioner Heather Carruthers said she acknowledged Kolhage’s concerns but contended that homesteaded property owners would actually see a lower tax bill in the

upcoming fiscal year and the storm is putting huge financial demands on the county. Also last week, the commission agreed to postpone levying bed tax on transient rental units that accommodate residents displaced by Hurricane Irma and to temporarily waive some building fees. [email protected]

Divers: Ocean bottom stirred, top full of debris BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

DAN CAMPBELL/Free Press

Capt. Jeff Pursley’s charter boat Island Time was swamped by Hurricane Irma. Pursley has docked his fishing boat at Islamorada’s Postcard Inn Marina for the last six years. The marina has been shut down until further notice while the resort rebuilds amenities lost during the storm.

Charter boat business squeezed by resort closure BY CHUCK WICKENHOFER Free Press Staff

ISLAMORADA — The devastation left by Hurricane Irma has affected nearly all aspects of life in the Florida Keys, and one of the lasting effects on local business may be the closure of the marina at Postcard Inn, which could be shut down for up to a year. While no official timeline concerning a full reopening of the resort has been made available,

Katie Kole, public relations representative for Postcard Inn, says that safety is the chief concern of ownership with respect to the marina. She says that no update is available on when the marina may reopen, but that a safety assessment is soon to get underway. “Once the safety assessment is done, they’ll have a better idea of when they’ll be able to open the [marina] back up,” Kole said. “They’re anticipating that’s going to be done in the next few weeks.”

INDEX

Charter boat captain Steve Leopold, who has chartered from Postcard Inn for nearly 30 years, says he agrees with the decision to close the marina while crews work to get the resort in working order. “If they let boats in there now, it would totally be in the way. It would slow down their progress, and it’s dangerous in there,” Leopold said. “I think everybody has to wait [for them] to assess the property. I think Postcard Inn is doing the right thing by

Business & Real Estate ............. 10A Classifieds...........................10-12B

closing the marina.” However, Leopold acknowledges that the closure of the marina has severely impacted his livelihood. “It’s a big inconvenience for me. It may put me out of business,” Leopold said. “I don’t have a choice, so I’m trying to pursue other dockage. It’s been tough; there are not a lot of options.” Skiff boat captain Ted Benbow echoed some of See CLOSURE, page 7A

Crossword .................................. 9B Horoscope .................................. 9B

UPPER KEYS — Flotsam and jetsam continues to pose navigational hazards to boaters weeks after Hurricane Irma pummeled the coast, while just below the surface, the Florida Keys’ vital coral reef tract remains stirred up, but for the most part, intact. Marine sanctuary officials are just now beginning to assess the Sanctuary Preservation Areas’ health and are going on information mostly provided by the local diving community. “We are still getting our facilities and equipment up and running, so we are not quite out on the water to assess the damage. We don’t have definitive information; we are getting info from our Blue Star operators,” said

CONTRIBUTED

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is asking boaters to report markers that have come unfastened, such as spar buoys, above, as well as mooring balls and marker buoys. Gena Parsons, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary spokeswoman. “We have over 500 buoys, and we haven’t gotten out See OCEAN, page 5A

Neo-Nazi changes plea to guilty BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

TAMPA — Selfproclaimed neo-Nazi Brandon Russell changed his not-guilty plea last week to guilty on federal charges of possessing an unregistered gun and bomb-making materials, and for improperly storing of such

Opinion .................................... 11A Sports & Recreation ............6-7, 9B

materials. Russell was arrested in May in Key Largo after his roommate, Devon Arthurs, 18, was charged with shooting and killing two of their neo-Nazi male roommates inside their Tampa Palms apartment. Russell faced up to See GUILTY, page 4A

Tides .......................................... 7B TV Guide .................................... 8B

IF YOU’RE GOING TO CHILL, CHILL BIG ! Ladie’s Night The Best SUNSETS Every Tuesday in Key Largo! ladies drink free Mozzarella, sliced tomato & basil, the finest ingredients

Rated Best Sunsets

Waterfront Dining & Tiki Bar

MM104 • Bay Side • Key Largo

Mon-Fri 4-7PM

from 6-7PM

305.453.9066 • www.JJsBigChill.com

500547

“Enrico’s pizza = best ever!”

2A • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

county news

MONROE COUNTY

MONROE COUNTY

Commission OKs storm-related ordinances, resolutions KEY WEST — The Monroe County Commission last week approved an emergency ordinance to provide a temporary exemption from paying the 4-cent tourist development tax and the 1-cent tourist impact tax for qualified properties that rent to residents who have been displaced by Hurricane Irma. This ordinance is in effect for six months. The commission also passed several planning and environmental, building and code compliance items that deal with the emergency state of Monroe County due to the damage and debris caused by Hurricane Irma. These passed resolutions include: • Allowing the placement of temporary

emergency housing at mobile home parks for temporary occupancy by residents displaced by Hurricane Irma for a duration of up to 180 days. • Waiving building permit fees for emergency permits for 180 days as necessary to facilitate recovery from impacts associated with Hurricane Irma. • Exempting the removal of hazardous vegetation from the permitting requirements for 60 days as necessary to facilitate recovery from impacts associated with Hurricane Irma. • Exempting the removal of nuisance exotic vegetation from the permitting requirements to facilitate recovery from impacts associated with Hurricane Irma.

LOWER KEYS

Most library branches are open

Curfew lifted

MONROE COUNTY — Monroe County’s Key West Library branch reopened Thursday, Sept. 28, but the library services are currently limited, with the reference department still closed for renovations that were taking place before Hurricane Irma struck. The library currently has four 20-minute computers for patrons to use, with one computer designated only for Federal Emergency Management Agency applications. The library’s back parking lot is unavailable for public parking. Monroe County’s Marathon Library branch remains closed. Monroe County’s Key Largo, Islamorada and Big Pine branches have been open since Monday, Sept. 25.

LOWER KEYS — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office announced a lifting of the last remaining curfew established in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. The last areas under curfew were from Big Coppitt Key to the Seven Mile Bridge. Deputies will continue patrolling residential neighborhoods to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, officials say. Anyone who sees activity that looks suspicious should call the sheriff’s office at 305-289-2351. People with emergencies should call 911.

Contractor sparring with FDOT over debris removal BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

MONROE COUNTY — Tempers are beginning to boil over as the Florida Keys has moved out of the emergency relief phase from Hurricane Irma and into the recovery phase. Those tensions became evident during last week’s Monroe County Commission meeting when the commission discussed debris removal issues. The county’s contractor, Randy Perkins, accused state emergency management officials under Gov. Rick Scott of “making horrible decisions” and allowing the Florida Department of Transportation to issue lucrative contracts after the storm that has made it impossible for him to hire workers and acquire trucks and other equipment. He basically accused the governor of giving lucrative contracts to select companies, as his company, Ashbritt Inc., and others were not allowed to bid. Ashbritt and other debris companies are not allowed to alter their contracts with local governments after

hurricanes under state rules. His company abided by the rules “but [the governor’s] own agency changed the rules,” Perkins said. FDOT’s four debris removal companies coming to the Keys have “caused absolute chaos and pandemonium,” Perkins said. “As your contractor, if DOT wants to pay MCM and Community Asphalt [FDOT contractors working in the Keys] to come in and clean up every single road, every boat, every car, every canal at no cost to Monroe County, as much as I hate to say this, you should take it,” Perkins said. “The collateral issues from that are going to be felt for months.” Perkins was not shy about his criticism of the state and FDOT. He started his comments by thanking local companies Charley Toppino and Sons and Adventure Environmental “for opening your roads,” referring to U.S. 1, and added, “FDOT didn’t.” At one point during the meeting, Perkins held a thick binder with the company’s operational plan and told the MCM representative that “you don’t have one

Monroe County Promotes awareness of Public Assistance Availability through FEMA and State of Florida FEMA and the State of Florida are accepting applications for disaster assistance under the Federal Public Assistance (PA) program for damages that occurred as a result of Hurricane Irma. FEMA provides federal aid under the Public Assistance (PA) program to applicants that meet the program criteria. Eligible applicants are defined as State and Territorial Governments, Indian Tribal Governments, Local Municipalities, and certain eligible private not for profit organizations. In order to be considered for assistance, eligible applicants must submit a “Request for Public Assistance” to the State of Florida prior to October 10, 2017. Entities that believe they may be an eligible applicant under this program should contact: JT Maddox Florida Division of Emergency Management OPS Public Information Specialist (850) 693-3590 [email protected]florida.com September 27, 2017 Key West Citizen

527286

of these.” “With all due respect, this is your first rodeo,” Perkins said. This caused Monroe County Mayor George Neugent to respond: “Let’s keep [focused] right here. You’re talking to the county commission.” Perkins said that MCM and other FDOT contracts have no experience in Monroe County and did not participate in any of the table-top exercises conducted prior to Hurricane Irma. MCM representative Juan Munilla thanked the county for its hard work and told the commission that FDOT has given his company permission to not only clear debris from along U.S. 1, but “local roadways” and “private roads.” He called for cooperation between the debris haulers. Neugent asked County Attorney Bob Shillinger to speak on the issue. Shillinger said that the county is having issues with its contractor. “We are having performance issues because of the size of the storm and market conditions,” Shillinger

ROB O’NEAL/Free Press

Storm debris from Hurricane Irma fills a canal on the bayside of Big Pine Key. said. Perkins seemed to suggest that he needed to modify the contract with the county, which was signed three months ago, because of the market issues, and increase the prices. Neugent and the commission did not seem willing to do that. Neugent asked Shillinger if the county could do a “cease and desist with this other company that is interrupting our contractor?” Shillinger said he didn’t think the county could but County Administrator

Roman Gastesi said FDOT intitally put out a mission request, but “we told the state to stop it. We don’t need them to do that any more.” The county’s request was made the week before, but FDOT “reactivated” the mission request for an unknown reason. “This is really at the governor level now,” Gastesi said. “We told Tallahassee, ‘We got this. You are disturbing our issues.’” Shillinger’s office is considering five options, which include working more with contractors on better coor-

dinating efforts to having FDOT possibly taking over debris removal in the Keys, Shillinger said. The county sent a request Thursday to FDOT to have that agency take over all debris hauling in the Keys, according to an email from the county. The commission planned to hold a special meeting Friday to further discuss the debris hauling issue, but it was canceled at the last minute. Perkins’ comments came the same day that state Emergency Management Director Bryan Coon announced his resignation as numerous municipalities in Florida are struggling with storm-related issues. Debris hauling in the wake of Hurricane Irma has become a statewide and national crisis, as towns and cities are struggling to have debris removed from their communities from Texas to Florida. There are news reports alleging that the highest paying government agencies are getting their work done first, not based on areas with the greatest need. [email protected]

School district reviews storm response BY MANDY MILES Free Press Staff

KEY WEST — While most Monroe County school facilities fared very well in Hurricane Irma, some of the district’s storm plans and policies need repair or clarification, according to Monroe County School Board members, who met last week for a workshop,

George Frank Rosendale Jr. July 1, 1979-August 23, 2017

George Rosendale, 38, of Plantation Key has left this earth to go Fishing in Heaven. As a young boy, George relocated to the Florida Keys with his family from New Jersey. He attended Plantation Key School and Coral Shores. Growing up he played Little League and loved the New York Yankees. He was in all his glory the day he met the Great Joe DiMaggio at an Islamorada Fishing Club event where George and his family enjoyed membership. At a young age he would be out on the Florida Bay any given day running around in his Boston Whaler. His love of fishing influenced him to make it a livelihood, so he became a licensed commercial fisherman. His love of the water was passed down to his beautiful seven-year old twins Allyson and Matthew Rosendale who he adored along with the mother of his children, Kristin Etzel-Rosendale. George is survived by his parents George and Patricia Rosendale; four sisters, Cheryl Signor (Jim), Jennifer Miller-Lee (Jeff), Heidi Heckmann (Mark) and Holly Rosendale; one brother, Brian Rosendale; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family will be gathering at Alligator Reef in remembrance of George prior to receiving friends for a celebration of life at

SMUGGLER’S COVE • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH @1 PM Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.floridafuneralhome.com/obituaries/ George-Frank-Rosendale-Jr?obId=2512455#/celebrationWall

500564

closed attorney session and budget hearing. Board members had several questions and serious concerns about the decision to open the district’s three high schools as hurricane “shelters of last resort.” School Board Chairman John Dick, who rode out the storm at Marathon High School, said he was unaware of the county’s decision to open the schools to remaining residents until “the afternoon of the storm’s arrival.” “I understand the county doesn’t want people to stay when an evacuation has been ordered, but if it’s going to happen, we need to know and be ready for it,” Dick said. “I got a call from [Key West Mayor] Craig Cates on Saturday afternoon, saying, ‘John, there’s 100 people waiting outside Key West High School; get the school open.’” That task fell to Key West High School Assistant Principal Chris Valdez, who soon found himself with nearly 500 people at the high school and no police presence. “Chris put up with a lot of problems,” Dick said. “He had a lot of wackos at Key West High School,” not to mention that the toilets at the schools stopped flushing after a few hours without power. “We need to retrofit at least some of the restrooms

so that situation does not happen again,” Dick said. Board member Mindy Conn agreed and emphasized the importance of separating children and families from “the other characters who show up at the shelters,” she said. “That has to be part of our hurricane plan.” Superintendent of School Mark Porter agreed that shelter management at the schools needs to be addressed, but he also reminded the board that “many of those decisions rest at the county level.” In spite of the policies and procedures that need to be addressed, Dick said, “Opening the schools saved lives. That I guarantee.” In other storm recovery news, Porter reviewed the district’s decision to stagger the reopening dates beginning Sept. 25 for schools in various areas of the county. “We had 93 percent attendance at Upper Keys schools that reopened on Monday,” Porter said. “But we also have several families and staff members still living in makeshift housing.” Porter expected that situation to be amplified as other schools in the Middle and Lower Keys reopened last week. “We’ll certainly need to look at make-up days, but I don’t believe it’ll be a one-to-one ratio,” he said.

“Our academic calendar is already well in excess of state-mandated minimums, so much of that will be a locally developed solution.” Dave Murphy, the school district’s executive director of assessment and accountability, assured the board members that education officials throughout the state are aware of the loss of several instructional days at schools throughout Florida and will be making adjustments to standardized testing schedules. Concerns and inconveniences aside, the board members and Porter all expressed pride in the school district’s response before and after Hurricane Irma and in the cooperative efforts of staff and students. “The Key West football team came up to the Lower Keys the other day to help with debris removal,” Conn said, while Porter added that several teachers were doing laundry and providing other types of assistance to their colleagues whose homes were damaged or destroyed. The board conducted the final budget hearing for the new fiscal year. Finance Director Jim Drake explained that this year’s school tax rate will result in close to a $4 million increase in the tax revenue collected for schools. [email protected]

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

county news KEY WEST

3A

LOWER KEYS

FEMA trailers begin arriving for displaced residents

National Guard helps remove interior storm damage

KEY WEST — The first Federal Emergency Management Agency travel trailers were delivered last Wednesday to Naval Air Station Key West. They are for eligible residents approved by FEMA through individual assistance. As of late week, FEMA had approved 84 travel trailers for Monroe County residents whose homes are uninhabitable due to damage caused by Hurricane Irma. “This is great news,” Monroe County Assistant County Administrator Christine Hurley told the Monroe County Commission last week. Hurley, who has been leading the recovery operation for Monroe County Emergency Management following Irma, said the goal is for FEMA to place the trailers on pads in the near future. They become livable as soon as they are hooked up

LOWER KEYS — In partnership with Monroe County Emergency Management, National Guard crews have removed the interior storm damage of the primary residences of more than 10 homeowners in the first day of the temporary Florida Keys’ program that began last Thursday. After receiving a homeowners’ consent, the National Guard will remove damaged and moldy drywall, flooring, carpeting, ceilings, doors, insulation, fixtures, kitchen cabinets, destroyed appliances and other unsalvageable contents and bring them curbside. They also will do limited sanitizing to prevent mold from returning. This is the first step in making homes “livable” until permanent repairs can be completed. For the National Guard to help with the removal of interior storm damage, residents must sign a release for “right of entry.” These releases are available online at keysrecovery.org and at the following locations: Home Depot in Marathon; the Disaster Recovery Center at the Big Pine Community Park, 31009 Atlantis Road; the Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key; the Comfort Station at the former Habitat ReStore on

CONTRIBUTED

The first shipment of FEMA travel trailers arrived last week at Naval Air Station Key West. to electric, water and sewer. These trailers could be put on approved private property sites or at six larger sites for multiple trailers that have been approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and have been sent to FEMA for that agency’s approval.

CONTRIBUTED

National Guard crews are available to remove interior storm damage in residents’ primary homes in the Florida Keys in an effort to help make them livable. Overseas Highway on Big Pine Key; and the Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key and Sugarloaf fire stations. Forms should be returned to the place they were picked up or emailed to [email protected]. Once the release is filled out and submitted, the homeowner will be contacted by a county or National Guard representative. If the home meets the guidelines, then an appointment will be set up for the work to be done.

‘Substantial damage’ to a home defined by value, loss BY CAMMY CLARK Monroe County Spokeswoman

CHUCK WICKENHOFER/Free Press

This trailer at San Pedro RV Park in Islamorada was rendered uninhabitable by Hurricane Irma. the percentage of structural damage because that information helps property owners decide whether to repair or replace a damaged dwelling, and whether additional work will be needed to comply with local codes and ordinances, such as elevating a house in a floodplain. Your community building official or floodplain manager will make the decision regarding whether a structure is substantially damaged. If your structure is substantially damaged, you will receive a letter from the county and local municipality. If you disagree with a decision about substantial damage, you may submit a complete cost estimate for the repair of all damages sustained by your home that is prepared and signed by a licensed general contractor. Your contractor will be

required to sign an affidavit indicating the cost estimate submitted includes all damages to your home, not just structural. All communities in Monroe County participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and are required to have floodplain regulations and make substantial damage determinations. Flood damage prevention ordinances must be in place for residents of a community to purchase subsidized flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. To calculate substantial damage, the local officials may make a visual inspection of a house, taking notes of the impacts to the structure itself and, when possible, to the interior. These notes, coupled with other information such as property valuations and estimated costs to repair, are used

Look for the Mermaid at MM 82 Bayside!

www.loreleicabanabar.com

WELCOME BACK October Special Present this ad during the month of October for a

Free Beer, House Wine or Well Drink with purchase of Dinner Entree after 4 pm

102401 Overseas Hwy Key Largo • Open Daily 305-451-4665 305 451 4665

Sunset Entertainment

EVERY NIGHT STARTING AT 6 PM • 7 DAYS A WEEK OCT 4

WED.

STEVE WEBB

5-9 PM

OCT 5

THUR. BILLY DAVIDSON

5-9 PM

OCT 6

FRI.

ERICSON HOLT

5-9 PM

OCT 7

SAT.

THE STONE CRABS

5-9 PM

OCT 8

SUN.

STEVE AND JOHN WEBB WITH BILLY DAVIDSON

5-9 PM

OCT 9

MON.

THE CAROUSERS

5-9 PM

OCT 10

TUES.

