NAVIGATING
THE ISLANDS
SINCE 1987
• Key Largo
• Islamorada
• Marathon
• Big Pine Key
Press
FLORIDA KEYS
F
R
E
E
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 • VOLUME 29, N0. 42 • 24 PAGES
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT No. 469
Key Largo, FL
33037
FREE
KEYSNEWS.COM
Bodies found
Paint-and-sip
Facelift
Deaths could be linked
to capsized Cuban chug. 7A
Program pairs famous artists
with their favorite drinks.
1B
Big Pine grocer
gets updates. 10A
Mothers oppose mosquito spraying times
BY CHARLOTTE TWINE
Free Press Staff
UPPER KEYS — A group
of concerned mothers are
outraged that the Florida
Keys Mosquito Control
District is conducting aerial spraying during school
commuting times, potentially increasing the exposure of their children to
the insecticide Dibrom and
one of its possibly harmful
ingredients, Naled.
The group plans to protest the practice when the
district board meets Oct. 18
in Marathon.
“We’ve
been
using
[Dibrom] over 20 years
here in the Keys,” said
Beth Ranson, the district’s
public information officer. “The amount we use
is so minute, less than
three-quarters of an ounce
per acre. … According to the
[Environmental Protection
Agency], for the small
amounts we use, it’s so
minute compared to agricultural uses. They haven’t
seen any human health
effects. … We haven’t had
any reports of any health
effects.”
Ranson said the chemical can cause temporary eye
irritation.
Earlier this month, the
district announced an aerial “adulticiding” mission
between 6:30 and 8:30 a.m.
Sept. 9 over portions of
Islamorada and Key Largo.
The district sprays Dibrom
from aircraft to reduce the
adult mosquito population.
“I think it’s a horrible
thing to do while children
are walking to school,” said
Killer robot
Alanna Dixon, whose three
children attend Key Largo
School. “You have kids who
have sensitive skin or are
compromised due to any
number of illnesses.”
Dixon said she has been
sprayed during one of the
aerial missions.
“I walked outside the
moment the plane flew
over my house, and I was
coughing and having trou-
ble breathing,” she said.
“My eyes were burning, and
my skin was itchy. And that
lasted for hours.”
Mara Daly, an activist
opposed to the district’s
plan to release genetically modified mosquitoes to
combat disease-bearing
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes,
has also joined the aerial
See SPRAYING, page 3A
Burmese python
hatchlings found
in Key Largo
BY ADAM LINHARDT
Free Press Staff
CONTRIBUTED
An invasive lionfish is electrocuted in a robotic device designed to help eradicate the species. See story on page 12A.
NORTH KEY LARGO
— State and federal wildlife managers hoping to
curb the invasive Burmese
python’s advance from the
Everglades to the Florida
Keys had grim news last
Thursday — baby snakes
are popping up in Key
Largo, suggesting the slithering serpents are now
reproducing here.
Three python hatchlings
were found in August, said
Crocodile Lake National
Wildlife Refuge Manager
Jeremy Dixon. An 18-inch
hatchling was spotted
on Aug. 2, a second similar-sized snake was seen the
next day and a third was
captured by a homeowner on Aug. 23 in north Key
Largo.
All three were found by
canals, with the first two
JEREMY DIXON/USFWS
This 18-inch-long Burmese
python was found in north Key
Largo on Aug. 23.
seen swimming in the
water, Dixon said.
These cases mark the first
known or reported time
that hatchlings, not adults,
have been observed in the
area, suggesting that the
snakes are now breeding in
See PYTHON, page 7A
Lower Keys boat captain eyeing survival
BY MANDY MILES
Free Press Staff
SUGARLOAF KEY — Paul
Wachter could be a millionaire.
Confidentiality agreements prohibit the Lower
Keys marine mechanic, captain, musician and
father from saying too
much about how long
he lasted as a contestant
on the current season of
the hit CBS reality show,
“Survivor.”
But nothing is going to
keep Wachter from using
his 15 minutes of fame —
no matter how long they
last — to do some good for
the community he loves.
“We had a viewing
party and fundraiser for
the [Florida Keys] SPCA
at the Looe Key Tiki Bar
on Wednesday night for
the season premiere of
‘Survivor.’ It was amazing.
CBS gave me a bunch of
INDEX
stuff to give away and auction off, and we raised a few
thousand dollars for the
new animal shelter that’s so
desperately needed,” said
Wachter, who spent more
than 39 days in Fiji during
the show’s filming last year.
“Everyone stays on location for the whole length
of time, regardless of how
long you last in the show,”
said Wachter, whose hulking figure and long hair
make him an intimidating
Business & Real Estate ............. 10A
Classifieds...........................10-12B
presence — until he starts
talking, which never takes
long.
Then he turns into the
gracious, down-to-earth
“teddy bear” and family
man that he is.
The current, 33rd season of “Survivor” is a battle between the ages, pitting Millennials against
Generation Xers and, at 52,
Wachter is the tribal elder
See SURVIVAL, page 9A
Crossword .................................. 9B
Horoscope .................................. 9B
MIKE HENTZ/Free Press
Lower Keys resident and boat captain Paul Wachter is a member
of the ‘Gen X’ tribe on the 33rd season of ‘Survivor.’ The television
show airs at 8 p.m. Wednesdays on CBS.
Opinion .................................... 11A
Sports & Recreation ............6-7, 9B
Tides .......................................... 7B
TV Guide .................................... 8B
WE ARE FOOTBALL
“Enrico’s pizza = best ever!”
Rated Best Sunsets
4 BARS TO CHOOSE FROM
WITH 32 TV’S!
NFL & COLLEGE FOOTBALL
WITH RAFFLES AND GIVEAWAYS
DURING THE GAME!
Ladie’s Night
Every Tuesday
ladies drink free
Mon-Fri 4-7PM from 6-7PM
Live Music 7 Days a Week!