DENNIS HOLMES

5-9 PM

BREAKFAST SERVED 7AM, 7 DAYS A WEEK • LUNCH & DINNER 11AM-10PM CASUAL ATMOSPHERE • FRESH SEAFOOD WORLD FAMOUS FISHING GUIDES • PRIVATE PARTIES ON THE BEACH NOW FREE WI-FI PROPERTY-WIDE

Love Our Locals Show your Monroe County Driver’s License on the day of your Birthday for a

Free Steak Dinner or Lobster Dinner Entree after 4 pm (with purchase of another dinner entree) 525002

305.664.2692

are required before beginning work. National Flood Insurance Program policyholders who have questions about their flood insurance policy or the claims process can contact the support hotline by calling 1-800-621-3362. For more information on general flood insurance questions, contact a local floodplain administrator, the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800427-4661 or a local insurance agent. Information also is available at fema.gov and floodsmart.gov.

Restaurant & Seafood Market

Restaurant & Cabana Bar

Waterside Dining

tially damaged, it must be brought into compliance with local floodplain management regulations, current building codes and land development regulations. Owners who decide to rebuild may need to elevate their structures or change them in some other way to comply with those local floodplain regulations to avoid future flood losses. Owners of non-residential structures may need to flood-proof their buildings. All property owners should check with local building officials to determine if permits for repair

Expand Your Online Presence Call Karrissa To Learn How Today!

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

305-853-7277 x24

504230

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

Hours: Seafood Market: 10 am to 10 pm Lunch: 11:30 am to 4 pm Dinner: 4 pm to 10 pm 525026

FLORIDA KEYS — It’s common to think that a home deemed by government officials to have sustained “substantial damage” merely describes a structure that has a large amount of damage by a flood or other disaster. In reality, substantial damage is a specific term. It applies to a damaged structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area — or floodplain — for which the total cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s adjusted market value before the disaster occurred, regardless of the cause of damage. Market value means the county property appraiser’s value of the structure plus 20 percent. If you disagree with the property appraiser’s value, you may submit a uniform appraisal report for determination of market value. Land value is excluded from the determination. For example, if a structure’s adjusted market value before the damage was $200,000 and repairs are estimated to cost $120,000, that structure is “substantially damaged.” It’s important to know

to calculate the percentage of flood damage to the structure. Local officials, Federal Emergency Management Agency staff, state floodplain management staff and FEMA contractors will be conducting inspections in the Keys and will continue visual inspections throughout the coming weeks and months. Once a determination on the percentage of damage is made, local officials will share that information with the property owners. If a building in a floodplain is determined by the local official to be substan-

4A • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

key largo news

TAVERNIER

KEY LARGO

Man who ‘runs street’ accused of gun threats TAVERNIER — Deputies arrested a 58-year-old local man last Thursday who was accused of threatening neighborhood children with an air rifle, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. According to witnesses, the alleged 11- and 14-year-old victims were walking down West Indies Road in Tavernier at 7:15 p.m. when James Joyce yelled at them to get away from his property. When they did not immediately leave, he went inside, retrieved what looked like a black rifle and began waving it around, reports say. Joyce claims the children were going through items he had put out on the street as trash; the children say they were just walking on the street. The witnesses say Joyce told the children to “go ahead, call the cops, this is my street and I will protect it.” The children ran home and told Joyce their parents, who went outside and say they saw Joyce with an air rifle. He allegedly told them to “keep your kids inside, go ahead and call the cops, I run this street, not the cops.” When deputies arrived, they approached Joyce’s house and found him and his wife sitting at the bottom of a stairway. The wife cooperated when ordered to put her hands up and walk toward the deputies slowly. The deputies say Joyce did not cooperate but was taken into custody without incident. A black air rifle was found inside the house beside the front door, reports say. Joyce was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and resisting a law enforcement officer. He was booked into jail.

RACHAEL KIMBROUGH/Dolphin Research Center

A young male manatee named Rebellion returned home Thursday, Sept. 28, to the waters of Key Largo after five months of rehabilitation from being hit by a boat. Dolphin Research Center’s Manatee Rescue Team and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rescued the animal in mid-April after it suffered a broken rib and other internal injuries from the boat strike. After rescue, the manatee was transported to Miami Seaquarium for treatment. Now weighing 440 pounds and measuring 7.5 feet in length, Rebellion was deemed old enough to forage and survive independently. At the release point at Calusa Campground, mile marker 101.5, bayside, caregivers carried the manatee down a boat ramp into the water. After briefly interacting with other manatees in the area, Rebellion returned to the boat ramp and lingered there for several minutes. Eventually, he swam over to mangroves and began to eat. Shortly after he continued his progress away from shore.

District reviews storm procedures, renews insurance BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

KEY LARGO — The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District board reassessed insurance policies and discussed storm response during its first meeting after Hurricane Irma. The five-member board last week unanimously renewed its insurance policies for a total savings of $85,000 from the prior fiscal year. The bulk of the savings are from the district’s Risk and Inland Marine policy. A catastrophe study performed by the carrier revealed a smaller probable loss of $2.6 million to the district’s $23.5 million in assets with a $3.5 million insured limit. The new policies have a two-year rate guarantee and early cancellations or

Guilty Continued from page 1A

11 years in prison on the charged had he gone to trial. “Brandon has accepted responsibility for his conduct. Any deal with the government would have involved cooperation against other individuals,” Ian Goldstein, his

any changes made will be penalized. During Hurricane Irma, the Key Largo district was the only sewer utility whose customers never lost the ability to flush, aside from a smattering of remote properties not connected to the central treatment plant that rely instead on electric-powered grinder pumps. Plant manager Jered Primicerio monitored the district’s computerized control system remotely during the storm and was alerted to high water levels at two of the three tanks where sewage is treated. To resolve the issue, Primicerio directed an employee who didn’t evacuate through a stepby-step process to bypass the tanks’ filtration system manually. “Luckily, we were able to avoid a big mess, and we learned a lot from this,”

Primicerio told the board. “We were in constant contact.” Primicerio suspects a gust of wind triggered a storm float to flip that caused solids to back up. “We had no room to take on water and found ourselves in a unique situation,” he said. “Tommy Gould from the collections department drove in for us, and I walked him through valving the plant and saved us from overflowing.” Staff discussed housing the storm floats differently to automatically bypass the tank filters during a storm event. The board also discussed the district’s mutual aid agreement through Florida’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network, or FlaWARN. Under the terms of the agreement, the district received post-Irma relief workers from the

city of Stuart and Martin County. District Interim General Manager Peter Rosasco said the two government entities must be paid for the hours their employees worked and that he’d be filing eligible reimbursement paperwork with Federal Emergency Management Agency to comply with the deadline. Rosasco also singled out Commissioner Sue Heim for her leadership role in the aftermath of Irma. “Commissioner Heim was a tremendous help,” he said. “She was the first one back to hold down the district.” Rosasco said the storm was instructive from a resource standpoint. “We learned a lot of things from this,” he said. “The two most important things are fuel and electricity.” The district’s main plant

Commissioner Steve Gibbs contacted the four remaining general manager candidates after the storm. Board and staff members, as of last week, had interviewed three candidates and have one more candidate to vet who had planned a vacation for the months of September and October. Jim Moore withdrew his candidacy. The board also voted 4-1 to remove $6,600 in grinder pump charges for two

homes on its Residential Unique Parcels list. Commissioner Andy Tobin was the sole dissenter. A lawyer retained on behalf of the Silver Shores Homeowner’s Association has requested a meeting with engineers at the district headquarters regarding the association’s lawsuit against the district for $100,000 in damages for allegedly misinforming its engineers of the sewer tiein pressure. The lawyer, on behalf of the retirement home community, will settle for $50,000. The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District board’s next meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 103355 Overseas Highway. A copy of the agenda can be found at klwtd.org. [email protected]

lawyer, told the Free Press. “Mr. Russell does not wish to shift blame to others in order to obtain extra leniency for himself. He did what he did and he has accepted responsibility for his actions. Russell will be sentenced Jan. 9. “It would not be appropriate for me to speculate as to what sentence the court

will ultimately impose,” Goldstein said. Russell’s only objection was to the prosecutor’s allegation that “he intended to assemble a destructive device with the materials he possessed,” according to court paperwork. “There is no evidence to support such an accusation, it was not a part of the crimes Mr. Russell was charged

with, and we objected to the language being contained in the Government’s factual proffer. Mr. Russell never intended to assemble any type of destructive device. He pleaded guilty merely based upon his possession of the chemicals/components,” said Goldstein. At the time of Russell’s arrest at the Burger King in Key Largo, he was found to be carrying fuses and two recently purchased high-powered rifles with hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

W h a t led him to the Keys remains a mystery. Russell told police during t h e i r Russell investigation of Arthurs’ murder case, during which they found his alleged bomb-making materials and before a criminal complaint had been filed against him, that he was going to visit his

deputy sheriff father in West Palm Beach. But he did not go there. Instead, he picked up a fellow neo-Nazi and the two were later stopped in Key Largo after purchasing a M&P 15 Sport 2 semi-automatic assault-style rifle, a Savage Arms Axis .223 caliber hunting rifle with a scope and 500 rounds of ammunition in Dania Beach. Russell had pleaded not guilty to both charges back in June. [email protected]

3 Locations to Serve You

ran on generator power for a few hours when Irma rolled through, and despite filling up every available tank prior to the storm, the district ran low on fuel supply. The district will stock more fuel prior to a storm event, Rosasco said.

Other district news

South Marathon at 725 11th Street Ocean MM 47.3 305-289-0839

Key Largo at 102770 Overseas Hwy MM 102 Bayside 305-451-0565

Islamorada at 79867 Overseas Hwy MM 79.9 Oceanside 305-664-5256

LazyDaysSouth.com

LazyLobsterintheKeys.com

Reservations Recommended LazyDaysRestaurant.com

Enjoy Our Fresh Catch or Let Us Prepare Your Fresh Catch for You Enjoy Relaxing Oceanfront Dining While Feasting On Exquisite Seafood Dishes Prepared By Chef Lupe, Bernardo, Adolfo & Oscar

93001 Overseas Hwy. • Tavernier, FL 33070 305-852-2581 • www.burtonmemorialcdc.net

Burton is very proud to announce the selection of our very own Dadou Joseph as MONROE COUNTY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR. Recognition will be given at the Burton Memorial United Methodist Church with a 10:30am service this Sunday, October 8th. Laurie Dunn, Early Learning Specialist for Inclusion & Assessment, stated in her recommendation of Ms. Joseph for this award: “Ms. Joseph is always so enthusiastic and continually coming up with creative ways to instill the love of learning in her students. Every time I visit the center she is excited to have me go in her class and see the children’s projects displayed on the walls, and have the children repeat back some of the things they have learned that week. She worked very hard to continue her education all the while preparing her classroom each day to be ready for the children upon arrival. I have seen her interactions with the students, who absolutely love her. I have also seen her speaking with parents and she is always professional, considerate and respectful. She truly loves what she is doing and it is evident in everything she does.”

Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials 525020

500574

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

south florida news Fee changes at park on hold Free Press Staff

HOMESTEAD — Due to Hurricane Irma’s impact on South Florida, the U.S. Department of the Interior has put on hold making changes to Everglades National Park’s recreation and commercial use authorization fees until further notice. “While we are steadfast in our longterm commitment to enhance our visitor amenities while decreasing our maintenance backlog, our immediate attention will be to work with the community around us on our recovery efforts,” Everglades National Park Superintendent Pedro Ramos said. Hurricane Irma did significant damage to visitor and administrative facilities across the park, with the Flamingo and Gulf Coast districts hit particularly hard. Nevertheless, park managers said the impacted areas

should fully reopen for business soon, albeit with some temporary facilities and some limited closures. “We know how important Everglades National Park is to the South Florida economy and will continue to work hard with our partners to get back to work serving our nearly 1.5 million visitors,” Ramos said. Earlier this summer, the park announced a new raft of proposed fees to be implemented in 2018 to help cover a maintenance backlog in excess of $88 million. In alignment with national standards, the proposed fee for the park’s seven-day vehicle pass was to go from $25 to $30 and the annual pass was to go from $40 to $50 while the pedestrian rate (for walk-in, paddle-in and bike-in visitors) was to go from $8 to $12. Several other fee changes were

proposed. A letter sent to backcountry fishing guides and other commercial operators registered to work inside the park said that beginning Jan. 1 they would be required to pay a fee of $1,000 annually or 3 percent of total gross receipts, whichever is the higher figure. They currently pay $250 annually. Then, the 3 percent would be bumped up to 4 percent in 2019 and 5 percent in 2020. The $1,000 option would remain steady, though. Customers aboard commercial water vessels inside the park’s jurisdiction would be required to buy a seven-day pass, under the new rules. It would run between $12 and $15. Also, all boaters, including guides, would be responsible for completing an annual boat safety class. It will cost $50 each time.

5A

MONROE & MIAMI-DADE FDOT to discuss proposed projects as part of five-year work program MIAMI — The Florida Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing Thursday, Oct. 5, on $3 billion in transportation infrastructure projects proposed for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties as part of District 6’s five-year work program. The public hearing will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the FDOT District 6 auditorium at 1000 N.W. 111 Ave. The meeting will be broadcast via Facebook Live by visiting @MyFDOTMiami as well as on Monroe County TV Channel 76. The public can also participate via the Internet by logging onto fdotmiamidade.com/work-program or registering on the hearing’s GoToWebinar page. The live question-and-answer portion of the hearing will begin at 6:45 p.m. for attendees. Audience members in the room can approach the microphone and ask questions or make comments. Online viewers can submit questions or comments via email at [email protected].

Ocean Continued from page 1A

to take a look at all of them yet.” Foul weather last weekend further hindered the agency’s progress. Damage to coastal properties has added to the challenge, Parsons said. “It’s everything, home construction, boat parts and fenders, lobster trap debris, dead fish, coral nursery trees,” Parsons said. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Bobby Dube said his agency recommends that boaters limit their activity to the day. “We are urging boaters to not go out at night,” he said. “There are large trees, telephone poles, railroad ties and massive mangrove root balls floating out there that are difficult to see and could seriously damage a boat.” Dube said it appears the coral reef tract “dodged a bullet” as it looks mostly in good shape, albeit sandy. FWC has begun working with multiple state and federal agencies in removing derelict vessels, prioritizing those polluting the waters or creating a navigational risk. Largely, Key Largo dive operations resumed last week, and Islamorada businesses are scheduling dives for next week. Elbow Reef visibility is still really low, to about 10 feet, said Bobby Steele, PADI instructor with Horizon Divers.

FREE Medical Care for Uninsured Keys Residents NICK PRICE/FWC

Vessels swamped by Hurricane Irma pose a navigational hazard to boaters. “The biggest difference that I see is that the sand has been all blown away. It looks like rock and rubble. It just looks different, a lot of the natural navigation that I use is gone,” he said. The Hannah M. Bell wreck was unscathed as were other nearby shipwrecks that serve as popular dive sites. “Visibility is low, but it’s still full of sea life,” Steele said of Molasses Reef. “There’s fish all over the place and I bumped into a sea turtle. ... Once the sand finally settles, it’s going to be different. Places are deeper. Places that used to be 34 feet and are now 40 feet, no problem.” Some of Islamorada’s patch reefs took damage from Irma. Curt Slonim, owner of Curt-A-Sea Aquatic Adventures, said a patch reef south of Alligator Reef Light to just north of Tennessee was “almost down to bare rock. A lot of the brain corals were all right, but all the gorgonians are pretty much gone.” “Almost a total loss of sea fans and soft coral,” he

added. “I dove after [hurricanes] Georges and Mitch and I could see their effects, and they were nothing compared to this.” Irma has undone some of the efforts of the Coral Restoration Foundation to shore up the reef tract with nursery-raised coral. Coral nursery trees have been found among the debris. The non-profit organization is asking to be contacted at 305-453-7030 by anyone finding a coral tree. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is asking boaters to report damaged or missing line, missing buoys and found buoys. There are three different types of buoys: yellow buoys that mark SPAs and reserves; spar buoys, which are tall white cylinders with orange markings that signify Wildlife Management Areas and sites on the Shipwreck Trail; and nearly 500 white mooring buoys with blue stripes. To report found buoys from Key Largo to Marathon, call 305-852-7717, or if found from Marathon to Key West, call 305-809-4727. [email protected]

OUR SERVICES: • • • • • • •

Women’s Health Preventative Care Chronic Illness Management Advanced Medical Services Diagnostic Testing and Labs Rx Assistance Urgent Care

Income Restrictions Se habla español! Apply Today! 305-853-1788 91555 Overseas Hwy. #2 Tavernier, FL 33070 MM 91.5 Oceanside

www.thegoodhealthclinic.org

525031

$1525

Fall is a great time to upgrade to Carrier® quality and efficiency. For a limited time, receive up to $1525 in Cool Cash instant rebate savings on a new Infinity® Greenspeed® heat pump system or $300 Cool Cash savings on a new Infinity® ductless system.** Talk to us, your award winning Carrier factory authorized dealer, to explore the latest in Carrier innovation, including Wi-Fi® connectivity, air purification, and ultra-quiet cooling systems with variable-speed technology. With Fall Cool Cash you can receive an instant rebate of $1400 when you purchase a new Infinity® 19VS system with Wi-Fi® connectivity and air purification. Call us for details before this offer expires on 11/30/17.**

R. G. Mechanical Services License # CMC 032355

305-852-4555 ** Purchase of qualifying products required. Cool Cash rebate savings vary and depend on the equipment purchased. 525021

500554

ENJOY YEARS OF COMFORT WITH FALL COOL CASH SAVINGS!

6A • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

islamorada news

UPPER MATECUMBE KEY

UPPER MATECUMBE KEY

PLANTATION KEY

Hurricane support services offered

Disaster Recovery Center opens

Park has ‘soft reopening’

ISLAMORADA — The Islamorada Fish Company Market Store has been converted into a temporary relief supply center for distribution of donated goods. The mile marker 81.5 store is staffed daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to give out food, water, clothing, cleaning supplies and baby items. The First Baptist Church of Islamorada, 81201 Overseas Highway, is distributing relief supplies from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The church serves dinner at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and can give out supplies after the dinner. Lion’s Lair Boutique, mile marker 82, is hosting a “Clothes for Conchs” giveaway of free clothing and shoes for men, women and children who live in Monroe County. Recipients must show a Monroe County ID. The giveaway takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. To support local relief efforts, visit keysrecovery. org to find a list of charities.

ISLAMORADA — A federal Disaster Recovery Center opened Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Bernard Russell Fire Station. It will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice. The center is located on the fire station’s second floor at 81850 Overseas Highway. Disaster Recovery Centers offer in-person support to individuals and small business owners. Recovery specialists from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the state are available to provide assistance to anyone with filling out applications or updating their status. Voluntary organizations are available and offer a variety of services to help survivors recover. As more centers open, residents may locate one near them at fema. gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline numbers are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The registration process is the first step in recovery and requires information such as insurance policies, and bank information for possible direct transfer of funds. Property owners are encouraged to register before visiting a DRC. Those with phone and/or internet access can register online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY should call 800-462-7585. For more recovery information, visit fema.gov/hurricane-irma.