Waterfront Dining & Tiki Bar
MM104 • Bay Side • Key Largo
305.453.9066 • www.JJsBigChill.com
KEYSNEWS.COM
404708
Mozzarella,
sliced tomato &
basil, the finest
ingredients
2A • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
UP FRONT
County might seek a third air ambulance
BY ADAM LINHARDT
Free Press Staff
MONROE COUNTY —
County officials are mulling purchasing a third air
ambulance helicopter to
possibly fill the void left
when Lower Keys Medical
Center ends its contract
with the private company
LifeNet in March.
The discussion comes at
a time when the Monroe
County
Commission
approved and bought a
newer $2.5 million Sikorsky
helicopter to eventually
replace its current aging
model. The new chopper
arrived earlier this month
and Sheriff Rick Ramsay
hopes to have it in the air by
October. The older model
will be used for emergencies and when the new
helicopter is under maintenance.
“We’re a bit of a victim of
our own success,” Ramsay
said when asked about the
possibility of soon getting a
third helicopter.
County Administrator
Roman Gastesi agreed with
him. The Trauma Star helicopter has been a financial success for taxpayers
given the costs of running
the aircraft, officials said.
The county has been slowly
marching toward the black
in terms of money coming
in.
According to Gastesi, last
year the program cost taxpayers about $283,000 and
this year the numbers look
to be closer to $100,000
given collection rates.
“Next year, we’re on
track to bring in $250,000,”
Ramsay said.
Gastesi added that infrastructure sales taxes are
tracking to bring in about
$2 million more this fiscal
year, which would provide
a cushion if the commissioners opt to buy another
chopper.
“The thought is if LifeNet
pulls out we might have to
pick up the slack,” Gastesi
said. “The good news is
there is another helicopter
available from the same
place we recently purchased
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US!
Team Sunshine would like to thank you for giving us the
opportunity to serve you. You are valued customers and we will
always do everything possible to ensure your satisfaction.
Virginia (Ginny) Pennell, President/Owner
Your “local” connection and full time Keys resident since 1968.
Closing Real Estate Transactions in the Florida Keys and South Florida Since 1982.
TWO LOCATIONS:
102900 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL, 305-451-0032
888 Kingman Road Homestead, FL, 786-339-9664
our second one. The pricing
is similar, which is a very
good deal. We’re preparing
for this becoming a reality.
We’re on the cusp of this
program costing us money
to making us money. Right
now, we’re covering operational costs and that’s leading us to think about a third
helicopter.”
Gastesi is confident that
the third helicopter will pay
for itself quickly and absorb
another $2.5 million due to
those higher infrastructure
sales taxes coming in.
“I feel very confident that
it will pay for itself in a reasonable time and provide
better services for residents,
particularly those residents
in the Lower Keys,” Gastesi
said.
The sheriff’s office hires
pilots for the program and
Monroe County Fire and
Rescue hires the medics
who take care of patients
while en route to Miami
hospitals or trauma centers.
Monroe County Fire
Rescue Chief Jim Callahan
said he has nurses and paramedics trained and ready to
start tomorrow if the county
purchases another helicopter. He stressed the need for
two helicopters in the Keys
if LifeNet pulls out, saying
one helicopter cannot do
both inter-facility transfers
and fly trauma missions.
“Right now, everyone is
looking to what LifeNet is
going to do,” Callahan said.
“If they go to the hospital
and make changes regarding their prices and the hospital [changes its position],
we can go from there. We’re
ready to move forward.”
Callahan said he supports
buying another Trauma
Star if that’s the decision
that is made.
Currently, both Trauma
Star
helicopters
are
stored in a hangar at the
Florida Keys Marathon
International Airport, while
the company that operates
the LifeNet chopper keeps
it outside on a helipad adjacent to Lower Keys Medical
Center on Stock Island.
Ramsay said some logistical issues would have to be
hammered out, given that
he does not want to expose
any aircraft to the elements
around the clock. LifeNet
flies about 400 missions a
year and Trauma Star flies
just as much, so he’s preparing the logistics of flying
as many as 900 flights or
more annually.
Gastesi said one solution
could be to rotate the helicopters between Marathon
and Stock Island.
“The sheriff’s office is
focused on finding solutions as opposed to finding
reasons why we can’t do it,”
Ramsay said.
Recently, Lower Keys
Medical Center interim
CEO Stephen Pennington
announced that the hospital’s contract with the
privately owned LifeNet
medical helicopter will end
March 1, 2017, and alternative arrangements will have
to be in place by then.
Commission discusses canal projects
BY TIMOTHY O’HARA
Free Press Staff
KEY LARGO — Monroe
County
commissioners
provided some insight last
week on how they would
vote on a new stormwater
Se Habla Español
MIKE HENTZ/Free Press
The LifeNet helicopter sits ready at the Lower Keys Medical
Center property.
LifeNet flights cost
Monroe County residents
as much as $60,000 a flight,
while such transport fees
are waived for residents
who take the county-owned
Trauma Star helicopter to
mainland hospitals. But
for years, the Lower Keys
Medical Center staff had
not been advising patients
of the free alternative to
LifeNet.
“I apologize for the helicopter issues,” Pennington
said during his recent
report to the hospital
board. “That should have
been addressed long ago,
and I’m sorry it was not. I
come before you humbled
and aware that we need to
work on patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction
and physician satisfaction.
And we’ve embarked on
the most aggressive 90-day
action plan I’ve ever seen.
I wanted to end the LifeNet
contract as of Nov. 1, but
that wouldn’t have given
us enough time to ensure
that we have an alternative
in place, to ensure that we
always have two helicopters
in operation.”
Pennington said the
sheriff’s office is involved in
the conversation and more
details will be forthcoming
about the medical helicopter arrangements.
alinhardt@keysnews.
com
404757
It’s time to get Responsive.
Did you know that more Google searches take
place on mobile devices today than on computers?
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
SWilson@TwoOceansDigital.com
Responsive Web Design | Local Search Marketing & SEO | Online Advertising
404721
Travis W. Bennett, DMD
102965 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-2616
Sandy M. Brito, DMD
90290 Overseas Hwy, Suite 108, Tavernier, FL 33070
305-852-5099
www.EveryoneLovesaGentleDentist.com
404709
Look for the Mermaid at MM 82 Bayside!
Waterside Dining
tax to pay for projects to
improve water quality in
local canals.
The county has already
embarked on roughly a
half-dozen pilot canal restoration projects in Key Largo,
Big Pine Key and Geiger Key
with the county covering
the costs through an infrastructure fund that is generated by sales taxes.
However, county staff has
identified 107 canals as
“poor” and 122 as “fair,”
when it comes to water
quality, said Rhonda Haag,
county sustainability program manager. The cost
of restoring those canals
would be about $300 million, she said. The costs
do not include the annual operations and maintenance costs for the restored
canals.
On Wednesday, Sept.
21, Commissioner Danny
Kolhage said he could
only support a stormwater
improvement tax on canalfront property owners.
“The people who live by
the canals should be the
only ones to pay for the
canals,” Kolhage said.
Commissioners George
Neugent and Sylvia Murphy
said they could support taxing both canal-front and
non-canal-front properties
if the non-canal-front properties were taxed at a lower
rate.
“Everyone should pay
something to address water
quality,” said Neugent, who
called the issue a “sticky
wicket.”
Commissioner
David
Rice deemed the proposal “hairy,” but he did not
give any indication how he
would vote. County Mayor
Heather Carruthers was
not in attendance at last
Wednesday’s meeting.
The commission will
meet in Marathon on Nov.
14 to discuss canal restoration projects and how to
pay for them.
Also on Wednesday, the
commission did vote on
canal restoration projects
in Key Largo and Tavernier,
which led to a heated
exchange between Kolhage
and County Administrator
Roman Gastesi about
dedicating $1.5 million in
Florida Keys Stewardship
Act funding toward canal
restoration projects.
Kolhage argued that the
board never formally agreed
or voted on a resolution to
put the $1.5 million toward
canal projects. In the past,
Kolhage has argued the
Stewardship Act funding
should go toward acquiring
environmentally sensitive
land.
Gastesi argued that he
was under the impression
the commission had made
canal restoration a priority and publicly discussed
using act funds toward
canal restoration projects.
Card Sound Bridge
The commission also discussed raising the price of
the toll on the Card Sound
Road Bridge to help cover
the costs of making the
tollbooth electronic-payment-only and replacing
the bridge before or around
2030.
The bridge, which is
one of two coming into
the Florida Keys, was constructed in 1969, and its life
expectancy is supposed to
run out in 2030, according
to county staff. The project
will cost about $32 million.
The cost to replace the
staffed tollbooth with an
electronic payment system
would be about $2.3 million with about $250,000
in annual operating and
maintenance fees, according to representatives with
a private consulting group
tasked at looking into the
issue.
The consultants discussed raising the costs of
the toll from 50 cents an
axle to 75 cents per axle. The
current rate generates about
$1 million a year, according
to county estimates.
The consultants said the
county needs to raise the
toll by 2025 or operating
costs will exceed revenues.
tohara@keysnews.com
Breakfast 7am • Lunch & Dinner 11am-10pm
Casual Atmosphere • Fresh Seafood
World Famous Fishing Guides
Private Parties on the Beach
NOW Free Wi-Fi Property-Wide
Phone: 305-664-2692
www.loreleicabanabar.com
SEP. 29
THUR.
STEVE WEBB
SEP. 30
FRI.
JESS ATKINS BAND
MAGIC BY MICHAEL TRIXX
5:30-10 PM
6-10 PM
AFTER SUNSET
OCT. 1
SAT.
BROTHERS OF OTHERS
6-10 PM
OCT. 2
SUN.
STEVE WEBB
5:30-10 PM
OCT. 3
MON.
THE CAROUSERS
5:30-10 PM
OCT. 4
TUE.
DENNIS HOLMES
5:30-10 PM
OCT. 5
WED.
WEBB & DAVIDSON
5:30-10 PM
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
CALL 305-853-7277
Sunset
Entertainment
“Don’t Smoke It” Mow It
Starting at 6pm
7 days a week
ISLAND LAWN SERVICE
EVERY NIGHT
Happy Hour
Specials
7 Days a Week
from 4–6pm
Breakfast Served 7am, 7 days a week!
New Breakfast Specials Menu
World Famous Fishing Guides • Private Parties on the Beach
Full Property Maintenance
Commercial & Residential
Trash Hauling
Licensed & Insured
Serving the Keys Since 1988
507386
305-240-5888
404706
3A
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
UP FRONT
Zika fears keeping some travelers away
BY MANDY MILES
Free Press Staff
Officials concerned about Keys’ wedding market
MONROE
COUNTY
—
Travelers’ fears about the mosquito-borne Zika virus have prompted a handful of hotel cancellations in the Florida Keys, but no
large-scale bailout, yet.
Tourism officials are most concerned about the island chain’s
wedding and honeymoon industry, which could be hit hard,
said Harold Wheeler, director
of the Monroe County Tourist
Development Council.
The concern and global travel advisories are for pregnant
women and those who may
become pregnant, because Zika
has been known to cause severe
birth defects in babies born to
infected women. One of the most
common is microcephaly, which
results in abnormally small heads.
“I know for a fact that we’ve
had two wedding cancellations
that can be specifically attributed
to Zika,” Wheeler said last Friday,
adding that other, generalized
hotel cancellations have been
sporadic. “We’re increasing our
advertising toward the wedding
market for the coming tourist
season to hopefully make up for
some of the expected losses.”
But certainly, most wedding
groups and honeymoon couples
usually include plenty of women
who fall into the at-risk category
of women of child-bearing age
who may be or plan to become
pregnant, Wheeler said.