ISLAMORADA — Founders Park will reopen on a limited basis beginning Wednesday, Oct. 4, according to village officials. Limited hours will be offered from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Only the Ron Levy Aquatic Center, the fitness park and pickleball court, tennis courts and basketball court will be open to the public during those hours. Parking will be allowed only in the gravel areas around the aquatic center and courts. All other areas of Founders Park, including the Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina ramp, remain closed to the public. For more information, visit islamorada.fl.us.

RV park residents complain of property loss BY CHUCK WICKENHOFER Free Press Staff

ISLAMORADA — Compounding an already desperate situation for residents of San Pedro and Sea Breeze RV parks following Hurricane Irma are claims by many that a construction company hired by Sun Communities, which owns and operates those and other RV parks in the Florida Keys, bulldozed and disposed of personal property, damaged habitable homes and employed workers who looted their possessions during cleanup efforts. The two oceanfront parks, located near mile marker 87.5 on Plantation Key, suffered widespread devastation when Irma hit. In the aftermath of the Sept. 10 storm, Sun Communities COO John McLaren met with many of those who were displaced. During the Sept. 19 meeting, McLaren worked to reassure residents that his company was looking out for their best interests, specifically addressing concerns about the removal of personal possessions. “One of the things we’re being very careful of and respectful of is not to disturb anything that’s on the home sites,” McLaren said. “It doesn’t exactly make it easy to traverse, to navigate through

the community, but that’s what we feel is the right thing to do because not everybody has been able to get here.” Those left struggling after the storm tell a different story. Patty Purdo, whose trailer took heavy damage from Irma, says bulldozers showed up and began removing everything in their path days after the meeting. “They told us that we had 30 days to remove our belongings,” Purdo said. “It was a hurricane, so our windows and doors blew out. Obviously your things blew out of your house, so your belongings are scattered amongst things. They came within four days and bulldozed not just the street to make it safe, which I understand, but they went in between each individual house and took everything, put it in dumpsters and threw it away.” McLaren indeed informed residents that they would have “30 days to deal with that” during the meeting, also saying that “we’re not going to just go blasting through everything, because that’s not right.” In response to complaints by residents about property loss during the post-storm cleanup, McLaren echoed much of what he told residents at the Sept. 19 meeting.

CHUCK WICKENHOFER/Free Press

Islamorada resident Patty Purdo, who has been displaced from her home at Sea Breeze RV Park following Hurricane Irma, enters her heavily damaged trailer. Her home and most others at the park sustained devastating damage, and residents have complained that a company hired by Sun Communities, which owns both Sea Breeze and adjacent San Pedro, disposed of residents’ personal possessions during cleanup efforts in the wake of the storm. “We have taken great care with respect to the cleanup of these communities, and to my knowledge, the scope of work has at this point been primarily debris removal in an effort to better traverse through the community,” he wrote in an email, adding that residents will have until Oct. 31 to gather personal belongings they wish to secure. “This is actually a longer period of time than the 30

days I discussed at the meeting.” Purdo says she lost heirlooms and plants worth “hundreds and hundreds of dollars.” Other residents who lost possessions seemed more concerned with damage they allege was done to their property during cleanup efforts. In a Facebook group created for residents to air grievances about management of the site and nav-

igate through what seems sure to be upcoming legal battles, many shared pictures and told stories about property that was either damaged, destroyed or disposed of. One resident, Stephenie Matejcik, detailed her claims to the group while also posting before and after pictures of her trailer from the time the bulldozers began cleaning up the park. “The careless team took everything in my yard including [my] basketball hoop,” Matejcik wrote. “[They] hit my carport, fence, knocked a six-foot fence into my liv(ing) room wall … a 4X4 went through the window.” Another resident, Janet Cook, shared similar complaints. “Mine was perfect also — then front ripped open, tricycle stolen and hot tub demolished!” she wrote. “FEMA also inspected it prior to damage and deemed it habitable. Not so much now.” The Free Press reached out to Bach Construction, based in Tampa, regarding the claims about the construction company’s actions, and a representative said company President Scott Smith knew of the complaints and had been on-site to evaluate the situation. See LOSS, page 7A

Property tax hike, housing discussion on tap this week ISLAMORADA — The Village Council is busy not only with an array of pressing issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, but also with discussions related to housing, a proposed property tax increase and state plans for an elevated crosswalk designed to alleviate traffic woes. Scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, is a budget meeting, followed immediately by the council’s regular monthly meeting. The main topic of the budget meeting is a proposed .07 percent increase in property taxes above last year, as

the recommended millage rate is $280 per $100,000 of assessed property. According to a budget summary provided by the village, expenditures are up 2.24 percent over last year. The general fund, special revenue, capital projects and enterprise funds are expected to generate almost $34 million in revenue this year. Irma and the resulting recovery effort will likely create a need to tap into the village’s reserve fund in order to finance cleanup work and other recovery-related activities. Maria Bassett, the village’s director of finance, says that the bulk of resources will be

used for debris pickup. She estimates that with about 300,000 to 500,000 cubic yards of debris to collect, the village faces an outlay of about $10 million to cover those costs. However, Bassett expects FEMA to reimburse the village to the tune of 75 percent. That, and a 12.5 percent reimbursement offered by the state, should put the cost well under the $5.2 million the village has budgeted for emergencies, including hurricane recovery work. Bassett did caution that the FEMA reimbursement money was not guaranteed, though she expects the village to qualify for the assistance.

designed to alleviate housing pressures for village residents, who will be able to comment publicly on the proposed ordinance during the Oct. 5 meeting. Cheryl Cioffari, direcHousing tor of planning for the village, was unable to return a Another issue that has request for comment on the become critical in the afterproposed ordinance. math of Irma is housing. With many Islamorada residents displaced and reel- Pedestrian crosswalk ing, the Village Council will discuss the authorization of A less pressing need in temporary housing on resi- light of storm recovery dential and non-residential efforts, yet still of concern parcels. to Islamorada residents, As this is the first reading is a way to alleviate trafof the proposed ordinance, fic headaches and address details are scarce. The safety concerns due to large ordinance appears to be numbers of pedestrians and Those interested in participating during Thursday’s budget hearing will have an opportunity to comment before a final vote is taken.

500565

Free Press Staff

Licensed & Insured CG C032712

bicyclists traversing U.S. 1. One hot spot is Founders Park. Traffic backups and collisions are common near the park during events, and village officials have asked the Florida Department of Transportation to install a crosswalk at the busy area. FDOT is proposing steel or concrete bridge structures with three configurations from which the council may choose: elevator with stairs, stairs and ramps, or ramps only. Estimated costs range from $1.7 million to $2.9 million, with the village covering elevator maintenance costs. [email protected]

LION’S MM 100

George Champigny, III General Contractor

Dock repairs Concrete repairs Impact windows & doors Specializing in Custom Homes & Additions 305-796-7735 [email protected]

966 Shaw Dr. Key Largo, FL 33037

CLUB BEHIND CAPITAL BANK

M&G Builders of South Florida, Inc.

500538

BY CHUCK WICKENHOFER

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 500555

7A

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

islamorada news Closure Continued from page 1A

Leopold’s sentiments on management’s decision to close the marina at the resort, but points out that other Islamorada marinas, such as Whale Harbor and Bud N’ Mary’s, have already allowed their charter fleet to operate following the storm. “Only Postcard Inn can decide what’s best for them, but these guys have nowhere to go,” Benbow said. “A block away at Whale Harbor, they got the same amount of damage. People pulled together, their captains pulled together, staff pulled together, they got it cleaned up and they’re letting people back in.” Both Whale Harbor and Bud N’ Mary’s are locally owned, while Postcard Inn is owned by The Carlyle Group, which bills itself as a “global alternative asset manager with $170 billion of assets under management across 299 investment vehicles,” according to the group’s website. Some wonder if that may have something to do with the resort’s decision to keep the marina closed while others have worked to reopen as soon as feasible. “I’m not going to bash Postcard Inn, because they’ve got to do what they’ve got to do,” Benbow said. “But I feel like the marina is their last concern. They might be 100 percent right in doing that, because the marina only helps the guides, and the rooms help everybody. If people are going to come down and stay in the rooms, they’re going to use the restaurant, they’re going to go out and do things.” Bernardo Careaga, dockmaster at Whale Harbor

Marina, says he and staff have worked tirelessly to get the marina up and running. He indicates that Postcard Inn has been a different story from his view. “Over there, they didn’t do anything,” Careaga said. “It’s a corporate thing. This is locally owned. The boats have power, the boats have water. We’re in business, we just need the clients here now.” September is part of the slow season for charters, so a certain lack of business is expected this time of year. However, both Benbow and Careaga say that national media outlets may have scared away potential clients from visiting the Keys. “I think the press scared everybody from coming down here,” Careaga said. “They think they dropped an atomic bomb here.” Benbow, a lifelong Keys resident who has mentored his son to become a fellow skiff boat captain, says he’d like to see one major news outlet come back and witness the progress that has been made in the weeks since Irma made landfall here. “We would love nothing more than for CNN to come down and do a follow-up story on how the Upper Keys are open and they’re ready to take care of you,” he said.

A possible solution: Founders Park With charter business down and captains scrambling, both Leopold and Benbow have suggested that the village-owned Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina at Founders Park be temporarily repurposed to allow for commercial boat-

ing. Most park amenities are temporarily closed until December, as the property currently serves as a collection point for debris from around the region. Leopold believes that the marina is the best — or possibly only — option for him and charter captains with large fishing vessels who have nowhere else to make a living. “I’ve spoken with the village to at least give us some options at the Founders Park marina,” Leopold said. “Maybe we can store our boats, and when they open it up, maybe we can start chartering out of there. Let us explore the options. “Give us something,” he added. “We pay taxes here, we support the community through everything.” Benbow, who rented a slip at the Postcard Inn Marina prior to its closure, says he has also spoken with village officials about using the marina at Founders Park until local marinas are fully operational. “Before Postcard Inn even said anything about us not coming back, I said that, going forward, whether it’s tomorrow or six months from now, a year from now, that the village needs to consider having a charter boat row on the bulkhead across from the amphitheater,” Benbow said. “Without our charter boat fleet, we’re nothing,” he continued. “We don’t have beaches. Even though everybody doesn’t hire charter boats, they like to go and see them. Every major city in the Keys has a city marina as part of it, along with private ones.” The Free Press reached out to all five Village Council members via email and received responses from

all except Councilwoman Cheryl Meads. Each seemed open to the idea of allowing charters to run from the public marina, though Mike Forster expressed some reservations. “I would have to see the current situation of the availability of slips, what the displaced charter fleet [is] able to afford for dockage, since it is a revenue source for the 6,800 residents of the village to defray the cost of running the park and keeping taxes down,” Forster wrote. He did offer support for the fleet and indicated that village officials would consider the proposal. “We have to find a home for this displaced charter fleet for our sustainability, so any and all possible remedies including using Founders Park are on the table for discussion,” he wrote. Chris Sante also expressed concerns about availability of space but wrote that the idea “sounds good.” He also indicated that he would support charter captains working from home for “a short time.” Mayor Jim Mooney wrote that he is “all ears” when it comes to opening the marina to charter boats while acknowledging “the hardship that this has placed on our Captains and our World Famous Fishing Fleet.” Deb Gillis said that while a discussion about opening the marina for commercial purposes is not currently on the Thursday, Oct. 5, meeting agenda, it “could be added that night.” While Postcard Inn and other resorts work to reopen and village officials deal with a range of pressing issues in the aftermath of Irma, Leopold, Benbow and other captains wonder

how they’ll make ends meet in the meantime. “It’s a tough time,” Leopold said. “This hurricane caused a lot of damage, and I’m going to do what I have to do to keep my business afloat.” Benbow believes that a widespread community effort will be necessary to bring visitors back to the region, though Judy Hull of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce estimates that

85 to 90 percent of rooms in the village remain unavailable. “It’s going to take the [Monroe County Tourist Development Council], it’s going to take social media, it’s going to take a lot of things to happen to let people know we’re OK,” Benbow said. “Well, not OK, but operable down here in the Keys.” [email protected]

To all of our customers,

Thank You!

Landscape Design Installation Maintenance Sod Installation Pavers Stones Pea Rock River Rock Sand • Soil Tree Trimming Grading

104475 Overseas Hwy. 305.453.9377 BeachHouseGardens.com lic. # SP3644 & SP4117

Lot Clearing Pressure Cleaning FREE Estimates 500559

Only the Best for the Ladies

Beat the Clock with Vueve Cliquot WEDNESDAYS

Gentlemen, you’re invited too! Continued from page 6A

“The owner of the company is aware of this,” the representative said. “We are addressing it and making sure everyone is taken care of. Our company has worked in those areas multiple times, and we’ve never had any issues.” Matejcik confirmed that Smith was on-site and wrote that “he saw my unit get hit himself and was really upset.”

Was there looting? Another allegation brought up by several residents has been looting. Some claim that an initial cleanup crew rooted through and took residents’ belongings. Purdo is one of the residents who believe that members of the crew were involved in looting. “From what I understand, the first crew came in and started looting right from the get-go,” Purdo said, also alleging that blinds were stolen from her window. “They fired them, had to get a whole new crew.” McLaren wrote that he

has no knowledge of claims of looting by the cleanup crew employed by Bach Construction. “I am not aware of any complaints of any kind regarding the contractor we engaged for debris cleanup,” he wrote. “On the contrary I have heard that our contractor has in fact assisted residents who have asked for help beyond the scope of their work with Sun.” One resident whose home was a total loss, Billy Quinn, told the Free Press that he was accused of looting by Sun Communities. No record of an arrest of Quinn related to such a crime was found on the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office website, though McLaren wrote that “we are aware of one alleged case of looting involving an individual unrelated to the contractor we engaged — law enforcement was contacted and addressed with the individual in question.” Quinn was not named specifically. Purdo defended her neighbor. “Billy didn’t loot. Billy has been helping every single one of us, every single day,” she said. The Free Press left

voicemails with both Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Becky Herrin and Islamorada district Capt. Corey Bryan in order to determine if looting complaints were received from either residents or Sun Communities. Neither responded. Quinn, who has taken a leadership role in efforts to address the range of issues that residents face, believes that he’s being targeted for speaking out. “They are obviously trying to attack the guy at the head of the fight,” he said. The group of residents impacted by the hurricane and the fallout afterwards plan to meet with attorney Addie Albareda, who wrote that she and a colleague met with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., regarding delays and difficulties with relief efforts, though she did not specifically address residents’ many concerns. Those concerns will be related in a meeting between the group and Albareda, after which it is unknown what, if any, legal action may be taken. The future is all but clear for Sea Breeze and San Pedro residents displaced by Irma,

and many are resigned not to return. Purdo says that while she plans to stay in Islamorada, she has a bleak outlook on the upcoming battle to recover what has been lost. “I don’t look into the future anymore,” she said. “I’ve been here for 35 years. I’m not going anywhere. It’s a minute-to-minute, dayby-day kind of thing.” [email protected]

A Glass for $ $

500552

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

$ $

7 at 7PM 8 at 8PM and so on...

500557

Visit our

Glass Bottom Bar Voted Best Happy Hour in Town 4pm-7pm p p DAILY!

•Live Music

oking Tiki Bar overlo the marina ies Great for famil Kids can feed the fish! T Vs 18 Flat Screen Outside Watch Sports At the Tiki Bar

Glass Bottom Bar

d Hogfish Macadamia Cruste

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

5 at 5PM 6 at 6PM

MM 99.5, Oceanside 13 Seagate Blvd, Key Largo, FL 33037 Telephone: 305-451-3142 pilothousemarina.com

Featured o n “Diners, Dri ve-Ins & Dives” on The Food Netwo rk

Follow us on Facebook! Pilothouse Marina & Glass Bottom Bar

500561

Loss

8A • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

marathon news

MARATHON

MARATHON

MARATHON

Some permit fees waived until November MARATHON — Hurricane damage-related permit fees are being waived by the city of Marathon through Nov. 16. Contractors seeking permits must be licensed in Florida and registered with the city. The following work does not require a building permit: • Removal of debris from on or in a structure. • Minor demolition to prevent injury or further damage to buildings. • Repair or replacement of gutters. • Roof covering replacement up to 300 square feet. • Fence repair or replacement (like-for-like replacement of an existing fence previously permitted). Residents with swimming pools are being advised that a safety barrier surrounding their

pool must be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Swimming pools without safety barriers pose a life safety threat, even if the pool is empty. • Minor non-structural repairs made to the exterior. • Repair of minor water leaks not involving structural changes. Within the time period for waived permit fees, a Floridalicensed contractor may perform emergency mechanical, electrical and plumbing repairs onsite and submit a permit application within 24 hours of completing the repairs in accordance with Florida building code. To help expedite the permit process, detailed photos showing all damages to be repaired should be submitted with the completed permit application. For more information, call 305743-0033.

County permit office opens

OLIVIA CARLISLE/TDC

U.S. Coast Guard sailors and personnel from the Turtle Hospital offload a 118pound loggerhead sea turtle rescued last week off Marathon. ‘Booga,’ named after the commercial fishing boat whose crew discovered the reptile entangled in fish trap line, was admitted to the Marathon-based facility, which has treated and released more than 1,500 sea turtles since its founding in 1986

MARATHON — The Monroe County Building Office in Marathon reopened at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 2. The Marathon office will only be reviewing building permit applications and conducting inspection activities for emergency permitting at this time, according to Monroe County spokeswoman Cammy Clark. The building is still being utilized as the Emergency Operations Center and parking is limited. For more information, visit keysrecovery.org.

City discusses rebuilding BY JILL ZIMA BORSKI Free Press Contributor

MARATHON — Gratitude was the theme of the Sept. 26 Marathon City Council meeting as council members and citizens expressed thanks for city staff’s and first responders’ efforts to get city services back up and running after Category 4 Hurricane Irma altered its landscape Sept. 10 with strong winds and storm surge. Along those lines, sites for temporary mobile housing units and debris removal including marine debris were discussed. Mayor Dan Zieg urged residents to be wary of contractors working without permits, saying there are stiff fines associated with such illegal work. “It’s a third-degree felony to operate without a license,” he noted, adding that those who hire illegal contractors have no legal recourse in the event the work is faulty. Zieg encouraged those needing construction help to get more than one opin-

ROB O’NEAL/Free Press

The state has begun a $33.3 million rehabilitation project on the Old Seven Mile Bridge, from Knights Key to Pigeon Key.

Repair, rehab begins on old bridge the bridge as well as the underpass will be prohibited during the project. Signs will be displayed advising visitors of the only areas that can be safely accessed until construction is fully complete, which are the pavilion park and 10 parking spaces. Project information will be posted weekly on the department’s website. For more information, call FDOT’s Public Information Office at 305-470-5349 or Paulette Summers at 786-5103921, or go to the website at fdotmonroe.com.

BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

GRASSY KEY — The famous performing dolphin Molly died last week, well into her 50s. She was the last of the “Flipper”-era trained dolphins that was loyal to humans and stirred controversy among anti-captivity activists. Linda Erb, Dolphin Research Center’s vice president of animal care and training, met Molly well before she arrived at the Middle Keys facility in 1996. By that time, Molly was well-known. “I met her in 1992, before the government stepped in and confiscated her and sent her to DRC,” she said.

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

Dr. John F. Torregrosa

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

Quality Senior Care

Please join us in Welcoming

Dr. William Thetford Dr. William Thetford

13365 Overseas Highway Suite #101 • Marathon • (305) 853-5151 www.AnkleandFootSurgery.net • www.AminoAndPRP.net

504499

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

91550 Overseas Highway Suite #107 • Tavernier • (305) 853-5151

“When we got her in 1996 she wasn’t in the best of health. Quite the history this lady had. She has a rich past.” Molly’s estimated birthdate was 1962, making her about 34 years old at that time. She was captured in the wild in 1968, prior to the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act. In short, Molly starred in a movie, trained to find the Loch Ness Monster, travelled the country, escaped into the wild for three weeks, and lived at Theater of the Sea, the Ocean Reef Club and the Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary before finally coming to the Dolphin Research Center. Later in her life, she cared

Specialized Well-Care Services

• Assistance with personal needs • Regular health assessments • Nurses & CNAs on staff

for baby dolphin calves and enjoyed playing with scarves. She is believed to have been one of the oldest living dolphins in captivity. “She was brassy and bold like Bette Midler, and famous for her beautiful huge flips, being 9 feet long. She was coquettish, flirtatious, and she was trained so long ago, she did the beach slide,” Erb said. “If she did a flip, she wanted a herring; she was trained old-school.” Not all view her time working with humans in such a positive light. “Molly was the last survivor of the failed dolphin eco-sanctuary,” said Russ Rector, long-time anti-captivity activist. “Molly paid the price for a lot of people’s egos; she’s another casual-

ty of captivity. In hindsight, Sugarloaf was a desperate measure, and poor Molly lived out the rest of her life having to do stupid pet tricks seven days a week.” According to DRC’s records, Molly escaped from captivity at Ocean Reef in 1992 along with two other dolphins, Bogey and Bacall. The trio lived life on-therun for three weeks before being recaptured off of Key Biscayne while begging for food. There are conflicting records of how the dolphins breached the pen. According to DRC, activists cut the fence, and according to Rector, a lemon shark encroached. “Molly found her home here with us at the DRC,” See DOLPHIN, page 9A

24 Hour

(YL^OP[LÅPLZ bugging you?

Assistance with Chronic Conditions

CALL US TODAY. WE CAN HELP.

• Qualified Medication Aides • House physician on call • Nursing care • Orthopedic rehabilitation • Stroke rehabilitation • Alzheimer Care • Respite and long-term care

Associate American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Medicine

Upper and lower extremities (knee and above) as well as trigger points can be treated by orthopedic surgeon, Richard Giovanelli M.D.

will be in about a month. Refrigerators are considered hazardous materials and are collected separately. The public works official urged residents to separate appliances from yard debris and garbage to help the city maintain lower disposal costs. If the city has to separate such items, it costs more, said Carlos Solis. The resolution to extend a contract with the city landscaper, Gonzalez Brothers, generated a little controversy as Councilman Mark Senmartin was opposed to doing so without putting the work to bid. “In 10 years, it’s never gone out to bid,” he said. “In fairness, this needs to be re-bid.” Since the bid process could take four months, Cook suggested a six-month extension. However, Bartus and others felt the city had other priorities related to recovery from Irma and a one-year extension would be more effective. The one-year period received approval with Senmartin dissenting.

Performing dolphin dies in her 50s

Florida Ankle and Foot Institute

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

Councilman John Bartus said BPAS, as it is known, was supposed to be better than the county’s original rate-of-growth ordinance system and suggested starting the update within the next few months. The next step is to schedule a community workshop with the state Department of Environmental Protection, Zieg said. The awarding of BPAS permits is done quarterly, with the next approval coming in January. Expressing concern about the community’s unmet needs, Vice Mayor Michelle Coldiron suggested forming a task force of community leaders comprised of representatives from many sectors such as business owners, real estate agents, bankers, non-profit organizations and clergy. Lindsey said as the city moves into recovery mode, staff will identify categories in order to seek task force candidates. Regarding debris removal, the city and county planned three passes throughout the municipality, and the final pass for collection

• Arthritis • Diabetes • Hypertension • A.D. and related dementia • Orthopedic • Cardiac • Mental Health • Parkinson Disease

Call today for a tour: 305-248-9662 122 N.W. 7th Street • Homestead, FL Located next to White Lion Café

504498

ned “Locally Ow & Operated Since 1976”

PEST CONTROL, INC.

305-451-3389 • 300 Atlantic Dr. • Key Largo

500541

MONROE COUNTY — The Florida Department of Transportation has begun a $33.3 million repair and rehabilitation project on the Old Seven Mile Bridge from Knights Key to Pigeon Key. The work, which will last roughly four years, includes repairing concrete columns and steel beam including painting, removing a retired water main, repairing the bridge deck, installing a pedestrian/bicycle railing, and adding signs and pavement markings along the bridge. Pedestrian access to

ion and estimates, and to make sure that contractors are licensed in Florida and reliable. The staff provided handouts about permitting and construction guidelines at city hall. “This is to protect our community,” City Manager Chuck Lindsey said. Code Department Manager Stacy Charlton said staff is out in the community educating citizens and contractors. On a related note, Councilman Steven Cook suggested it could be time to update the city’s Building Permit Allocation System, in which people commonly wait in line for months for the right to build. He said residents are sometimes surprised and disappointed when they believe it is their time to receive a building permit and they are overtaken in the point system by others hoping to build. He said there needs to be better communication and perhaps increased incentive to build affordable housing. The council stated their support for the idea.

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

big pine area news BIG PINE KEY

9A

NO NAME KEY

Mobile tax office set up BIG PINE KEY — The Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office has set up a temporary mobile office to accommodate Big Pine Keys residents, who were hit hardest by Hurricane Irma. The agency’s office in the Winn-Dixie plaza suffered extensive damage during the hurricane and is basically unusable, Tax Collector Denise Henriquez said. The mobile office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, and Thursday, Oct. 5. It will be staffed by two people from the state and one person from Henriquez’s office. The agency issues driver’s licenses and boat and vehicle registrations, as well as business licenses. The office can also provide copies of such licences to people who lost them during the storm, Henriquez said. The office on Big Pine Key had roof damage, which led to equipment being flooded with water, Henriquez said. The office has been inundated with mold.

ROB O’NEAL/Free Press

The Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp, above, is literally gone. The foundation, a sink and some PVC pipes are all that remain of the main building at the No Name Key recreational facility. Inset right, the facade of this cabin at the Old Wooden Bridge Fishing Camp was blown out as Hurricane Irma passed through.

Venture Out struggles to put pieces together BY TIMOTHY O’HARA Free Press Staff

CUDJOE KEY — The residents of Venture Out RV and mobile home park continue to struggle to get back to normal and rebuild their lives, as they were still without power three weeks after the storm. The devastation from Hurricane Irma is no more visible than at the sprawling 659-unit RV and mobile home park on the ocean side of Cudjoe Key. Category 4-strength hurricane winds and the tornadoes spawned from the storm wreaked havoc on the park and left a trail of destruction that is beyond description. Trailers and mobile homes ripped in two or with the roofs completely blown off stand next to trailers in need of only minor repairs, leaving park residents to wonder what happened and why some units were saved and others were not. “It’s so overwhelming,” park General Manager Agnes Arra said. In the aftermath, residents have begun repairing damages to their homes, but it has not been easy with no power. They have also not been able to find day laborers to come and work, park residents said. “It’s hard to absorb,” said resi-

TIMOTHY O’HARA/Free Press

Venture Out Park General Manager Agnes Arra and park residents Bill and Vicki Weagley inspect damage at the park. Weagley’s home suffered only minor damage, while their neighbor’s home was destroyed. dent Bill Weagley, as he cleaned up outside his trailer that only suffered minor damage. “We are blessed. We’re trying to do the best we can.” “It’s just crazy,” his wife Vicki added. “We are not complainers. We are doers.” Nearly 70 of the 659 mobile homes, trailers and modular homes are uninhabitable and need to be removed, Arra said.

All units suffered some kind of damage. As of last Thursday, Keys Energy Services couldn’t turn on power to all areas of the park because of the extent of the damage and concerns about starting fires and other issues. Also, trailers and mobile homes need to be removed so crews can get to downed lines. The problem now facing the

park is moving the old trailers and mountains of tree limbs, drywall, furniture and other debris that line the interior streets of the park to Spanish Maine Drive or to an approved storage site so state and Monroe County debris haulers will cart it away. The county and state debris crews can only remove debris from county and state roads in order to be reimbursed by the

Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Judith Clarke, a county engineer overseeing debris removal efforts. But Venture Out has lined up a crew to take the debris out of the park, park attorney Bart Smith said. However, boats, vehicles, mobile homes and old trailers are “not acceptable debris,” Clarke said. Removal of trailers and boats are generally covered by private insurance providers, Clarke said. Clarke’s comments came during last week’s Monroe County Commission meeting. The commission tried to come up with debris removal solutions to help people living in Venture Out. “If it is a pile of metal, it probably won’t be distinguishable from debris that’s been put out,” Clarke told the commission. “If it is a mobile home out on the right-ofway, it won’t get picked up.” County Mayor George Neugent proffered the idea of cutting up or finding other ways of disguising the debris so it doesn’t look like destroyed trailers, but a pile of metal. “You know the rules of engagement,” Neugent told Smith, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of the park. [email protected]

Feds: Key deer, refuge animals need fresh water sources Dolphin Continued from page 8A

LOWER KEYS — Due to the storm surge from Hurricane Irma, salinity levels in freshwater wetlands are on average higher than acceptable levels for most wildlife species, including the endangered Key deer, resident and migratory birds, marsh rabbits, butterflies and other species, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The service completed surveys of areas known to provide fresh water to

wildlife in the National Key Deer Refuge, including No Name and Big Pine keys west to Sugarloaf Key. The general public is welcomed to help by providing fresh water for wildlife on their property until conditions improve over time as they have in previous hurricanes. Service staff and partners will also be providing supplemental water stations for wildlife on the refuge. Those with water resources to share can help

in the following ways: • Provide water in a shallow basin, such as an upside down trash can lid, so that Key deer, birds and insects like butterflies and other pollinators can drink. • Change water frequently to avoid mosquitoes; clean water basin daily to minimize disease spread. Use soapy water or a 10 percent bleach solution to clean containers, rinsing well afterwards. • If there are mosquito control activities in your

area, turn the container over or move it indoors during pesticide application. Clean the basin to minimize pesticide exposure to non-target animals before putting it back outside. • Place containers away from residences and roads to minimize encounters between wildlife and people. Service veterinarian

Samantha Gibbs also conducted an evaluation of food sources for Key deer on Big Pine Key and said enough forage material is available. The service will continue to monitor both food and water availability for wildlife. Look for refuge updates at fws.gov/refuge/ National_Key_Deer_ Refuge and facebook. com/floridakeysrefuges.

said Mary Stella, director of marketing at the center. In the last few years of her life, Molly had grown fond of baby dolphins and always looked out for Summer and made sure she was safe. She was very nurturing to Calusa too, Erb said. “She had a lot of best friends. I miss her so much. We all do,” she said. [email protected]

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

Humberto C. Machado, MD Cardiovascular Fellowship Trained (Chief) Dr. Humberto Machado, a third generation Cardiologist, brings to your community an exceptional reputation as well as vast experience in cardiovascuar care.

EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM

IMPROVED

Dr. Machado will provide you with his personal phone number 24/7. If you have any cardiovascular issues, your doctor is a phone call away. We are committed to establishing a better quality of life for all our patients.

95360 Overseas Hwy. #4 Key Largo, FL 33037 (305) 529-9901

Call us today about: HIGH EFFICIENCY AIR FILTERS • UV LIGHT DISINFECTION SYSTEMS • HUMIDITY CONTROL

CAC1815697 500558

For More Information 305-852-2960

525029

Have a Cardiologist in the Family

10A • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

business & news real estate

UPPER KEYS

LOWER KEYS

Rotary sets up Irma account

SBA bridge loans available

TAVERNIER — The Rotary Club of the Upper Keys has set up a separate checking account to accept donations to be used specific to the longterm needs of those in the Florida Keys impacted by Hurricane Irma. The club, through its foundation, is accepting donations to support rebuilding projects (e.g., granting a not-for-profit organization with funding for a project not covered by insurance). A simple grant application will be available soon and local organizations will be notified about the process. Donations can be made by check to Upper Keys Rotary Foundation Inc., with Hurricane Irma in the memo line, and mailed to P.O. Box 1514, Tavernier, Fla. 33070, or at Upper Keys Rotary website, keysrotary.com or the Irma recovery website at keysrotary.club. For more information, call Baker at 305-304-0052.

STOCK ISLAND — The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Keys Community College is coordinating the Emergency Bridge Loan Program funded by the state of Florida for small businesses. These loans provide operating capital up to $50,000 for a six-month, no-interest term. Application deadline is Oct. 31. The SBDC is also assisting clients with Small Business Administration disaster loan applications. Those loans are capped at $2 million for both damage to property and economic injury. Those needing such help can register at http://floridasbdc.org. For more information, email SBDC Regional Director Kelly Penwell at kelly. [email protected].

CONTRIBUTED

A group of Upper Keys Rotarians and friends distribute supplies to Marathon High School on Monday, Sept. 18. From left are Rotary District 6990 Disaster Relief Chair Don Horton, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce staff member Walt Stephens, Upper Keys Rotary President Jill Miranda Baker, Coral Shores High School Interact Club member Mason Baker, Rotary members Anna Richards and Donna Webb, and Interact member Noah Hane.

TDC launches $1M advertising campaign FLORIDA KEYS — The Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the Florida Keys’ official tourism promotion agency, launched a $1 million advertising campaign Sunday, Oct. 1, to promote the return of visitors to the Florida Keys, which were impacted by Hurricane Irma Sept. 10. The island chain officially reopened to visitors Sunday and the first post-storm cruise ship called at Key West Sept. 24. The advertising campaign — promoting the theme “We Are 1,” referring to U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway that runs throughout the Keys — is being supplemented by targeted sales and public relations efforts to protect the destination’s upcoming winter tourism season, according to TDC officials. The tourism industry employs approximately half of the Keys’ workforce. The new ad campaign includes spot television, radio, digital, print, travel trade and national cable buys, and targets domestic markets of New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C., as well as South Florida and Orlando. International news, travel and lifestyle consumers are targeted in the United Kingdom, Germany

TDC

This frame grab shows a portion of a 30-second television commercial that debuted Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, to create awareness that the Florida Keys have reopened to tourism following impacts from Hurricane Irma. and Scandinavia, said Dorn Martell, chief creative officer at Miami-based Tinsley Advertising, the TDC’s longtime ad agency that is launching the campaign. “Our concept is that the Keys

are resilient and that, as the sun rises in the Florida Keys, so do we,” Martell said. “The sun is shining, the fish are biting and there is a rainbow at the end of the hurricane.”

A television spot states: “Hurricane Irma may have knocked out our power, but in the Florida Keys, we’ve never been more connected. Together, we’ve picked up the pieces and we’re

getting back to business. We are strong and resilient. We are 1.” The spot incorporates a U.S. 1 sign. NewmanPR, which is concluding its 37th year as the TDC’s public relations firm, is disseminating information about the status of Keys districts. The messaging includes points that Key Largo and Key West were less impacted by the storm than regions in between. Other more-impacted tourism-related businesses in the Middle and Lower Keys will take longer to rebound fully for visitors, but some hotels and businesses in those areas are open. Sales efforts will continue targeting global travel industry events geared toward tour operators, travel agents and niches such as the LGBT and weddings markets, said Stacey Mitchell, the TDC’s director. On Wednesday Sept. 27, the Monroe County Commission approved $1 million for TDC marketing and a separate $1 million allocation for capital projects to improve tourism-related facilities impacted by Irma. The TDC is funded by a resort tax paid by visitors staying in Florida Keys lodging facilities.

Upper Keys businesses resolute about rebuilding BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

UPPER KEYS — A roadside message written on plywood, “Can’t Drown a Conch,” sums up the resilience the local business community has shown after Hurricane Irma briefly stymied the island chain’s commerce. Post-Irma, Upper Keys businesses hustled to clean up, restock and reopen their doors, despite tourism typically being slow in September and massive debris piles dotting U.S. 1. The storm’s full financial

impact won’t be known for weeks, but local business leaders know where the solution lies. “We need heads in the beds, people to eat out and support local businesses down here,” said Elizabeth Moscynski, president of Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. “Just how fast most of us cleaned up and opened our doors is a testament to our community’s hard workers,” she said. The county, in concert with all municipality officials had made the official decision that visitors could safely return as of Sunday,

were being held for emergency workers and people displaced by Irma, according to Judy Hull, executive director of the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce. The closure of several large oceanfront resorts accounts for the bulk of unavailable rooms. “We are still in the process of assessing damages and do not have a projected reopening date as of this time,” said Denyse Hall, The Islander’s director of catering. The resort’s website says it will be “a couple of months” before it can reopen. Cheeca Lodge & Spa was hit hard and has canceled all reservations through Jan. 4 and is refunding deposits in full. “We do however expect to reopen in the early part of 2018. As soon as we have

DAN CAMPBELL/Free Press

One Key Largo shop owner has a message for anyone thinking the Florida Keys can’t rebound quickly from Irma.

said she’s currently in talks with the Ocean Reef MM 82 • 664-4335 Chamber of Commerce and the Key Largo Chamber The Dancers of Commerce to schedule in the Keys! workshops for businesses, homeowners and renters who need assistance in filDistinctive and Tasteful ing paperwork for disaster Florida’s Most Beautiful Women loans. For now, Upper Keys resPrivate Table Dances Available idents can apply for assistance online at disasterloan. sba.gov/ela or by phone at 1-800-659-2955. State Rep. Holly Raschein R-Key Largo, says she has been working to get federFederal help al agencies involved in the 2-4-1 Dances recovery to set up a base in 2-4-1 Drinks Tracy Ray Harbor, a rep- the Upper Keys. DAN CAMPBELL/Free Press ½ Price Appetizers Jaws Raw Bar was among the amenities damaged at Islamorada’s resentative with the Small 4-8pm • No Cover See RESOLUTE, page 11A Postcard Inn. Business Administration,

HOTTEST

TOTAL NUDITY

Full Liquor & Food Served ’til Close

KEYS HOTTEST HAPPY HOUR

525028

am! Open ’til 4s Couple Welcome!

Oct. 1, which was well in advance of original estimates and tourist high-season. Moscynski is concerned over Irma’s impact on housing though, and hopes there will be enough lodging available for displaced working families. “If you don’t have employees, your business is going to suffer. We are one big Keys family, and we need to support each other and help everyone get back on their feet,” she said. Her lodging list shows plenty of rooms available and some at a discount rate for county residents. Islamorada felt more of an impact from the storm than Key Largo. As of Thursday, about 85 to 90 percent of Islamorada hotel rooms were offline, and the remaining rooms

a firm open date, we will share it on the website, through social media and via email,” the resort’s website says. The Islamorada Chamber of Commerce has been posting on its Facebook feed a list of businesses that are open and operational. Hull is encouraging visitors to reach out to their favorite businesses and donate directly to help them get back on their feet.

opinion CONTACT US Florida Keys Free Press 91731 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 Phone: 305-853-7277 Classified Ads 305-292-7777, ext. 210 Advertising Email [email protected] News Email [email protected] News Fax 305-853-0575 Website keysnews.com Publisher Paul A. Clarin [email protected] Managing Editor Dan Campbell [email protected] Advertising Director Melanie Arnold [email protected] Office Manager Carol Koris [email protected]

INFORMATION The Florida Keys Free Press is published each Wednesday with a weekly distribution of 13,000 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.