Jodi Weinhofer, president of the
Lodging Association of the Florida
Keys & Key West, agreed.
“It hasn’t been dramatic yet, but
I know we’ve had a few cancellations in the Upper Keys. People
have said it’s not just the Keys,
but that they’re staying away from
all of Florida,” Weinhofer said,
adding that as the situation continues, there’s no way to know
how many people fearing Zika
will cross the Keys off their list of
possible destinations before ever
booking a hotel.
“We’ll never know how many
people we lose in that regard,”
she said. “There’s no way to tell
whether people were planning to
come here and then changed their
minds. While I certainly believe
we have the best mosquito control program in the country, we
are being proactive and entirely
honest with people.”
The TDC has included information about Zika on its website
since the issue began and will
continue keeping travelers and
potential travelers up to date,
Wheeler said.
“It’s about the long-term health
of people and our destination, not
about a few room nights here and
there,” said Weinhofer, who added
that the properties that have experienced Zika-related cancellations
have been “doing the right thing”
with regard to refunds. “We certainly don’t want people coming if
they’re at all uncomfortable.”
Weinhofer said one reason for
the limited cancellations so far
could be the Keys’ small number
of confirmed Zika cases — four
— and the fact that all were travel-related, meaning those infected contracted the virus elsewhere.
The Keys have had no instances
so far of local transmission.
Nevertheless, mosquito eradication efforts have been ramped
up throughout the state, and
tourism officials from Key West
to Jacksonville to the Florida
Panhandle are bracing for the
financial hit much like they brace
for a hurricane.
The Miami area has documented more than 40 cases of Zika,
including some areas of local
transmission, meaning local mosquito populations were infected.
“The last thing I’d want to be
right now is a mosquito on Miami
Beach,” Miami Beach Mayor
Philip Levine said in a Sept. 1 article in The Guardian.
The article also included comments from Scott Berman, a leisure and hospitality analyst, who
said officials are right to be worried about losses to the state’s $82
billion tourism industry.
“I don’t dispute the position that
there will be an economic impact,
the question is how severe will it
be, and more importantly how
lasting will it be,” Berman told The
Guardian. “If there’s any silver lining, the next 60 days are traditionally the slowest for the tourism
sector ... If we’re still talking about
this in December and January,
clearly the impact will be fairly
deep and it’ll take some time to
work through the analytics to see
what that figure is.”
For more information about
Zika and the Florida Keys’ mosquito control efforts, go to keysmosquito.org.
mmiles@keysnews.com
near the school areas when time, the district has advice:
they’re going to school,” “We recommend people not
she said. “Typically this looking up,” Ranson said.
Continued from page 1A
That might not be the
time of year, we slow the
spraying fight. She has an
sprays down. We usually answer parents want to
8-year-old son who attends
have some crossover once hear when they take their
Ocean Studies Charter
or twice as the year begins.” complaints to the district
School in Tavernier.
While no more adulticide next month.
Daly regularly posts news
“By going to the meetmissions are planned right
about the GM mosquito
now, that could change if ing, I hope to let the board
issue on her Facebook page,
the adult mosquito popula- members know that parwhich is read by friends
tion increases, Ranson said. ents are concerned about
including local parents. Her
“We don’t just go out and the spraying and that there
attention was drawn to the
spray. It’s our last resort,” has to be a better way to
aerial mission times in the
FACEBOOK
accomplish mosquito conshe pointed out.
past few weeks.
The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District uses planes to conduct spraying missions to reduce the
trol without harming ourAnd
if
residents
do
hap“A group of mothers adult mosquito population in the area.
pen
to
be
outside
as
a
mosselves in the process with
reached out to me about the
spraying of Naled on our sure include eye pain, insecticide to drift through timeline for spraying than quito control plane is flying the chemicals,” Dixon said.
ctwine@keysnews.com
kids while waiting at the bus coughing and shortness of the air and kill mosquitoes that followed by the Florida over during the next spaying
on
contact.
breath.
“In
severe
cases
…
Keys
district.
stop,” she said. “And yes, I
When applied accord“The [insecticide] label
am mad about the spray death may be caused by
times. … They definitely respiratory failure or cardi- ing to label instructions, encourages the applications
Best Kept Secret in Homestead!
ac arrest,” according to the Naled can be used for pub- two hours before sunrise or
need to adjust the time.”
lic health mosquito control two hours after sunset to
Chef-Crafted Food • Full Bar
According
to
the network.
Friendly Atmosphere
programs
without
posing
Naled
has
been
banned
mitigate
an
exposure
to
the
Extension
Toxicology
Network, a cooperative pes- in the European Union risks to people, according to human population as well
LIVE
as mitigate risks to honeyticide information project since 2012, according to EU the EPA.
EN
TE
RT
AINMENT
The use of Naled to battle bees,” he said.
operated by schools includ- documentation.
W
EE
KE
NDS
Zika-carrying
mosquitoes
In
the
United
States,
www.whitelioncafe.com
ing Cornell University,
But Ranson told the Free
Naled is “a fast-acting, Naled has been registered in Miami Beach has gener- Press that the Florida Keys
Lunch: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am-3 pm
non-systemic contact and for use since 1959, accord- ated controversy in recent district’s pilots cannot fly
weeks.
Dinner: Thursday 6-10 pm and
stomach poison in insects.” ing to the EPA. It is used pribefore sunrise or after sunDavis
Daiker,
chief
of
marily
for
controlling
adult
Friday & Saturday, 5pm ‘til the fat lady sings!
The network’s website
set.
Closed Sunday & Monday
said Naled interferes with mosquitoes, but it is also the Bureau of Scientific
“We do not have nightSwank
“an enzyme that is essen- used as an insecticide on Evaluation and Technical time capability for flying,” CUSTOMIZED CORPORATE OR PRIVATE PARTIES! Loryann
Proprietor
tial for the proper working food and feed crops, and in Assistance at the Florida she said. “We fly at 75 to 100
Department of Agriculture feet. It has to hit the target, 146 NW 7th St., Homestead, FL 33030 • 305.248.1076
of the nervous systems of greenhouses.