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

11A

Grand lady of DRC passes away

Welcome back! Restoring operations at the Florida Keys Free Press after Hurricane Irma was complicated not only by the general loss of power and internet service experienced by most of us in the Florida Keys but also by a large tree felled by the storm that has required additional on-site work by local service providers. During the storm and its aftermath, Free Press staff posted stories and photos to our website, keysnews.com, from various locations with power to keep our readers with internet and cellphone service updated about storm-related developments. We also published two print editions in partnership with our sister publication, The Key West Citizen, on Sept. 23 and Sept. 27. This week’s edition of the Free Press marks the return to regular weekly publication. Thank you for your loyalty and patience through these challenging times. – Dan Campbell, editor

Finding compassion after the storm Returning to Key Largo after Hurricane Irma swept through our beloved islands, we saw that our first floor had held roughly 3 feet of water as the surge washed over the coral rock and inundated the mangroves growing alongside the house. We had taken all of the necessary precautions to secure our freezer full of food, and it paid off. We had raised the freezer 1 ½ feet by distributing cement bricks under the corners. The many milk jug gallons of water we placed in the freezer when we anticipated a storm hit kept the food frozen for four days after the hurricane, even with no electricity. Of course, the saltwater ruined the freezer’s motor. We knew our two major stores — Kmart and Publix — lacked electricity, as did most of the island. However, when we drove over to Kmart on a whim that luck might be with us, we encountered two very industrious people with brooms and rakes in hand, Heather Smith and Devonne Waters-Davis. Both were highly focused and attempting to clean up tree branches and assorted debris in the parking lot directly in front of the store in spite of the hot, humid, mosquito-infested conditions. I am sure this work is not in their job description. These competent, engaged young women were both profusely sweating, but their smiles radiated two individuals who are totally confident, innovative and love working for Kmart. It is obvious they both take great pride in their managerial skills as well as being a part of our active, small community. Heather and Devonne both represent a significant force as part of the Kmart family, and their parent company, Sears, should be extremely proud of their strong work effort. Learning Heather and Devonne are Kmart’s Key Largo store managers, we asked if it would be possible to purchase a freezer in order to save our food. Without hesitation, they said, “Yes.” By flashlight, Devonne took my husband inside, he picked out the freezer and helper Robbie Gilbert — a recent graduate of Coral Shores High School — rolled it out to our car and helped lift it in the trunk. He refused to take a tip. Heather said she would take cash or a check and keep it in the safe until electricity was restored and then we could pick up a receipt. These three compassionate individuals make the world a little better through their humanitarian efforts. Robin L. Sarantos, Key Largo

Fisheries mismanagement After spending 26 years on the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council’s snapper/ grouper advisory panel, I learned a few things about fisheries mismanagement. The hogfish fiasco is a classic example of how management often fails. Numerous times throughout my years on the advisory panel we expressed concern about the condition of the hogfish stocks. The fish were getting smaller — females were changing sex at smaller sizes — and overall numbers were down. In short the hogfish appeared to be displaying all the classic signs of overfishing, especially in the South Florida/Keys area. The advisory panel recommended on several occasions that the minimum size limit of 12 inches was not adequate and to avoid a negative stock assessment the size limit should be raised to a more reasonable size, like 14 inches and incrementally (over time) to 16 inches. This we felt, if implemented soon enough, would possibly avoid the inevitable closure that would follow a negative stock assessment, which is where we were heading. Each time we raised the issue the council would reply, “No, we have to wait for a stock assessment.” We would counter, “We are trying to be proactive. Raise the size limit now to protect the stock and avoid a closure.” Still, the council would not consider our recommendations. Unfortunately, such common sense approaches and years of on water experience, both above and below the water, seem to have little value to fishery managers. If it can’t be factored into a highly complex stock assessment model, then information is of little use. Our advisory panel was made up mainly of commercial/recreational fishermen and divers, not scientists. This begs the question: if the council is not going to accept anecdotal accounts/observations, then why have an advisory panel composed of non-scientists? The current draconian measures imposed on the hogfish fishery are a direct result of the South Atlantic council failing to take the advice of their own very experienced advisory panel, with more than 800 years of combined on and under water experience. We tried to be proactive numerous times, but the council ignored our recommendations every time. The system failed, everyone lost and the resource suffered.

It is with great sorrow that Dolphin Research Center shares the news of the passing of Molly late in the evening of Sept. 23. One of the oldest dolphins living in human care, she was believed to be at least 56 years old and had lived at Dolphin Research Center since 1996. A definitive cause of death is not known at this time. A necropsy was performed, which may or may not reveal a cause. To live longer than 50 years means that she was very old for a bottlenose dolphin. In recent years, she experienced some health issues commensurate with her advanced age and received the finest medical care. She enjoyed a vital quality of life to the end. “Molly was a dearly loved member of the Dolphin Research Center family. It was a privilege to be her home for the last 21 years and to dedicate ourselves to her welfare. We will miss this grand lady deeply while we also honor her memory,” said Rita Irwin, Dolphin Research Center’s President and CEO. Molly was well known to dolphin lovers not only in the Florida Keys, but also around the world. She was an icon with a long, interesting history and a life of many adventures. Over the years, she also lived at several other facilities, including Theater of the Sea, Ocean Reef Club and, just prior to Dolphin Research Center, the ill-fated Sugarloaf Dolphin Sanctuary. Among some of the interesting stories told from her past is one where she and another dolphin were selected to be trained to search for the Loch Ness Monster. That project was, however, scratched before it was tried. Although Molly never raised a calf of her own, she loved the babies born at DRC to other mothers and demonstrated true enjoyment as a surrogate “aunt.” In recent years, she partnered with her great friend Tursi and took little Summer, a rescued Atlantic spotted dolphin who came to DRC, under their flippers. The trio regularly swam together and participated in sessions together. She formed strong relationships with her human friends as well and was an excellent teacher. Molly helped two generations of marine mammal trainers develop greater knowledge and experience in the care of dolphins. Along the way, she developed a fondness for silk scarves and received many as gifts over the years. It was common to see her swim around the lagoons at DRC with a scarf artfully draped over one of her flippers. “We know that there are many, many people whose lives Molly touched. We know that these people join us in grieving over her death. We hope that they will also find comfort in celebrating her amazing life,” added Irwin. Mary Stella, Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key

DRC/Contributed

©2017 Cooke Communications

Don DeMaria, Summerland Key

Molly frolics with the pod during the summer.

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 Field hospital opens at Fishermen’s site

Resolute

MARATHON — Baptist Health South Florida has opened a field hospital on the grounds of Fishermen’s Community Hospital to provide healthcare services to the Middle Keys. Fishermen’s, which sustained structural damage during Hurricane Irma, is part of Baptist Health’s hospital network that also includes Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. The mobile disaster hospital, which was provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, includes a five-bed emergency department, a six-bed in-patient unit, diagnostic equipment and a laboratory. A team from the Mississippi Department of Health has also assisted with setup and training.

“Our office’s focus has been on pushing for the establishment of a longterm presence from FEMA, SBA and other similar organizations in the form of an Upper Keys Disaster Recovery Center,” Raschein said. “It is important that we have these resources available in numerous locations throughout the county given our unique geography.” On Saturday, FEMA announced the opening of a DRC at the Bernard Russell Fire Station at mile marker 81.8, bayside, in Islamorada. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. [email protected]

The mobile disaster hospital was deployed in 2005 to south Mississippi in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, to Louisville, Miss., in 2014, after a tornado heavily damaged that community’s hospital and to Kinston, N.C., in 2016, when flooding from Hurricane Matthew prevented highway access for some areas to the local hospital. One of Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Green Family Foundation NeighborhoodHELP mobile units will also be on site, and will house the command center for the field hospital. Fishermen’s Community Hospital is located at 3301 Overseas Highway, near mile marker 48.7.

CONTRIBUTED

Fishermen’s Community Hospital’s mobile care unit includes an emergency room area.

Continued from page 10A

12A • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press XXX

STORM RECOVERY Demolition, docks, grading & clearing, pool repair, interior and exterior repair, engineering, permitting, insurance consultation, landscaping, mold prevention, roofing A to Z. Now serving Ocean Reef to Grassy Key.

Hire local and established licensed contractors, beware of out of town contractors and scammers!

HELP WANTED Are you displaced from your place of work? Come see us until your employment is restored. Basic requirements: Willing to work hard to stay in the place we all love. Office help also available

DOOLEY CONSTRUCTION 40 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE Same location MM 88.5 Mike Dooley GC-271-C Casey Dooley CGC-1519215

305.852.8000 [email protected] 529814

pursuits • Living • Learning • Playing • Exploring

KEYSNEWS.COM

1B

FLORIDA KEYS FREE PRESS • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017

SUP’s up

Strong start

Special Olympics paddleboarding event set for mid-October. 5B

Lady Canes volleyball begins season 5-0. 6B

The show must go on

CONTRIBUTED

John Popper, Blues Traveler founder and frontman, will perform a solo, one-night-only show at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Seminole Theatre in Homestead.

Blues Traveler frontman to play Irma benefit

ROB O’NEAL/Free Press

A giant, three-dimensional Fantasy Fest sign will be installed in front of the Custom House during the 10-day festival for photo ops and social media sharing.

HOMESTEAD — Seminole Theatre will present a charity concert, featuring John Popper of Blues Traveler, to benefit victims of Hurricane Irma at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. All proceeds from the concert will be donated to the United Way’s Irma Relief Fund, with 100 percent of every dollar raised going directly to recovery and repair of the Florida Keys, according to Mickey McGuire, executive director of the Seminole Theatre. “Twenty-five years ago, Hurricane Andrew destroyed the Seminole Theatre. The community came together to help rebuild the venue, and now we need to support the community,” McGuire said. “We were fortunate enough to survive Irma with minimal damage, so we want to help our friends in the

Fantasy Fest expected to serve as lifeline BY MANDY MILES Free Press Staff

KEY WEST — The Southernmost City’s legendary annual party has long shined as a light at the end of the tunnel for workers and business owners struggling through the typically slow fall season. But Hurricane Irma has elevated the role of Fantasy Fest from light to lifeline. “No pressure or anything,” said Nadene Grossman-Orr, the new director of Fantasy Fest, only half-joking about the renewed and crucial importance of Fantasy Fest to Key West’s and the Lower Keys’ workforce. “Not only is this my first year as director, but let’s add a devastating Category 4 hurricane to the mix.” But the show must go on, and Grossman-Orr’s team is committed to making magic happen Oct. 20

to 29 with the theme “Time Travel Unravels.” Although most Florida Keys residents would relish an opportunity to return to the time before Sept. 10, event officials are adapting as much as possible to post-storm life. “We’ve decided to make the storm team from US1 Radio the grand marshals for this year’s Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade on Oct. 28,” Grossman-Orr said. “Their extraordinary efforts and dedication to the Keys have never been more apparent than during Hurricane Irma just a few weeks ago.” She said her team will design and build a hurricane-themed float for radio personalities from Florida Keys Media Bill Becker, Ron Saunders, Steve Miller and Kimmy B., along with general manager Rick Lopez, station owner Bob Holladay and sta-

tion engineer Ricky Carter. “The team hunkered down in their studio at Sugarloaf Key and braved the Category 4 hurricane. The station survived the storm and remained on air in the days following using a generator,” Grossman-Orr said. The complete loss of all communications in the Florida Keys — cellphones, internet, power and television — made the radio station the only local source of information and updates for several days. Storm survivors called into the station using land lines, the only operational form of communications or stopped by the station to convey important information, such as damage reports, missing people, where to find water, food and gas. Grossman-Orr added, “We’ve See FEST, page 5B

Keys while providing a little entertainment for the community.” During the height of its popularity in the 1990s, Blues Traveler released such Billboard chart hits as “RunAround” and “Hook” and enjoyed regular rotation on MTV and VH1, in large part due to frontman Popper’s catchy lyrics, deep vocals and talented harmonica play. A limited number of special VIP Packages are available for the concert. The VIP Package is $80 and includes a ticket to the concert and a meet-and-greet with Popper. All tickets for the charity concert can be purchased at the Seminole Theatre box office or online at seminoletheatre.org. Tickets start at $35. For more information, visit seminoletheatre.org.

Upper Keys events: Canceled, postponed, on tap BY THERESA JAVA Free Press Staff

UPPER KEYS — Locals may be looking to blow off some steam amidst their post-Irma recovery. But since the storm claimed scores of homes and businesses that typically host community events, some happenings have been canceled. Luckily, others have been postponed or are still on tap.

On tap The 4th Annual Witches Ride is scheduled at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14, at The Catch in Key Largo. Witches will depart the restaurant on bicycle to the Caribbean Club at 2:30 p.m. Jeannine Cook is organizing a Witches Dance to take place at the Caribbean Club with practice starting this week. A practice location has not been set. For more information, check Facebook under 4th Annual 2017 Witches Ride. Key Largo’s Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, scheduled for Oct. 18 to 22 at Playa Largo, is still happening. This year’s event celebrates the 1942 Bogart classic, “Casablanca.” For

tickets, visit bogartfilmfestival.com. Immerse Yourself! free lecture series at the History of Diving Museum is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18. This month’s topic, “Florida Public Archeology Network,” will be presented by Mallory Fenn. For more information, call 305-6649737. All events scheduled for the remainder of the year at the Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, which is based at Islamorada’s Islander Resort, are confirmed, starting with the 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 event, “Haunted History:

Robert the Doll Returns to Islamorada.” “The Keys History and Discovery Museum itself came out fine, but the Islander took a direct hit and may be closed six months to a year. In the meantime, they’re operating out of the museum,” said Brad Bertelli, museum curator. The discovery center’s fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum,” scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 10 will go forward.

Dragonfly Casino, a fundraiser for Visiting Nurses Association/Hospice of the Florida Keys, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 13, at the Islander Resort, has been canceled. Casting for Cats Fishing Tournament and Awards Banquet, scheduled for Oct. 20 to 21 at the Islander, will not be held. AYSO Upper Keys has cancelled its 2017 fall soccer season. “Having taken all variables into consideration surrounding our island’s Canceled condition post-Hurricane Irma, the official verdict of A Mystical Evening at the this year’s fall soccer season

is canceled,” reads a post on AYSO’s Facebook page. “We want everyone to have the chance to put their homes and lives together without the added pressure of having to coach, ref and/ or shuttle players up and down the Keys to soccer practice.” It further says that they will be issuing refund checks to its more than 300 players.

Postponed The Destination Wedding See EVENTS, page 5B

IS YOUR PROPERTY READY FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON? SEA WE CAN HELP!

ɀȄɯȎDZ̈ɀɞȓǫLjȥDZʗɥ Ȅ ̈ ʗ

Contact us to learn more about our live management program (305) 800-KEYS (5397) www.CoastalVacationRentalsoftheFloridaKeys.com

525036

Coastal vacation Rentals

▶ Nationwide Rental Network ▶ Full-service property management ▶ In-house Licensed General Contractor & Licensed Plumbing Contractor

2B • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

more pursuits

Call to artists for fund auction KEY WEST — The Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys Inc. has announced a call to artists for the 2018 Fine Art Auction, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9, at the Studios of Key West. The submission period for artwork opened Oct. 1 and closes Nov. 10. To submit an online application and an accompanying photo(s) via the online entry form, go to mckeefund.org. Artists will be notified of acceptance no later than Dec. 1. Due to space and time limitations, the call to artists is only able to accept 50 entries. The Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida

Keys Inc. determines whether or not art submitted will be accepted for auction. The annual art auction raises money for project-based grants to Keys visual, literary and performing artists. Under the guidance of auctioneer Tom Luna, attendees can bid on original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry and more. Each participating artist receives 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his or her work, while the McKee Fund receives the remainder to award to other Keys artists for select projects. The not-for-profit fund has awarded more than $275,000 since 1994.

Theater season modified MARATHON — Marathon Community Theatre, like nearly every other business and residence in the Florida Keys, took a major hit from Hurricane Irma. The 2017-18 season will be modified until repairs can be made to the building, according to MCT officials. At this time, MCT plans to present a Christmas variety show in December, which will serve as a fundraiser to help cover the costs of repairs to the building. In addition, a spring musical, title yet to be determined, is being planned. MCT is asking ticket holders to consider treating the cost of

those tickets as a donation toward the group’s hurricane relief fund. Those seeking a refund, instead, should email [email protected] for processing. For more information, call 305731-7929.

Pirate party KEY LARGO —Pirates on the Water, a Parrot Heads of the Upper Keys organization, will be having its 11th annual Pit Stop Party on Oct. 30 and 31 at the Caribbean Club, mile marker 104, bayside. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Monday and noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday. The party is held in conjunc-

tion with the annual Parrot Head Convention in Key West, “Meeting of the Minds.” Thousands of Parrot Heads are expected to be passing through Key Largo on their way to the Jimmy Buffett-inspired gathering in Key West and are invited to make a pit stop at the Key Largo organization’s two-day event. It is also a fundraising event for the local club through sales of hamburgers and hot dogs, 50/50 raffles and other activities. Funds will also be shared with the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for Hurricane Irma relief. Admission is free. For more information, call Janet at 305-394-3178 or email info@ piratesonthewater.org.

faces & places CLEANING UP

KEYS STRONG

top 10 bestsellers HARDBACK FICTION 1. A Legacy of Spies 2. A Column of Fire 3. The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye 4. Little Fires Everywhere 5. A Gentleman in Moscow 6. Glass Houses 7. My Absolute Darling 8. The Cuban Affair (Debut) ROB O’NEAL/Free Press

9. Enemy of the State

‘Fred,’ the beloved Australian pine tree that has been growing along the span of the now-abandoned Old Seven Mile Bridge, made it through Hurricane Irma’s triple-digit wind speeds. At top left, an American Red Cross van traverses the newer span of the bridge.

10. Forest Dark

H A R D B A C K N O N F I C T. 1. What Happened 2. Astrophysics for People in

THERESA JAVA/Free Press

Shipwreck’s Bar & Grille manager Tiffany Sagan cleans up the Key Largo establishment on Sept. 15 after it sustained roof damage during Hurricane Irma.

a Hurry 3. Braving the Wilderness

BROADCAST BREAK

4. The Subtle Art of Not Giving

ON THE MEND

A F*ck 5. Hillbilly Elegy 6. Unbelievable

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Kate Watts and veterinarian Samantha Gibbs happened upon this juvenile brown pelican looking out of sorts in the middle of the road. He was captured, hydrated and released back into the wild.

7. Al Franken, Giant of the Senate 8. Killing England: The Brutal Struggle for American Independence (Debut) 9. Principles: Life and Work (Debut) 10. The TB12 Method: How to Achieve a Lifetime of Sustained Peak Performance (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 Aug. 26, 2017.

CHRIS EGGLESTON/USFWS

ROB O’NEAL/Free Press

Bill Becker of US1 Radio takes a break from broadcasting to work on his home over which the eye of Hurricane Irma passed on Sugarloaf Key.

live entertainment LOCAL BAND AND VOCALIST PERFORMANCES FRIDAY, Oct. 6 Bayside Grille: The Satellites 6 to 9 p.m. Boondocks: TBA 7 to 11 p.m. Caribbean Club: Silver Stripe 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Gilberts: Bobbe Brown noon to 4 p.m., Ricky Valido 7 to 11 p.m. Islamorada Fish Company Beach: TBA 5 to 9 p.m. Fire Dancer Jeanette sunset. Islamorada Fish Company Zane Grey Lounge: Reggie Paul 5 to 9 p.m.

Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill: Taylor King Band 6 to 10 p.m. Lorelei: Ericson Holt Band 5 to 9 p.m. Oceanview Lounge: Allan Truesdell 7 to 11 p.m. Pilot House: TBA 6 to 10 p.m. Snook’s Bayside: Yishka 6 to 10 p.m. SATURDAY, Oct. 7 Bayside Grille: Steve Venini 6 to 9 p.m. Boondocks: TBA 7 to 11 p.m..

Caribbean Club: Uncle Rico 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Gilberts: Uncle Smokey 1 to 5 p.m., Trip Machine 7 to 11 p.m., Magic by Michael Trixx 8 to 9 p.m. Islamorada Fish Company Beach: Reggie Paul noon to 4 p.m., TBA 5 to 9 p.m. Fire Dancer Jeanette sunset. Islamorada Fish Company Zane Grey Lounge: Cliff Stutts noon to 4 p.m. Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill: TBA 7 to 11 p.m.

Lorelei: The Stone Crabs 5 to 9 p.m. Snook’s Bayside: The Freddies noon to 4 p.m., Ashba 6 to 10 p.m. SUNDAY, Oct. 8 Bayside Grille: Dave’s Alter Ego 6 to 9 p.m. Boondocks: TBA 6 to 10 p.m. Caribbean Club: The Taylor King Band 5 to 9 p.m. Gilberts: Mr. Stix & The Spurience 1 to 6 p.m.

Islamorada Fish Company Beach: Dennis Holmes noon to 4 p.m., Jay Cox 5 to 9 p.m. Island Grill at Mandalay: Jam Nite with Kenny Channels 6 to 10 p.m. Kiki’s Sand Bar: Roger Jokela 4 to 7 p.m. Lorelei: Steve and John Webb with Billy Davidson 5 to 9 p.m. Snook’s Bayside: The Sweetwater Band noon to 4 p.m., Steel Drums by Sir Cedrik 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

outdoors

3B

Everglades reopens visitor center, Anhinga Trail HOMESTEAD — Everglades National Park has reopened the Homestead visitor entrance and Anhinga Trail from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Park rangers have resumed offering the 50-minute Anhinga Amble tour at 10:30 a.m. and the 20-minute Glades Glimpse at 1:30 p.m. to visitors each day. As restrooms and water are currently only available at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, visitors are encouraged to bring a water bottle that can be refilled before proceeding to the Anhinga Trail. “We are very pleased to be inviting the public back to their park,” Everglades National Park Superintendent Pedro Ramos said. “Parks provide our community a place to relax and recharge after significant events such as Hurricane Irma.” Along the Tamiami Trail, Coopertown Airboat Tours,

NPS/Contributed

A small alligator ambles across the Anhinga Trial, providing visitors with a close-up look at Everglades wildlife. Gator Park, and Everglades Safari park are also open for tours. Park marine waters remain open to the public and commercial permit holders. A notice to mariners has been posted regarding hazards in Florida Bay. The Flamingo Marina remains closed. All other areas of the park are closed and will reopen in phases as they become safe, Ramos said. The park will also close at night for safety and security purposes.

In addition to assessing infrastructure, the park continues to assess impacts to the park’s natural and cultural resources. “The Everglades is very resilient, and while Hurricane Irma knocked down a lot of trees and affected our marine areas, it NPS/Contributed will recover as it always has Everglades National Park’s Anhinga Trail offers a user-friendly paved path and boardwalk along a in the past,” Ramos said. portion of Taylor Slough to provide visitors with a glimpse of alligators, turtles and foraging birds. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available on the park’s website at nps.gov/ever.

Divers can help Florida Keys ecosystem through ‘voluntourism’ KEY LARGO — The Florida Keys are home to the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, where recreational divers can give back to the underwater ecosystem through ‘voluntourism’ experiences, including coral restoration and lionfish removal. Led by local marine scientists from Key Largo’s Coral Restoration Foundation and Summerland Key’s Mote Marine Tropical Research Laboratory, recreational sport divers can learn about environmental impacts on Keys reefs and get hands-on with restoration dives. During working dives to coral nurseries, volunteers clean and prepare corals for planting. Endangered base-building corals such as boulder, brain and star corals, plus two branching species, staghorn and elkhorn, can be propagated quickly to create new habitats. “This is something the average person can get their hands on and do,” CRF Director Ken Nedimyer said. “Volunteers can take the experience back to their home communities. It is a grass-roots way of giving people ownership.” To take part in CRF coral restoration efforts, divers need to be at least 18 years of age, be certified as an open-water diver with experience of at least 30 prior dives, provide proof of dive insurance and key training skills. All participants will need to complete a volunteer orientation at the Coral Restoration Foundation’s Education Center. To volunteer with the Coral Restoration Foundation, visit coralrestoration.org.

REEF

Divers are encouraged to help remove invasive lionfish. partnered with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the dive community to raise awareness about the importance of capturing and removing lionfish from Keys waters. Through annual events including the Floridawide Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day each May and the Florida Keys’ Lionfish Derby Series, visiting divers can help efforts to eradicate lionfish, before dining on this tasty, edible fish. Other important interactive marine conservation events include Key Largo’s annual REEF Fest, which is set to take place this year

from Dec. 7 to 10. This event includes activities such as educational seminars and dive sessions. Visit REEF. org/REEFFest. For more information on ‘voluntourism’ in the Florida Keys, visit keysvoluntourism.com.

KEVIN GAINES/Contributed

Nursery-grown coral is ready for planting along the coral reef.

525009

Dinner • Late Night! Di D

Breakfast • Lunch h

Sports Bar

NEW! Online Ordering at Dennys.com

Get all your diner favorites. Whatever. Whenever. Now. Wherever.

Lionfish removal The capture and removal of lionfish from Keys waters is another way visitors can help to protect the area’s underwater jungle. This invasive Indo-Pacific species preys on invertebrates and juvenile fish like grunts and hamlets, and steals resources from domestic species like grouper and snapper. To combat this, the Keys’ Reef Environmental Education Foundation has

500560

Wednesday is Ladies Night! FULL BAR! All Night Drink Specials!

305.440.2023 Open 6am - 2pm • 7 days a week MM97 • 97630 OVERSEAS HWY • KEY LARGO

4B • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

gardening

at the movies … IN THE KEYS & SOUTH FLORIDA

coming soon: The Mountain Between Us (PG-13, Drama and Romance) -

Stranded after a tragic plane crash, two strangers must forge a connection to survive the extreme elements of a remote snow-covered mountain. When they realize help is not coming, they embark on a terrifying journey across hundreds of miles of wilderness, pushing one another to endure and igniting an unexpected attraction. Blade Runner 2049 (R, Drama, Thriller and Sci-Fi/Fantasy) -

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. My Little Pony: The Movie (PG, Kids/Family and Comedy) - A

new dark force threatens Ponyville and the Mane 6 – Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity – embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria where they meet new friends and exciting challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship and save their home.

now showing: IT (R, Horror/Suspense) — A group of kids called the

“Losers Club” encounter a creature called It, which preys on children and whose favorite form is that of a sadistic clown called Pennywise. Home Again (PG-13, Drama and Comedy) - Recently separated from her husband, Alice Kinney decides to start over by moving back to her hometown of Los Angeles with her two young daughters. During a night out on her 40th birthday, Alice meets three aspiring filmmakers who happen to be in need of a place to live. Alice agrees to let the guys stay in her guest house temporarily, but the arrangement ends up unfolding in unexpected ways. Alice’s unlikely new family and new romance comes to a crashing halt when her ex-husband shows up, suitcase in hand. Information courtesy of movieinsider.com

future releases:

Happy Death Day

The Foreigner

Only The Brave

dvd releases PICK OF THE WEEK A Ghost Story (R, Drama and Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - A woman loses

her husband and doesn’t know how to cope. But he’s actually still there. He watches her move on to another, but knows her heart still belongs to him. As a child, she used to write tiny notes to herself and hide them. These notes play a key role for those who enjoy looking beneath the surface.

mystery PHOTO

Clerodendrums erupt with show-stopping starbursts BY ROBIN ROBINSON Key West Garden Club

T

his dark and sultry seductress lures the gardener into planting her with names like starburst and glory bower. She erupts with large, show-stopping flower heads in January. She is so spectacular that tourists want to get their pictures taken with her. Only later, the gardener realizes that this enticer has not fully revealed her propensity to send out myriads of suckers. The roots runners travel yards and pop up all over the lawn. This is not a problem if the lawn is mowed. But it is a problem if the runners constantly need to be removed as they have a long taproot. It is not invasive in Florida because it dies back with a frost, but it is a good candidate for that designation. On the positive side, Clerodendrum quadriloculare goes off like a shooting star. The flowers emerge as buds and elongate to deep coral-pink tubes. A group of buds open to create a large upper surface with each recurving floret with five pink or white petals. The 4-inch tubes on the flowers attract hummingbirds and long-tongued butterflies. This shrub does not turn into a non-entity when not in bloom. Its 6-inch oval green leaves create a compact canopy. A deep, dark purple resides on the underside of the leaf. The dark beauty flirts with breezes while flipping the shades of her leaves from dark green to glossy purple, first the skirt and then the petticoat. Her thin, widely spaced limbs break easily. Understory limbs lose leaves with lack of light and litter the ground around the shrub with small dead branches. A 15-foot tall starburst clerodendrum readily takes to pruning if the gardener needs a lower bush. Prune after the blooms are gone in the fall. When the shrub is pruned it thinks it is in danger and goes into overdrive putting out multitudes of suckers, but pruning will keep the shrub from getting lanky. It grows quickly — 5 to 7 feet in a year. Shoots arising from the runners make great hostess presents. Plant one in a pretty pot and tie it with a bow. Presentation is important. Do not discuss the nature of runners with the recipient, but do give her the picture of starburst’s splendid

ROBIN ROBINSON/Contributed

Clerodendrum quadriloculare goes off like a shooting star. The flowers emerge as buds and elongate to deep coral-pink tubes, before releasing pink or white petals. bloom. Birds spread seeds. However, since the species is not native, local birds may not like it. Starburst grows to be a tree in its native Philippines, but not here. It is invasive in numerous countries in Southeast Asia. It is a versatile multibranched, shrub despite its star-crossed nature. It grows in full sun or dappled shade. In the shade, the shrub is thinner and blooms less. Due to the warm climate, summer rains, winter drought and the well-drained sandy soil, it thrives in the Florida Keys. Planting a row of these bushes 4 feet apart will create a wall of private splendor. An individual shrub stands out as an accent specimen. If planting near a home, leave at least five feet to enable the gardener to get behind it and cut off runners. Starburst can also be used as a backdrop for shorter bloomers. It would look good accenting architecture of a two-story home, especially if the home were painted deep purple. Key West Master Gardener Robin Robinson was a columnist for the Chicago Daily News. Her books are “Plants of Paradise” and “Roots, Rocks and Rain: Native Trees of the Florida Keys.”

NEWS TIP? CALL 305-853-7277, EXT. 11 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, you will receive one free lunch at Sharkey’s Pub & Galley Restaurant, 522 Caribbean Drive, in Key Largo. Only one winner per household allowed every 90 days. Please pick up certificate within 30 days.

Keys Strong Hurricane Relief Party Saturday October 28, 2017 12pm - 4pm Complimentary Burgers and Hot Dogs /LSTL[Ä[[PUN *Bike Raffle* Plus many other giveaways

LAST PHOTO: Whale Harbor Seafood Buffet, Islamorada WINNER: Lisa Kost

Travis W. Bennett, DMD

102965 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

305-451-2616 Sandy M. Brito, DMD

OCTOBER ONLY

90290 Overseas Hwy, Suite 108, Tavernier, FL 33070

Bring this AD for

305-852-5099 www.EveryoneLovesaGentleDentist.com

15% OFF Accessories 10% OFF Bicycles *Discounts apply to in stock items only 500543

500544

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

things to do

5B

Special Olympics Invitational set for mid-October obstacle course, followed by adapted races for Special Olympics athletes. Proceeds from all events will sponsor Special Olympics SUP racers, benefiting Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County to help get athletes back on the playing field and in the water after Hurricane Irma. Register for the weekend events at http://bit.ly/ 24DAV1x.

• Saturday, Oct. 14, Smathers Beach, 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd., will be open for all to enjoy. Meet with race director Sue Cooper for a coach’s meeting/discussion about the direction of SUP in Special Olympics. Also planned is a luau-style dinner, followed by a dance party. • Sunday, Oct. 15, Race Day will include a paddleboard race with a beach run

Keys Window & Door Company CONTRIBUTED

Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County will hold its Stand Up Paddle Invitational Oct. 13 to 15. Olympics athletes from all over the country are expected to participate. Started in 2012, the SUP Invitational has helped grow the sport into a national event for Special Olympics. SUP will be included in next July’s 2018 USA Games. Sue Cooper, owner of Lazy Dog Adventure, has been a part of Special Olympics SUP since 2012. As the Special Olympics Florida State SUP Games officiate, she will be the event race

director for paddle events throughout the weekend. Dreu Murin, event promotion advisor, will be the emcee for the weekend. Murin will be joined by Special Olympics FloridaMonroe County athlete Caleb Stowers at the microphone.

around Key West, including races that are inclusive for paddlers of all ability levels, events for non-paddlers and family events to enjoy on the island. • Friday, Oct. 13, Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County opens with the Athletes Reception at Lucy’s Bar and Restaurant, 320 Grinnell St. Participants will gather to meet new people, Weekend schedule renew friendships, pick up The 2017 SUP Invitational race packets and register for is a full weekend of events events.

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

525033

Best Kept Secret S in Homestead! Chef-C Chef-Crafted Food • Full Bar Fr Friendly Atmosphere

White W Whi Wh hite hi hit ite it ite te Lio Lion ionn C io Cafe afe af fe fe www.whitelioncafe.com hiit li f

525003

KEY WEST — Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County will hold its 6th annual Stand Up Paddle Invitational Oct. 13 to 15. This event helped launch stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP, as a sanctioned sport for Special Olympics Florida and creates new opportunities for athletes, including being selected to compete in the 2018 USA Games in Seattle next summer. Special Olympics athletes, SUP enthusiasts, families and friends will meet at Key West’s Smathers Beach for the annual weekend of events. “We are happy to announce that Key West is open for business and ready to greet all of our event participants despite the unwelcome visit from Hurricane Irma,” said Ruth Holland of Special Olympics Florida. “We have moved the main event from Higgs Beach to Smathers Beach, but most of the event’s festivities will remain the same. We are excited for this event and welcome all to come out and support our athletes.” Over the three-day event, more than 100 Special

LIVE ENTERTAINMEN T WEEKENDS

Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am-3 pm Dinner: Thursday 6-10 pm and Friday & Saturday, 5pm ‘til the fat lady sings!

Fest

Closed Sunday & Monday Loryann Swank

CUSTOMIZED CORPORATE OR PRIVATE PARTIES! Proprietor 146 NW 7th St., Homestead, FL 33030 • 305.248.1076

Continued from page 1B

Events Continued from page 1B

Show, originally scheduled for Oct. 15, has been postponed until Jan. 21. It will still take place at the Dolphin Point Villas at 101900 Overseas Highway. For more information, con-

Your Y our Quality Quality OB/GYN Care Care OB/GYN in the the Keys Keys in Randy A. Fink, MD, FACOG Stephanie Fink, MSN, CNM Marilyn Peñuela-Ladaga, MSN, FNP

TDC

Fantasy Fest draws throngs of colorful parade-goers to Key West each fall. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council is also eager to help. As such, the county’s tourism agency has launched an aggressive, million-dollar, post-hurricane, marketing campaign “to target out feeder markets — primarily in the state of Florida and the New York region — with the message that we

are open for business,” said Stacey Mitchell, incoming director of the TDC. Another $1 million was allocated this week to reimburse tourism-related facilities for repairs that are necessary as a direct result of storm damage, Mitchell said. In addition to highlighting and advertising Key

tact Carin Hunt at 305-9165571 or email [email protected]. The 2nd Annual Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys BBQ Throwdown Charity Event, scheduled Oct. 21, will take place at a future date. Details will be announced. The charity event benefits the Treasure

Village Montessori Charter 664-4503 or email info@ School. For more informa- islamoradachamber.com tion, contact Riva at 305- for more information. [email protected] 451-3320. The Islamorada Chamber Annual Awards & Installation Banquet, originally scheduled for Oct. 21, has been postponed. A new date will be announced. Call the chamber at 305-

SALE 175s S

SALE 175s S

F Flor De Caña 4 Year Rums $1999 New Amsterdam N V Vodka $1999

F Flor De Caña 4 Year Rums $1999 New Amsterdam N V Vodka $1999

in Monroe County!

20% TUESDAYS ($15.00 Minimum order) Sale Items Excluded

305.664.4800 MM 81.6 Bayside ࠮Islamorada

LOCALS SPECIAL

10% OFF ALL WINE

Must have valid Monroe County Driver’s License ($10.00 Minimum order) Sale Items Excluded

305.451.5958 101441 Overseas Hwy ࠮Key Largo Tradewinds Plaza (Next to Publix)

525023

BEST LOCALS DISCOUNT

West’s Fantasy Fest, the countywide marketing effort includes information on additional special events such as Key Largo’s Humphrey Bogart Film Festival and Marathon’s Stone Crab Eating Contest on Oct. 21 — all of which reinforces the ‘we are open’ message, she said. [email protected]

525035

• Pap smears, check-ups • GYN problems • Infertility • Ultrasounds • HPV & STD’s • Pregnancy • Botox & Juvederm • MonaLisa Touch ® Vaginal Rejuvenation • Menopause • Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy • Testosterone Pellets

305.274.3130 • keysobgyns.com Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays by appointment only

Tassell Medical Arts Building, Mariners Hospital 91550 Overseas Highway, #207, Tavernier, FL 33070

504496

waived the parade entry fees for Monroe County residents and we’re encouraging more walking and bicycle groups to participate, as we understand that so many people have to rebuild their homes and lives.” Building a parade float isn’t exactly anyone’s top priority, she said, adding that the Key West Chamber of Commerce once again is offering cash prizes of $7,500 and $2,500 for the top two locally designed floats. “We’ve also extended the deadline for parade entry applications until Oct. 13,” Grossman-Orr said, encouraging anyone with ideas for this year’s parade to contact info@fantasyfest. com. “We’ve been getting a tremendous amount of interest in the event from people everywhere who are concerned about the Keys, and eager to help us recover both physically and financially.”