For mosquito control, and Consumer Services, and it would pose a safety
both humans and insects.
… Naled is moderately to Naled is supposed to be called in to a Sept. 14 meet- risk.”
highly toxic by ingestion, applied as an ultra-low vol- ing of the city commission
The district has no curSpecialized Well-Care Services:
inhalation and dermal ume spray in order for fine for Miami Beach to address rent plans to switch out
• Assistance with personal needs • Regular health assessments
aerosol droplets contain- citizens who were con- insecticides with a product
adsorption.”
• Nurses & CNAs on staff
The first effects of expo- ing small quantities of the cerned about Naled spray- that does not contain Naled.
24 Hour:
ing.
• Qualified Medication Aides • House physician on call
“We’re very limited to
• Nursing care • Orthopedic rehabilitation • Stroke rehabilitation
“In EPA’s assessment,
the amount of products we
• Alzheimer Care • Respite and long-term care
they have determined that
have,” Ranson said.
Assistance with Chronic Conditions:
the level of exposure from
• Arthritis • Diabetes • Hypertension • A.D. and related dementia
Ranson did say the district
use in mosquito control
• Orthopedic • Cardiac • Mental Health • Parkinson Disease
has been keeping Monroe
would present a negligible
Call today for a tour 305-248-9662
County Superintendent
risk to the general public,
of Schools Mark Porter
and this relates to health
122 N.W. 7th Street
informed about the spray
endpoints related to canHomestead, FL
times.
cer, birth defects, irritancy
Located next to White Lion Café
“We try to avoid spraying
to the eye and skin, as well
as other systemic effects,”
he said. “This is based on
the toxicity of Naled and the
FACEBOOK likelihood for exposure.”
The district uses helicopters such as this one for larvicide misDaiker did appear to recsions to spray the larval mosquito population.
ommend a more stringent
507383
Spraying
White Lion Cafe
507396
Quality Senior Living
October 7-9
Showtime from
7PM til 10PM
Meet the Songwriters for these Artists:
Many Award Winners & Nominee’s including Grammy’s and CMA Awards
Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Rodney Atkins, John Michael Montgomery,
Lorrie Morgan, Jessica Andrews, and Mark Wills – James Slater
Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen – Jon Nite
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hank Williams Jr. – Bud Tower
The legendary Pete Tong – Drew Young
Garth Brooks – Amanda Williams
Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland – Scooter Carusoe
Steven Tyler – Levi Hummon
The Ladyfingers, Evangeline, Jimmy Buffett – Beth McKee
Patrick and Mollyy Lockwood – The Lockwoods
Rule the road with affordable payments,
fast local service and great rates
on new, used or refinanced
Keys Auto Loans as low as 1.49%APR*
Apply Today!
Call 305-293-6000
1313 Ocean Bay Dr.
Visit any branch in Key West at 3022 N. Roosevelt Blvd. or
514 Southard St., in Big Pine at MM30 or in Marathon at MM53.5
13 Seagate Blvd.
VISIT KEYLARGOSONGFEST.COM
404764
99530 Overseas Hwy.
Go to KeysFCU.org
*Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply.
Download our
Mobile App
508970
4A • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
key largo news
Threats fly at sewer board meeting
BY CHARLOTTE TWINE
Free Press Staff
KEY LARGO — The most
recent operations report for
the Key Largo Wastewater
Treatment District touted
that no odor complaints
were received during
August, but that didn’t stop
other complaints from
wafting around the room at
the district’s Sept. 20 board
meeting.
Threats of censure and
impeachment were directed at one commissioner
over concerns that he is
“bullying” staff.
Two hours into the meeting, during which action
was taken on items ranging
from construction change
orders to renewing the consulting engineer’s contract,
the commissioners started
to discuss an item called
“Staff Contact.” Chairman
Dave Asdourian introduced
the topic neutrally, without
naming names.
“There’s been some incidents here recently,” he
said.
Asdourian suggested the
commissioners
desiring
a
faceto-face
meeting
with staff
should
s e n d
Asdourian
an email
request,
and the general manager or the district’s attorney
should be present at the
meeting.
“If one of us needs information, sending the request
via email takes all the personality, well, most of the
personality out of it and a
lot of the potential for conflict,” he said.
“What potential conflict
are you talking about?”
Commissioner Andy Tobin
asked, demanding that
Asdourian be more specific. Asdourian explained his
item was about Tobin’s visit
to staff in August.
Weeks before, Tobin had
copied the Free Press on
an email exchange he had
with General Manager Paul
Christian regarding this
incident.
The first
e m a i l ,
d a t e d
Thursday,
Aug. 18,
was from
Christian
and sent to
Tobin
the commissioners
and staff general counsel
Ray Giglio: “Commissioners,
it is my sad duty to report
an incident at the District
office this morning. …
Commissioner Tobin came
to the District Office. His
visit started with [human
resources]: asking to see
personnel files for several members of staff and
then questioning Kim
[Carpenter, human resources staff] about particular
items in each person’s file.
… He then visited with Rob
[Bulkiewicz, director of
administration] in his office
and asked several questions
about Rob, his qualification,
his job. … Both employees categorized the visit as
intimidating, threatening,
confrontational and bully-
U.S. labor department
investigates fire staff
BY CHARLOTTE TWINE
Free Press Staff
KEY LARGO — The U.S.
Department of Labor is
investigating the payroll
practices of emergency
responder staff, the attorney for the Key Largo FireRescue and Emergency
Medical Services District
announced during a Sept.
19 board meeting.
The
investigation
appears to have been
spurred by someone who
posed as Fire Chief Don
Bock and placed calls to
the labor department.
To some, that news may
have overshadowed the fact
that the fire board approved
a property tax rate at the
meeting that inches ever
closer toward a cap that
can only be changed by
voter referendum.
Theron Simmons, counsel for the district, said the
labor department is looking into payroll practices
at the Key Largo Volunteer
Ambulance Corps and the
Key Largo Volunteer Fire
Department, the district’s
two emergency-response
contractors.
“People are working at
one organization and volunteering at another. … It’s
a gray area in the law,” he
said.
Bock said the labor
department representative
told him it would be about
two weeks before the investigation is concluded. After
the meeting, he explained
that the labor department
had requested payroll
records for the past two
years. But Bock also pointed out that the official told
him that someone claiming
to be him had called into
the labor department to
ask questions.
“I am not that person,”
Bock told the Free Press.
“Where this came from
… is not something I can
begin to speculate about.”
Bock said he believes the
payroll practices are legitimate because the ambulance corps and the fire
department are two separate 501(c)(3) non-profit
organizations, and therefore it should be OK to work
as paid staff at one organization and volunteer at the
other.
“This is an open inves-
tigation and we have no
further information at
this time,” said Michael
D’Aquino, who works for
the labor department’s
office of public affairs.
Jack Bridges, attorney for
the ambulance corps and
the fire department, says
the two organizations are
distinct.
“There are some firefighters and EMTs who
work a shift at the ambulance corps and then
work a shift at the new
fire department,” he said.
“What the Department of
Labor is investigating is
whether it’s really the same
employer. We contend that
it is not the same employer,
because the two companies have different boards
of directors and different
presidents.”
Bridges said if the labor
department decides that
the employees have the
same employer, then they
will be entitled to overtime
compensation.
“This will mean that the
ambulance corps, the fire
department or both will
FAST SERVICE • AFFORDABLE PRICES
See LABOR, page 5A
ing.”
Tobin said Asdourian’s
recommendation would
impede fact-gathering.
“What you are suggesting
is that … all commissioners
now have to go through the
manager [Paul Christian],
which is exactly what Paul
wants. That’s how you control information,” he said.
“Because somebody feels
intimidated, we should
change our practices, our
policies? ... I think this
whole thing was completely
manufactured as payback
because I questioned Rob’s
salary.”
Bulkiewicz’s promotions
and pay raises from $60,000
to $88,000 have been a
cause of consternation for
Tobin for more than a year.
He called for Christian’s termination in July 2015 over
his alleged lack of transparency about staff raises.
“You’ve been bullying
people publicly for a year,”
Commissioner Steve Gibbs
said, his voice rising. He
read a written statement
citing Tobin’s calling for the
general manager’s termina-
tion and a
“personal
fight” with
the
district’s general counsel,
Ray
Giglio.
“I wish
Gibbs
to
propose that
personal attacks no longer
be allowed. If they continue I will have no choice
but to move for Mr. Tobin’s
impeachment,” he read.
Commissioners
also
accused Tobin of having
control issues.
“I’ve had it up to here
with you making decisions
unilaterally,” Asdourian
said, citing Tobin’s visits to
the architect of the administrative building during
its recent construction and
making revisions to the
plans before the board had
the opportunity to discuss
them.
“One person doesn’t make
a decision,” Commissioner
Norm Higgins said.
“Right now, I’d like to
move for censuring you,”
Gibbs shot at Tobin. Gibbs
said Tobin went to staff
and used his “position of
authority to come in and
browbeat someone for 26
minutes.”
“I came into this … trying to keep this generic,”
Asdourian said. “Andy, the
bottom line is, you come in
here and everybody pretty much ducks and cowers.
… They feel intimidated by
you. It’s your damn delivery.”
Commissioner Robby
Majeska defended his colleague.
“I don’t think Andy is the
bully. We have a different
bully in this building, and
that’s our general manager,”
he said. “By asking questions, the board is better
able to do our job. … I never
see our lawyer [Giglio] disagree with Paul.”
“No one has ever bullied
me in any way,” Giglio said
in response to Majeska’s
charge.
After a bit more venting
(the “Staff Contact” discusSee THREATS, page 5A
County OKs trauma district dismantling
BY CHARLOTTE TWINE
Free Press Staff
KEY
LARGO
—
The
Monroe
County
Commission
last
week
unanimously
approved advertising for a
public hearing to abolish
the Upper Keys Health Care
Taxing District and an ordinance to divvy up remaining funds among emergency-response entities in the
district.
The taxing district,
more commonly known
as the trauma district,
has $800,000 remaining
in its coffers. According
to the ordinance, those
funds will be dispersed by
Jan. 15, 2017, to the following entities in preordained amounts: Ocean
Reef Public Safety (37.5
percent), Key Largo Fire &
EMS District (37.5 percent),
Tavernier (18.75 percent)
and Layton (6.25 percent).
The dispersed money
can only be used for
trauma-related
capital
improvements, such as
emergency vehicles or
equipment. Though the
commissioners discussed
whether they should provide more oversight over
how these entities spent
the money, they voted to
simply hand over checks in
the dictated amounts.
“They’ve worked with
this money before, so all
of them know the rules,”
Commissioner
Sylvia
Murphy said. Murphy was
also previously on the advisory board for the trauma
district, which was created
in 1988 by the county to
pay for uninsured victims
of trauma incidents, usually car accidents.
A half-cent tax was collected in the Upper Keys
from 1988 to 1992 and a
quarter-cent tax from 1992
to 1995. At one point, the
district had up to $7 million
in its treasury.
In the 1980s and ‘90s
hospital admittance was
a problem for emergency
responders and their trauma victims who didn’t have
health insurance or were
unable to prove they had it.
The trauma district’s role
was to vouch for the uninsured and pay for their services at area hospitals and
also the ambulances that
carried them there.
But hospitals are no longer allowed to deny care to
the uninsured, and with the
advent of the Affordable
Care Act and cellphones,
it’s easier for trauma victims to prove they are
insured in the first place.
Consequently, Murphy told
the Free Press, the trauma
district has lost its purpose.
ctwine@keysnews.com
is optional.