6B • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

sports & recreation ISLAMORADA

ISLAMORADA

Mandich tournament postponed

Fall All-Tackle has new format

ISLAMORADA — Due to impacts from Hurricane Irma, the 10th annual Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic, which was set for Oct. 6 and 7 at the Postcard Inn Beach Resort and Marina, has been postponed until further notice. Organizers will release more information about the change in dates as soon as possible. The tournament honors the late Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich, a former Miami Dolphins tight end and radio color commentator. A portion of tournament proceeds benefits oncology services at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier. The Mad Dog Mandich Fishing Classic has contributed a combined $235,000 to the hospital and other organizations and charities over its lifespan, according to organizers. Tournament and entry information will be available at maddogclassic.com/fl-keys. For more information, call 305-667-0399.

ISLAMORADA — The newly formatted Islamorada AllTackle Bonefish & Permit Championship is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 8, through Wednesday, Oct. 11. Up to 25 participants can fish the tournament known locally as the “Fall All-Tackle,” and one angler per boat pairs with a licensed captain to vie for division winners’ trophies. The three largest bonefish and three largest permit are to be scored by length, not weight. Scoring, post-fishing cocktails and an awards dinner are to be held at the neighboring Islamorada Fishing Club. Awards are to be given for the most releases in bait, artificial and fly divisions as well as largest bonefish and permit, and a newcomer award. Entry fee is $850 per angler. TDC To register, contact Betsy Bullard at fishnfever@bell- An angler battles a fish in the backcountry of the Florida Keys. south.net or 305-587-1460

Marathon knows how to handle Hurricanes

KATHY LANCASTER/Contributed

Marathon High School junior quarterback Jackson McDonald, right, rolls past defenders and across the goal line with moments left in the first half of last Friday’s game against host Coral Shores. Marathon defeated Coral Shores 43-28. Above, with blocking from Coral Shores teammate Cote Snodgrass (71), Elijah Woods picks up yardage against the Dolphins’ defense. Left, Marathon head coach Paul Davis congratulates senior Jordy Mejia on the team’s victory.

Lady Canes improve to 5-0, prep for next matches BY RON COOKE Free Press Staff

ISLAMORADA — With a pair of wins last week, the Coral Shores High School volleyball team has racked up a 5-0 season record. On Tuesday, Sept. 26, at home, the Lady Canes topped Colonial Christian, and on Thursday, Sept. 28, they beat Keys Gate in a district match at the Homestead school. Against the Patriots on Tuesday, Coral Shores came

out a little flat after missing two weeks, but still won the match 3-1 (23-25, 25-15, 27-25, and 25-14). Colonial Christian took advantage and toppled the Lady Canes in the opening set, but Coral Shores rallied to win the next three sets for the victory and a 4-0 record. “It took a while for our girls to warm up and play in sync,” Coral Shores Coach Kathy Ets-Hokin said. “They played well, hit well, blocked awesome, great defense too. I am super proud of them.

Sierra Jenkins was my leader on the court.” The senior had five kills, two digs, two assists, two blocks, and two service points. Middle hitter Riley Dobson had a half dozen kills, dealt a pair of aces and blocked five Patriot shots. Ets-Hokin said Carly Lindback also had a topnotch game. “It was Carly’s best game ever,” said the coach. Lindback recorded six kills, four assists, three digs, four aces and two blocks.

All American Towing & Tires

24/7 Emergency Assistance Flat Tires Gas Jump Starts Lockouts AAA Batteries Delivered & Installed • Recoveries • Local and Long Distance

WE ARE EXPANDING! Offering New Service Oil Changes and New & Used Tires

• • • • •

Fully Licensed & Insured

305-451-0714 • 100850 Overseas Hwy • Key Largo, FL 33037

“Elise Jordan came away with five blocks and five service points, our libero, Tatiana Ayala, came up with nine digs, five serving points and “awesome defense,” Ets-Hokin added. Setter Lily Costa nailed three kills, had three serving points and five assists, and Ansley Gregis had four kills, two aces and four service points. “They all played well. It was a great game to watch back-and-forth long volleys,” Ets-Hokin said. The Lady Canes did what they needed to do for the district win last Thursday against the Knights of Keys Gate going for a 3-0 (25-7,

25-11, 25-17) win. “I got to play everyone and it was nice to see that happen,” the coach said. Jenkins had four kills and two aces, Lindback racked up five kills and an ace, Gregis issued three kills and two aces, Keeley Flanagan had two aces, Costa had eight assists and a kill, and Dodson nailed four kills, one block and two aces. “She’s powerful, she’s a freshman,” Ets-Hokin said in reference to Dodson. “Lexy Brito came off the bench at backup setter and had three assists. Tatiana Ayala was wonderful on defense.” Though Coral Shores is

5-0 overall and 2-0 in district play, the Lady Canes’ schedule gets tougher this week as the team takes on Key West, Westminster Christian and Marathon. “We came in strong, left for two weeks, and now I’m trying to get the team in the swing of things,” the coach said. “Mentally, I have to teach them they have to play 100 percent regardless of who you play. You have to play at your level, not the opponent’s. I told them I don’t want them to play like it’s PE — I want them to play volleyball at 100 percent.” [email protected]

SERVICES

PRODUCTS

• Boom Pump Truck

• Ready Mix Concrete • Concrete Block & Building Materials • Aggregates

• 2” Concrete Pumps • Block Truck

The Real Local Guys

500549

It’s time to get Responsive. Did you know that more Google searches take place on mobile devices today than on computers?

All Keys Concrete

(305) 453-0368 • [email protected]

If your Website isn’t built to respond to today’s mobile demands, it’s time to get a new Website!

Contact Shirley Today! 305.853.7277 x19 [email protected] Responsive Web Design | Local Search Marketing & SEO | Online Advertising

2 Locations: 500546

101075 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037

10610 7th Avenue Marathon, FL 33050

500553

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

s&r continued

7B

Looking for better fishing days ahead know it, but some of them don’t … but, they have been bitten by the Florida hat a difference Keys bug. It happens to a a day makes. lot of us and will happen to One day, I’m a lot more. planning my next fishing When I first moved here, trip, sitting in the man cave, I was surprised to hear sharpening my fish hooks, other people tell me that and the next day I’m sitting they came here to visit in bumper-to-bumper traf- one day and, before long, fic on the made the decision to live Florida here permanently. “Hey, Turnpike that sounds just like what during a happened to me,” I would hurricane say with wonderment in evacumy eyes. After a year or two ation. It of that, I realized this is has been way most of us came to live almost here. Other than the occaa month sional “true” Conchs you since the might run into once in a storm while, we all migrated here. passed and my wife and I And, along with the have been staying with a Conchs, we all have an friend in Orlando. We went adventurous spirit and four days without power a wanderlust that allows and now the power is back us to make the leap and on. We’re moving to a hotel move to the Florida Keys. I about halfway between thought, when I first moved here and home. I can’t wait here, that all of my friends to get back to the Keys. would follow me down. In My life’s dream has been fact, I could not imagine to live in the Keys, and any man or woman not now I do. Leaving the Keys, wanting to live here. It was for any reason, is never a striking realization when anything I look forward to. it settled into my alleged Usually, my wife and I will mind that not everybody not spend more than three would make the move. or four days away even However shocked and disfor vacations. So far, this mayed I may have been, I has been the longest we’ve never wavered from achievbeen out of the Keys since ing my geographic goal of moving here. living and thriving in the I have fishing friends Florida Keys. all over the country. They So, when a little rain may called and texted with fall on my parade, I hang well wishes and, surprisin there with my decision to live here. We’ve suffered ingly, very accurate and a huge natural disaster. up-to-date information on what was happening in This is very reminiscent of Hurricane Wilma. We Marathon. Some of them

BY C.J. GEOTIS

Fishing Columnist

W

survived that one, and we’ll survive this one. I remember standing on the steps of the Emergency Operation Center in 2005 after Wilma had come and gone. The sun had come out and the wind had died. Then, in the distance we all heard a very strange sound and saw a wall of seawater coming out of the trees and crashing right over the runway at the Marathon Airport, then continuing over the highway as a brown and ugly torrent of froth and seaweed-heavy ocean. That marked the very start of a long recovery period. Just like we are facing now. Another thing I learned about the people of the Florida Keys is they are very in tune with nature. I was mind-boggled when a neighbor would say, “Hey, tomorrow should be much better weather when that front finally rolls through,” or the mailman would discuss historic barometric pressure readings when discussing a past storm. Even when people gave me directions, they called out turns as “Turn east,” or “Turn south.” I had just moved here from Orlando, where nobody knew which way was north. In fact, several times I had been told, “Turn north on the EastWest expressway.” Huh? And I was hanging around with commercial fishermen and fisherwomen and celebrity anglers that I had followed on TV most of my adult life. One day, I felt star-struck when I met Capt. Skip Bradeen.

He was filleting mahi-mahi (everybody still called them dolphins back then) and I asked him where he caught them. He looked around with a conspiratorial grin, leaned in closer to me and stage-whispered, “They were right behind the boat.” At my first Islamorada Village Council meeting, during the three-minute public input period, a man wearing a Cat-in-the-Hat hat stepped up to the podium, removed his guitar from its case and broke into high-energy song, “You guys have just as much right to run a city as you do to run a Waffle House.” “Thank you,” the mayor said and moved on to other business. I knew right then that this is where I want to live for the rest of my life. When I interviewed for a position at the Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys in 2001, the selection committee left the room for several minutes and then returned with big smiles on their faces. “What’s funny?” I asked. “We have never interviewed anybody that was such a good match for living in the Florida Keys in all our years of doing this,” one of them answered. “Wow,” I replied, “You realize you just put yourselves at a huge disadvantage for when we get to salary negotiations, don’t you?” So, I was hired on the spot, found a perfect place to live in less than an hour and never looked back. I love it here. I love the people here. I love the fishing

CONTRIBUTED

Columnist C.J. Geotis is looking forward to better days — like this one from last year. and boating here. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. And although I have been through some pretty tough situations and disappointments in the last 16 years, including now two bad hurricanes, there was never a time that I thought I could move away. I know we will all come together like one big family to see each other through this last apocalypse. I’m

looking forward to getting at least part way back to normal, because life is good in the Florida Keys; life is very good in the Florida Keys. C.J. Geotis is a lifetime fisherman who followed his dream 15 years ago to move to the Florida Keys. He lives in Marathon with his wife, Loretta, and her Coca-Cola collection.

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

Annual kids fishing event rescheduled WHEATON’S SERVICE CENTER MV10170 ISLAMORADA — The 20th annual Keys Kids Fishing Derby for ages 10 and under has been rescheduled for Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Lorelei, mile marker 82, bayside. Entry is free, but anglers must be Monroe County residents. The tournament features shoreline, backcountry and offshore divisions and awards anglers in three age divisions: 4 and

under, 5 to 7 and 8 to 10. Shoreline fishing will be allowed at the Lorelei with waters chummed by Tackle Center of Islamorada. Bait for shoreline anglers will be supplied by Tackle Center and older anglers will be on hand to help children bait hooks and tie lines. Each angler will receive a fishing rod. The first 100 registered anglers also will receive

ditty bags. Sign up at Tackle Center of Islamorada, Caribee Boat Sales, at the Lorelei in person or online, or on the Facebook “Keys Kids Fishing Derby” page. Anglers can pick up their ditty bags and free doughnuts at Mangrove Mike’s Cafe after 7 a.m. Fishing begins at 9 a.m. and weighin closes at 1 p.m. A casting contest is planned for 10 a.m.

Hot dogs and sodas will be supplied by the Lorelei beginning at 11 a.m., with donations going to support Coral Shores High School cheerleaders. Key Breeze Engraving awards sponsored by IFACT and other prizes will be handed out to the winners on the Lorelei beach at 2 p.m. For more information, call Dianne Harbaugh at 305-522-4868.

NEWS TIP? CALL 305-853-7277, EXT. 11

KEYS

tides

s p o n s o r e d by :

• SALES • DOCKSIDE SERVICE AND INSTALLATIONS • DOCKSIDE CLASSES AND SEA TRIALS

Serving Miami & The Florida Keys

305.240.7081 [email protected] Stop in and visit our new location at MM105 Bayside.

AUTHORIZED CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS

500540

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

• OIL CHANGES • FULL SERVICE CAR CAREE • CERTIFIED MECHANICS S • TIRE SALES AND REPAIRS • 24 HOUR TOWING 500537

(305) 101500 Overseas Highway Key Largo • MM101.5 451-3500

8B • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press XXX 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

megPaETt

T'S KEY WES

B OC AO 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.

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

s&r continued

9B

Getting back in the game following a loss or injury ations I always recall how hard it was to get through preseason football camp. f you ever participat- At both the high school ed in sports for any and college levels, going length of time you through two- and three-aknow what it feels like to day practices in elevated lose. You also know what heat was difficult. What I it takes to come back from learned from those tough a loss or injury. One of preseason camp practices the things was that they would evensports tually end and I could taught get back to a normal us was schedule and life. In a lot how to of ways, this is the same overcome those struggling with what many Hurricane Irma has handof the ed them. While things are unpleascertainly difficult now, the ant things Florida Keys will get back you will to normal, and may even face turn out better. during your lifetime. The island chain is Playing a sport often facing one of those times gives you the opportunity where people will have to experience some of to overcome numerous your highest emotional moments as well as some obstacles. What an ugly adventure this past storm of the lowest. It provides has been, and still is, lessons on how to overcome both emotional and putting so many through hardships. It wasn’t good physical pain and disapfor anyone, but it was a pointment. lot worse for many. I’m If you played team sure you, along with other sports you learned to long-time residents of get along with others the Keys, know someone of all backgrounds and who has lost everything, establish ways to work particularly those living together for a common south of the Upper Keys. goal. Every time I’ve had to deal with difficult situ- Sure, many businesses

BY ERIC BASS Free Press Staff

I

and homes suffered damage, but nothing like the Middle and Lower Keys, where Irma’s winds and storm surge were the strongest. In no way am I trying to say what people are now facing in rebuilding their lives is exactly the same as playing a sport. I’m just writing to say there are similarities in how you come back from adversity. When an athlete suffers a severe knee injury and has major surgery he or she has a long road back to get whole again. That in many ways is what many here in the Keys have to do now, rebuild their lives so they can be whole again. Sports, like the recovery of Keys’ lives, requires certain characteristics, such as persistence, self-discipline, personal responsibility, respect for others and a willingness to work together. I hope everyone finds a way to make it back and finds their special role in helping to rebuild the Keys. It will take time, but one day it will be over and we’ll all be back in the game. [email protected]

crossword KEY

CONTRIBUTED

The Costa Morada team shows off their catch during a previous ‘Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing’ event in Islamorada.

Fishing ‘university’ for women returns soon to Islamorada ISLAMORADA — The “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!” weekend university provides a getaway Friday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 22, for female anglers who want to learn techniques from prominent fishing captains in the Florida Keys. More than 8,000 graduates to date have learned to become anglers or polished their angling skills, as well as practiced responsible angling and applied learned fishing skills in offshore, bottom, inshore and fly-fishing. The Florida Keys University weekend kicks off Friday, Oct. 20, with a 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. meet-andgreet networking social at Tavernier’s Elks Lodge at

mile marker 92, bayside. Participants and guests can participate in a fundraising raffle, silent auction and the home-cooked appetizer contest. Saturday’s activities are to be held from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Morning presentations by professional local guides are planned on fishing basics, conservation, release techniques and more. After lunch hands-on outdoor activities include knot tying, bait rigging, spin, net and fly casting, boat and trailer handling, stand-up fish-fighting techniques, gaffing and removing hooks. Presenters include fly-fishing legend Stu Apte, IGFA Hall of Famer Capt.

KEY LARGO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

BUSINESS MEETING October 10, 2017 November 14, 2017 December 12, 2017

305.451.2700

500571

Immediately following the 6:30 p.m. KLVAC Meeting.

One East Drive (at the blinking light), Key Largo, FL

horoscopes KEY

OCTOBER 4 - OCTOBER 10

ACROSS 1. Spanish city 7. Middle ear bone 13. Satisfy to the fullest 14. Able to be consumed 16. US island territory (abbr.) 17. Predatory reptile 19. Beachwear manufacturer 20. European space program 22. Alias 23. Metrical feet 25. Large integers 26. Matrilineality 28. Snouts 29. Giants’ signal caller Manning 30. Pacific Time 31. Electronic countermeasures 33. “Anna Karenina” author 34. Snare 36. Sleeveless garment 38. More arctic 40. Clean off 41. Signs 43. Common Japanese surname 44. Allow 45. A way to mark 47. Ballplayers need

one 48. __ and cheese 51. KGB mole 53. Indicating silence 55. Capital of Yemen 56. A woman of refinement 58. Extinct flightless bird of New Zealand 59. Belonging to a bottom layer 60. Stephen King novel 61. Fire obstacle 64. Lumen 65. Loud insects 67. Energetic persons 69. Confession (archaic) 70. Witnessing DOWN 1. Whiskey receptacle 2. Western State 3. Cereal grasses 4. Needlefishes 5. Relating to the ears 6. Mathematical ratio 7. Dignified 8. Pacific sea bream 9. One of Thor’s names 10. Song of praise 11. Equal to one quintillion (abbr.)

12. Drools 13. Cluster 15. One in a series 18. Egyptian unit of weight 21. Broached 24. Skin cancers 26. Second sight 27. Shock treatment 30. Whittled 32. Murdered in his bathtub 35. A way to soak 37. Small piece 38. Relating to Islam 39. Climbing plant 42. Drunkard 43. Test for high schoolers 46. Least exciting 47. Amanda and

James are two 49. Something comparable to another 50. Soothes 52. Month in the Islamic calendar 54. White gull having a black back and wings 55. Japanese seaport 57. The south of France 59. Batman villain 62. British air aces 63. Body part 66. Clearinghouse 68. Manganese

LIBRA – SEPT 23/OCT 23 Your friendly attitude can be just what others need in the week ahead, Libra. They simply cannot resist your charms, and you can help them to settle down. SCORPIO – OCT 24/NOV 22 Scorpio, recognition is coming your way. Embrace the attention and recognize that it is not unfounded. You earned the praise about to be heaped on you. SAGITTARIUS – NOV 23/DEC 21 Sagittarius, you may head in one direction only to find that you might have been better off going elsewhere. Eventually you will get your bearings. CAPRICORN – DEC 22/JAN 20 Take a risk at work, Capricorn. If you consistently sit in the shadows, then you won’t ever get ahead. Try a few things to make an impact without generating big waves. AQUARIUS – JAN 21/FEB 18 Making decisions this week requires little effort on your part, Aquarius. That’s because all of your stress has melted away in the last few days and things are relatively easy.

ARIES – MAR 21/APR 20 Aries, it may seem like you have long been preparing for a big event. Now is your chance to finally take action. Try to do something proactive this week. You are ready to move forward. TAURUS – APR 21/MAY 21 Taurus, reality is setting in this week, and you realize just how much you need to catch up on. There is no more room for procrastination. It is time to get busy. GEMINI – MAY 22/JUN 21 Gemini, an attitude about a particular relationship is changing, and you may need to go with the flow. This may result in some self-doubt, but you can make it through. CANCER – JUN 22/JUL 22 Cancer, shifting circumstances at work may leave you a little confused. Reassess your situation and come up with a new plan. Work collectively toward the goal. LEO – JUL 23/AUG 23 Your inspiration comes from a blend of methodical planning as well as clever inspiration, Leo. The results will be exceptional if you keep at it.

VIRGO – AUG 24/SEPT 22 Virgo, even if you step out of PISCES – FEB 19/MAR 20 your comfort zone, you will not Pisces, even though everything venture too far. That is fine by you seems predictable right now, since you tend to be a creature things are about to get a little of habit. Just expand your reach backwards in the next few days. a little bit.

Gary Ellis, tournament champion Allison Stattner, female angler Capt. Lee Lavery and several others. A cocktail party is to follow from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Seaside Glassworks, mile marker 82, bayside. Friday and Sunday, participants can opt for an additional inshore or offshore fishing adventure out of Whale Harbor Marina, mile marker 83.5, oceanside, and Robbie’s Marina, mile marker 77, bayside. Anglers can fish from a sport-fishing vessel, inshore flats boat or drift boat. Additional fees apply. The online early registration rate is $125 per person. The regular entry fee is $145. VIP registration of $160 entitles participants to premium reserved seating, future rebates and values on souvenirs. The registration fee includes instruction, the use of equipment, a welcome reception, lunch, Saturday party, $20 in welcome gifts and a chance to win $300 worth of door prizes, according to organizers. A Ladies’ Choice option allows women to register a male guest as well as invite teenagers to join in the learning weekend for a family experience. For more information, visit ladiesletsgofishing. com/fishing-seminars/florida-keys, call Betty Bauman at 954-475-9068 or email info@ladiesletsgofishing. com

Half marathon price increases KEY WEST — Entry fees for the 20th annual Key West Half Marathon increased Sunday, Oct. 1, according to Barb Wright of BW Promotions. The Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 14. “[Hurricane] Irma isn’t stopping Key West. We are expecting a capacity crowd for 2018,” Wright said. “Space is filling up fast, so get your entry in now.” The entry price is now $105. To register, visit keywesthalfmarathon.com.

Game postponed KEY WEST — The Key West High School football team’s scheduled Friday evening game was rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 3, in Miami due to inclement weather. The Conchs will face Immaculata-LaSalle. The game took place after press time.

10B • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

WEDNESDAY FREE PRESS: NOON FRIDAY FOR LINE ADS ONLY CALL MEGAN AT 305-292-7777 EXT. 210 MON-FRI 8AM - 3PM

000 ANNOUNCEMENTS

100 SERVICES

200 EMPLOYMENT

0010

0050

0220

Public Notice

Lost & Found

CANCELLATIONS

300 MERCHANDISE

Help Wanted Lower Keys

0220

500 REAL ESTATE

400 RENTALS

Help Wanted Lower Keys

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

All word ad rates are placement fees and non-refundable (for Monroe County requires that Contractors that advertise must include frequency days canceled). Ads may be removed from publication their permanent certificate of competency number. If you have with placement fee remaining. questions concerning requirements, please call the Monroe County Building Department at (305)292-4491.

In case of errors, please check your ad the first day it appears. In the event of an error, we are responsible for the first incorrect insertion of an ad. The Citizen does not assume responsibility for any reason beyond the cost of the ad itself.

0440

Unfurn. Houses Lower Keys

0534

900 LEGALS

AUTOS/ 600 TRANSPORTATION

Commercial Property

NOTICE TO LOST DOG plant science, ADVERTISERS Small German Shepard horticulture science or All real estate I n c a s e o f e r r o r s , mix. Answers to Lucky a closely related field. advertising in please check your ad & has a microchip. A Master's degree is this newspaper the first day it ap- Missing since 9/20 in preferred. For more is subject to the pears. In the event of Marathon. REWARD. information go to: Federal Fair Housing Act of 627 Eaton Street Is Hiring an error, we are re305-748-7768 http://personnel.ifas.ufl. 1968 which makes it illegal 500sf. $2,150/mo. sponsible for the first edu/0001to advertise “any preference, Slice of Paradise * FT Supported incorrect insertion of 3983%20Monroe%20E limitation or discrimination Business/Real estate Employment Coach Help Wanted an ad. The Citizen 0220 H.pdf based on race, color, religion, 4 Sale/Summerland Lower Keys does not assume rePosition is in Key West. sex or national origin, or an Kennedy Ctr/Office * FT ADT Staff sponsibility for any Deadline to apply is intention to make any such A-PLUS ROOFING 2,058sf Condo reason beyond the Experienced Roofers Oct. 17,2017 preference limitation or disNew price $549,000 * Direct Care Staff for cost of the ad itself. crimination.” This newspaWanted 725 Caroline/Seaprt Group Homes per will not knowingly accept Will train. Pay equal to (weekend and evening 150 seat restaurant CANCELLATIONS any advertising for real estate experience level. in/outdoor seating shifts) All word ad rates are which is in violation or the Apply 8am-Noon New construction placement fees and law. Our readers are hereby Monday - Friday Duval Retail Space * Landscaping/Yard non-refundable (for informed that all dwellings 5686 Maloney Ave. Claude Gardner Jr Maintenance Staff frequency days canF/B Supervisor advertised in this newspa305-296-2568. 305-766-3133 Substitutes celed). Ads may be per are available on an equal Will Langley removed from public3824 N. Roosevelt opportunity basis. 305-394-9020 MARC 512487 Destination Old Town ation with placement Blvd. Keysrealestate.com 1401 Seminary St., Hiring Front fee remaining. This position is a #1 in KEY WEST Key West, FL Desk/Concierge combination of Condos Middle www.marchouse.org Full time and Part time 0516 CHANGES bartending 2 to 3 shifts Keys 305-294-9526 x32 Hotel experience Once an ad has been a week as well as Come join our family! required. placed only acceptassisting the LUXURY EOE Email resume to able minor changes F/B Director with OCEAN FRONT KEY can be made to the [email protected] scheduling, inventory, COLONY BEACH Medical Assistant ad. ordering and training. (Near Marathon, FL) or PakMail Business ABSOULTELY NO Receptionist Billing DETENTION Turn-key $157,500 Apply online HURRICANE IRMA Clerk RECORDS KEYSWIDE 330 Julia St. Total www.highgatecareers. DAMAGE Seeking reliable ASSISTANT renovation. Mix-use CLASSIFIEDS com Ready to move in! experienced Medical Applicants required 2 res units & gallery. EOE M/F/V/D No clean up, no repairs Assistant or working various shifts, All Major KW Call today! needed! Receptionist Billing including weekends Shopping Centers No need to miss the Clerk. Must be a team and Holidays at the 305-292-7777 1,400sf - 11,450sf 2017-2018 winter player willing to cross Monroe County 524 Front - Upstairs season! train. Send resume to: Detention Facility. Job Private office space Join the Five unit building. 2700' [email protected] requirements: Type 25 Conch Harbor 3BR/3.5BA. Pool/sand This is a Key West wpm and clerical skills Small office lease Keys Top Name and ability to multi-task. beach, 2nd floor unit position only. or 1,200sf retail with awesome views. in Boating! Starting salary Claude Gardner Jr Elevator. Well MEDICAL CARE $31,046.00. Applicants 305-766-3133 maintained building SERVICES must fill out the on line Will Langley that easily withstood 3820 N. Roosevelt Fla Keys looking for a preliminary application 305-394-9020 Hurricane Irma. 2 car Blvd. dynamic, selfat: www.keysso.net Keysrealestate.com garage. Condo built to motivating Customer Applicants may contact #1 in KEY WEST hurricane standards Now Hiring: Charles Slebodnick at Service Representative including windows * Housekeeping for our Key West Accepting (305) 292-7044. rated for 200 mph Supervisors Office. M-F 8:30am – EEO/AAP. applications for winds. Below market * Housekeeping5pm, Fax resume to 0544 Realty Wanted the following: value @ $999,900. Room Attendants (888) 552-5128. IBIS BAY BEACH Surviving spouse * Baristas I Buy Houses/Condo RESORT THE AUDUBON selling to settle estate. For Cash Is open for full HOUSE MUSEUM Occupancy at closing. Apply online EXPERIENCED Any area, KEYSNEWS.COM • 305.292.7777 operation and we are Is seeking part-time Contact Jerry Ellis, www.highgatecareers. MARINA FORKLIFT Any condition. looking for qualified Tour Guide/ KCB Realty com Storm damage ok. hard working individual OPERATOR Sales Associate. If 904-699-0352. EOE M/F/V/D 708-774-8596. to fill several positions you love working with (Jet Ski Tour Guide, people and are Furnished Houses Tiki Booth Concierge, 0438 Upper Keys interested in history. View classifieds online anytime at keysnews.com Sales Agents, other This is a great place to positions open). Must HOUSE FOR RENT work. Sunday, cashier have experience, must On the water. experience and Apply in person be flexible with hours Nice neighborhood schedule flexibility is MM 81.5, Islamorada Call or and have excellent MM105. necessary. or email resume to Customer Service $2,700 mo. Applications can be go online to LALBURY@ skills. Apply in person Call 305-773-9093. obtained at 205 CARIBEEBOATS.COM at the IBIS Bay Lobby, browse, Whitehead St. No DFWP (3101 N. Roosevelt 525018 phone call please. Blvd, Key West). buy or sell! 305-292-7777 UF MONROE COUNTY EXTENSION Call today! The University of 305-292-7777 Florida is accepting applications for an Environmental Horticulture Agent who has horticulture experience along with View classifieds online anytime at keysnews.com Great Pay • Paid Holidays • Sick Pay a Bachelor's degree in

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Excellent Benefits

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Immediate opening for a

Recycle Your Stuff for Cash in the Classifieds

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Call today to place your ad!

Service Technician

Medical Insurance • Paid Vacation Apply in person 171 Hood Ave. MM 91.5 • Tavernier 305-852-2960 525030 $1000 recruitment bonus being paid to all newly hired employees for a limited timed (conditions apply).

Boat Captains Call 305-834-4001

Send résumé to [email protected]

500551

Experience Required. Paid per trip plus [PWZWYVÄ[ZOHYPUN ZHSLZJVTTPZZPVU

Immediate Openings for Customer Relations/Sales & Marketing Staff

We are looking for energetic, happy and enthusiastic employees who want to become part of our team. FT employees are eligible to participate in our health, dental, vision, life insurance programs, PTO, and profit sharing is available to every member of our team (conditions apply).

Come to work with a busy and exciting dive center here in the heart of the Dive Capital! Duties include checkingin guests, answering phones, taking reservations, invoicing, and equipment sales. Computer and scuba diving experience are required. This is a salaried position which includes profit sharing and sales commission. Send résumé to [email protected]

42 BRIDGES, 1 CALL.

103800 Overseas Highway • Key Largo Florida 33037

NOW HIRING • Hostess at Skippers • Front Desk Agent • Concierge • Spa Supervisor • Cook – AM shift • Pool Server

• Bistro Attendant at Marriott Courtyard • Regional Sales Manager • Sales Room Coordinator • Front Desk at Marriott Courtyard • Houseperson at Holiday Inn • Night Auditor – PT at Marriott Courtyard

Email: [email protected] or Fax: (305) 453-0093

500550

M A RRI O T T R ES O RT K EY LA RGO B AY is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace. 525013

Opportunities with Ocean Reef

500562

Busy Key Largo Dive Center has immediate openings for

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED

®

305.292.7777

       

#" !)+ The Ocean Reef Community Association (ORCA) in North Key Largo is hiring! Interested in joining our team? Check out our website at: orcareef.com Positions are available in the following areas:

• Communications Officer/Dispatcher • Paramedic/Public Safety Officer • Access Control Manager • Community Patrol Officer -

 '''#%&     ( ^ƚĂƌƟŶŐ^ĂůĂƌLJΨϰϬ͕ϬϬϬ WĂŝĚƟŵĞŽīΘƐŝĐŬĚĂLJƐ ^ŝŐŶŽŶďŽŶƵƐŽĨΨϮϬϬϬ WƌŽĮƚƐŚĂƌŝŶŐƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ DĞĚŝĐĂů͕ǀŝƐŝŽŶĂŶĚĚĞŶƚĂůŝŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ

Full Time & Part Time

• Access Control Officer - Part Time • Volunteer Firefighter • Human Resources Specialist-(Temporary) • Receptionist -(Temporary) For consideration, please apply online at: orcareef.com and send your resume to: TALENT ACQUISITION DIVISION OCEAN REEF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Yael Skinner, Director of Human Resources [email protected] Equal Opportunity Employer

525034

:ŽŝŶĂĨƵŶ͕ĞŶƚŚƵƐŝĂƐƟĐĂŶĚĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌĨŽĐƵƐĞĚ ƌĞƚĂŝůƚĞĂŵ͘tŚĞƌĞĞŵƉůŽLJĞĞƐŚĂǀĞƉŽƚĞŶƟĂů ƚŽŐƌŽǁǁŝƚŚŝŶƚŚĞŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶ͘ƚĞĂŵĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJ ŽƌŐĂŶŝnjĂƟŽŶƚŚĂƚƚƌĂŝŶƐĞĂĐŚŽĨŝƚƐĞŵƉůŽLJĞĞƐŝŶ ŽƌĚĞƌƚŽĂƐƐƵƌĞƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ͊    

* 

Go to mytomthumb.comŽƌĐĂůůCleveland (786) 295-5307 Žƌ Jennifer (786) 295-5303. 525014

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIEDS KEYSNEWS.COM • 305.292.7777

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED Casement Windows 24” x 52” Casement Doors 24 x 68 | 60 x 68 Sliding Glass Doors 80x 80 | 80 x 120

ISABEL LINOWITZ OWNER BROKER CELL: 305-303-3818

Call George • 305.796.7735 $1,299.00 Minelab Excalibur II Metal Detector, with 10" Search Coil. Often Called The World's Best Underwater And Beach Detector, with charger, carrying case, and metal scoop. Used once. New Condition.

96000 Overseas Hwy.

2/2.5

RV SITES FOR RENT

604 Island Dr.

2/2.5

MM 113 Daily • Weekly • Monthly Full Hookup

600 Island Dr.

4/3

478 Summerland Unit C 182 Long Key Rd.

3/2 5/4

113 6th Ln.

2/2

328 Mahogany Dr. 361 Vaca Rd.

2/2 2/2

134 Long Key Rd.

3/2

916 Tropical Ln.

3/2

130 Long Key Rd.

2/2

151 Arbor Ln.

2/2

408 Big Pine Rd.

3/2

305.522.6598

Call today to place your ad!

182 Long Key Rd. For Sale 435 Big Pine Rd. For Sale 211 West 2nd Ct. For Sale • Waterfront 343 Loeb Ave For Sale

2/2 +1/1 4/3

5/4 1/1 + 1/1 3/2 2/2

House Bay Front Condo Bay Front Beach pool all inclusive House canal Ocean Home canal Bayside Condo bay front at Buttonwood Bay Club House ocean front

$7,000 $4,500

House canal front Oceanside Condo Bay front Beach pool all inclusive Manufacture canal Bayside House canal front Oceanside Home dry lot Manufacture canal Bayside Manufacture canal Bayside Manufacture canal Bayside Manufacture canal Bayside Manufacture Dry lot House canal Bayside Manufactured Canal Manufactured duplex Canal 2 lots + Manufacture Canal Manufacture AS IS Canal

$5,000

$4,500 $4,500 $3,000 $4,500

$3,500 $3,500 $3,500 $2,500 $2,500 $2,700 $2,800 $2,500 $1,700 $3,500

$490,000 $450,000 $550,000 $350,000

The Queen of Rentals in the Keys Establish since 2010 – With over 500 happy customers. Serving the areas of Key Largo-Tavernier & Islamorada Specialized on SALES – LONG TERM RENTALS & INCOME Properties Professionalism – Quick responding -Gets the job done

Call me @ 305-303-3818 for a free consultation

FIND WHAT you’re looking for.

KEYS WIDE CLASSIFIED

DREAM home found!

500573

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIEDS 305-292-7777

500569

4/3 3/3

500548

See local Open House Listings in the Sunday paper and online at keysnews.com

E-MAIL: [email protected] 30 North Dr. 478 Summerland Unit D Penthouse 41 Seagate Blvd. 208 West 2nd Court

Call only-754-224-8534 DO NOT TEXT - CALL

11B

INTERNATIONAL KEYS REALTY

500572

CGI IMPACT DOORS & WINDOWS

Florida Keys Free Press • October 4, 2017 •

KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED

12B • October 4, 2017 • Florida Keys Free Press

SERVICE DIRECTORY LAWN CARE

LARGO

CHAGO LAWN MAINTENANCE SERVICE

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

Complete Maintenance

I like to keep my customers satisfied with my work!

Oil Changes, Brakes and Much more!

106130 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL

FREE ESTIMATES

Call for a FREE Estimate

305-394-2430 FULLY INSURED No. 011A00003965

305.741.7737

License # SP1993

JEFF’S COMPLETE

HOME REPAIR 305-393-1807 LICENSED & INSURED ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK

INTERIOR • EXTERIOR PLASTER • STUCCO CEMENT • BRICK & BLOCK STEEL & ALUMINUM FABRICATION SEAMLESS REPAIRS

Bob Eyster:

664-9243

500545

500539

Mon-Fri: 8 AM-5PM Sat: 8AM-3PM

Screen Repair Storm Shutters

504500

AUTO SERVICE

REPAIRS

24-Hour Service Islamorada, FL 33036

525005

AUTO SERVICE

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

ISLANDS IN THE SUN NURSERY LANDSCAPING & TREE SERVICE

305.852.6078

500575

G & S LANDSCAPING MARINE SERVICES

AUGER SERVICE • BOBCAT SERVICE • EXCAVATOR SERVICE BOULDERS • PEAROCK • SAND

Don’t Waste Your Warranty!

Licensed & Insured • Residential & Commercial Locally Owned

•Yamaha •Mercury •Minn Kota

Contractor # SP 4017

CONTRACTORS

RIS DEBOVAL REM Gunter Bloy 305-664-1233

525004

Factory Authorized Service Appointments this week!

786-255-1820

305.664.0064

525022

www.islamoradaboats.com

Lic & Ins. CGC 1511836

Marine Repair & Rigging Dockside Service Waverunners & Jetboats

CONTRACTORS

Tom Domiano President

aCell: 305.923.6338 Office: 305.853.2662

Henry Panse 305-852-4320 or Cell: 305-451-7850

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

www.tikihuts.com

Lic. no. ENG II 303C

525024

525001

81954 Overseas Highway• Islamorada

Bobcat Service Hurricane Shutters Remodeling New Construction

525006

FULL LAWN SERVICE • WEEKLY & BIWEEKLY

504497

CLEANING SERVICES

MAINTENANCE

Sunshine Home Service & Maintenance, Inc. *Doors *Cabinets *Custom Closets *Tile *Painting

*Shutters *Windows & Impacts *Decks & Docks *Pressure Cleaning *Framing & Forming

PEST CONTROL

Licensed & Insured

Gary Lentz

SP2396 SP3001

www.sunshinekeys.com • [email protected]

Phone/Fax (305)853-0511 Mobile 393-6758

500542

525027

“The Termite Professionals” Roberto (Bob) Lozano Manager 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 For NEW Customers! • Lawn & Ornamental Care

525032

SP2388 SP2397

15 Off

Call or go online to browse, buy or sell!

Recycle Your Stuff for Cash in the Classifieds KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIEDS KEYSNEWS.COM • 305.292.7777 512488

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