For reservations, email antonia.shusta@
KEY LARGO — The Upper Keys keysgop.com or vickyfay@terranova.net.
Republican Club will celebrate the
Constitution’s 229th anniversary when it Democrats open office
meets Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Key
Largo Civic Club. 209 N. Ocean Bay Drive.
KEY LARGO — The Upper Keys
An opening reception with a cash bar Democrats will host a coffee and doughbegins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a meeting nut social at 10 a.m. Oct. 8 at the group’s
at 6 p.m. and a panel discussion at 6:30
See OFFICE, page 5A
p.m. Attendance is free. Dinner is $20 and
GOP to discuss Constitution
From Key Largo to Key West
Immediate Service in South Florida
HAULING:
P-Rock (1/4 inch) • 1/2 inch
57 mix (3/4 inch) • Top Soil
Boulders • Exotic Rock
All Types of Sand
BOBCAT SERVICE
JUVIER TRUCKING CORP.
305-216-2055
lic# SP 4206
www.JuvierTrucking.com • JuvierTrucking@gmail.com
Come Visit Your Friends At The
w !
No oking
-Sm
Non
404741
Po
ol
Da Tab
rt
le
Bo
ard
s
We Have the NFL Sunday Ticket
Friday Nights Live
Every Game, Every Week, Only at the Safari
Every Friday from 8-11pm
507380
Oceanfront – MM 74
Caloosa Cove Resort
NEW Beat the Bartender Night
The Original Jam Night
Every Thursday from 8-11pm
with The Safari Jam Band
Out Roll the Bartender & your Drink’s FREE
Every Tuesday from 7-10pm
Open Noon ‘Til Midnight
7 Days A Week
73814 Overseas Hwy – MM 74 – Islamorada, FL 33036
305.664.8142
Small Boat Dockage Now Available
404749
Sunday Funday Tailgate – Food Starts at 1:00pm September 30: The Glen Harmon Band
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
5A
UPPER KEYS
Captain OK after boat explodes
KEY LARGO — A local commercial
salvage boat captain was singed but
otherwise unharmed when his 23-foot
inflatable rib boat exploded around 6
p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, according to the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission.
Double D Marine Capt. Steven
Dobkins was anchored near Rodriguez
Key when he had difficulty starting
his starboard outboard motor, FWC
spokesman Bobby Dube said.
The starter motor, however, stayed
engaged, causing smoke to emit from
the engine. As Dobkins opened the
center console hatch to kill the batteries, fumes from the mounted fuel
tank escaped and ignited, immediately ejecting Dobkins into the water,
reports say.
His clothes were singed but other
than that there were no reported
injuries, Dube said. A nearby good
Samaritan on a small vessel came to
his rescue and remained on site until
FWC Officer Mike McKay arrived.
By then the vessel was mostly submerged other than part of the center
console, which was sticking out of the
FWC/Contributed
A 23-foot inflatable rib boat burns down to the water line.
water in flames with additional flames
coming from gasoline leaking from
the forward gas tank.
Responding Coast Guard vessels
trimmed their engines to splash water
on the flames, eventually extinguishing them. No citations or charges are
pending.
Truck thefts on rise
UPPER KEYS — Monroe
County Sheriff’s Office
detectives are investigating a rash of pickup truck
and box truck thefts since
April in the Upper Keys.
The trucks — at least
eight of them — are a variety of makes and models
including Ford F-250 and
F-350 trucks, a Chevrolet
Silverado, two box trucks
and a Dodge Dakota
taken from areas between
Islamorada and Key Largo,
according to the Monroe
County Sheriff’s Office.
There has been an escalation in the number stolen this month with three
taken so far and three
more attempted truck
thefts. In the cases of the
recent attempted thefts
case, the suspect or suspects forced open the
doors by breaking the door
locks and attempted to
start the trucks using some
kind of tool, possibly a
screwdriver or something
similar, reports say.
Anyone who has a
Tavernier fisherman faces drug charges
TAVERNIER — The Monroe
County
Sheriff ’s
Special
Investigations Unit arrested a local fisherman on drug
charges after serving a search
warrant last Thursday at 582
Beach Road.
As detectives were serving the
warrant at 2:45 p.m., Francisco
Guevara, 37, got out of a blue
F150 truck and ran toward the
back of the property, but was
apprehended, according to the
sheriff’s office.
During a search of the truck
and residence, detectives
allegedly found heroin, crack
cocaine, synthetic marijuana or
“Spice,” several different controlled substances including
alprazolam and oxycodone,
a handgun, ammunition and
multiple items of drug paraphernalia.
Guevara was charged with
resisting arrest, possession of
heroin, cocaine and controlled
substances without a prescription and possession of drug
paraphernalia.
truck, particularly one of
the larger ones equipped
for towing, should take
precautions, the sheriff’s
office urges. One possible
way to avoid a truck theft
is to park the vehicle in
a secure area or to park
another vehicle in front
of it so that it cannot be
removed, according to the
sheriff’s office.
Detectives say they
believe the stolen trucks
may have been used to
subsequently steal trailered boats either here or in
other jurisdictions. In one
instance in August, a stolen truck from Islamorada
was used to steal a trailered boat. The vehicle was
stopped by a Stinger Spike
System in Florida City and
a Miami man was arrested
in that case, reports say.
Truck thefts like these
are taking place all over
South Florida. The sheriff’s
office is working with other
law enforcement agencies
in adjacent counties to
investigate these crimes.
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
IN KEY LARGO
The Catch is a fun, family-friendly restaurant featuring
fresh local seafood and daily drink & food specials.
Live Music
6:30-9:30 pm
Thursday-Saturday
Trivia Tuesday
Guevara
with Free Shots & Prizes
Daily Lunch &
Dinner Specials
have to restrict the hours
the employees can work or
ask the district to provide
more funds for firefighter
pay,” he said, pointing out
this money comes from the
taxpayers.
He said that firefighters
often volunteer as an EMT
to boost their pay.
“The word ‘volunteer’ is
kind of a misnomer,” he
said. “Volunteers receive
stipends for each shift they
volunteer.”
And, he noted, the
non-profits would have
nothing to gain by hiding
overtime.
“This isn’t like a restaurant or a private enterprise
where the profits go into
Threats
Continued from page 4A
sion lasted about an hour),
no motions were made to
take up Asdourian’s suggestion about face-to-face
meetings or to censure
Tobin.
“I apologize to everybody
for my delivery method,”
Tobin said. “My contribution to this board outweighs
whatever negativity that I
have.”
Asdourian capped the
discussion by criticizing
Tobin for publicly airing
his email exchange with
Christian.
“The only thing that really
upset me, Andy… it went
to the media before it went
to the commissioners,”
Asdourian said. “We should
air our laundry in-house
first.”
Office
Continued from page 4A
office at 100430 Overseas
Highway, suite 300.
Regular office hours are 5
to 7 p.m. Monday through
Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturday.
The
Upper
Keys
Democrats are a regional
committee of the Monroe
County
Democratic
Executive Committee and
can be reached at 305-3940585 or upperkeys@floridakeysdemocrats.org.
than $100 per $100,000 of
assessed property value
without first getting the
rate approved by voters in a
referendum. This is known
as the “one-mill cap.”
Commissioner Marilyn
Beyer spoke of the importance of promoting local
volunteerism and questioned whether allocating
more money in the budget
for paid staff was pushing
the district toward the onemill cap.
In the budget, $163,000
was set aside to promote
four part-time emergency
responders to full-time as
a way to retain staff, a longtime problem.
“At one point we had
strong volunteerism. … I
really don’t see that anymore,” she said, pointing
out that staffers frequent-
With that, the meeting
adjourned.
After the meeting, Tobin
told the Free Press that
perhaps the district should
establish a more formalized process for dealing
with complaints about a
commissioner’s behavior
and assign a neutral party
to investigate it. He questioned whether Gibbs and
Asdourian were unbiased
enough to determine if he
really did bully staff.
When asked how the tension amongst the commissioners could be resolved
— similar flare-ups at board
meetings have occurred for
more than a year — Tobin
paused and said, “I don’t
think that’s really the point.
You don’t get to a resolution when you have a group
of people who have their
own way of doing things.
We are accomplishing our
mission.”
ctwine@keysnews.com
ly come from the mainland. “We’re back to 100
percent paid, just like
[Monroe County]. We’re
going to have a real problem, taxation-wise. … I
would like to see encouragement of local people.”
ctwine@keysnews.com
Monday-Friday
Happy Hour
3:30-6:30 pm
SPECIALS OF THE WEEK
Monday
Chicken Pot Pie
$
1295
Tuesday
Wednesday
Mexican
Meatloaf
Night
Lunch $ 95 Dinner $
8
12
Thursday
Friday
Roasted Turkey
Mashed Potatoes Prime Rib Aujus
and Stuffing
95
$ 95
$ 95
19
14
MM 102 OCEANSIDE, KEY LARGO, FL • 305.204.4143
HOURS: 11 AM – 10 PM
Re-Elect
Catherine
THE CANDIDATE
WITH PROVEN
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Sunrise of Key West Rotary •Graduate of Leadership Monroe Class XIII
Key West Women’s Club •Elks Club •Unity of the Keys •Military Affairs
Committee •Take Stock in Children Mentor •Keys to be the Change
PROVEN PROFESSIONALISM
5VOTE Vogel • NOVEMBER 8
www.vogel2016.com
508396
Continued from page 4A
somebody’s pocket,” he
said. “Our books, our bank
accounts and every check
we write is public record.”
Also at the Sept. 19 meeting, the five members of
the fire district’s board
approved the budget and
tax rate for fiscal year 20162017.
The $3,973,273 budget
will go to the district board,
the fire department and
ambulance corps to pay for
operational expenses and
capital improvements. The
property tax was set at
$90 per every $100,000 of
assessed property value.
The tax rate for 2015-16
was $82.23 per $100,000.
The district, which uses
the funds collected from
taxing Key Largo homeowners to pay for fire-rescue
services, cannot tax more
404758
Labor
Political Advertisement paid for and approved by Catherine Vogel, Democrat, for State Attorney.
Come Enjoy
j y Our Food Anytime
y
MM97
97630 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 440-2023
OPEN FROM
6A.M. to 2A.M.
7 DAYS A WEEK
Sports Bar
NFL Football
Package
7 Different TVs
Throughout the Bar
HAPPY HOUR DRINK & APPETIZER SPECIALS EVERY NIGHT
407504
6A • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
islamorada news
Repair work to
cause lane closures
New manager prepares to take seat
BY BRIAN BOWDEN
Free Press Staff
ISLAMORADA — Village residents will see a fresh face around
town come next week.
Seth Lawless, hired last month
as the new village manager, is
expected to take take the helm
Monday, Oct. 3. He will replace
Maria Aguilar, who has already
accepted her previously role as the
village’s finance director.
“I’m really looking forward to
getting started,” Lawless told the
Free Press via phone last week
from his North Carolina home.
Lawless, 51, said he plans to be
in town on Friday. Under the terms
of his contract, he is expected to
establish residency within 25 miles
of Islamorada by April 2017. He
previously said his family would
remain in North Carolina while
one of his two daughters finishes
high school. He also has a son.
Lawless spoke about some of
the challenges he would likely
face with this new position in an
unfamiliar town — he visited the
Florida Keys once as a child in the
1970s. Other than that, the area is
pretty much foreign to him.
“It’s definitely going to be a steep
learning curve,” Lawless admitted.
He pointed out that becoming familiar with the specifics of
community issues, such as affordable housing, and understanding
what’s happening on a regional
scale, such as Everglades restoration efforts, would be two of his
biggest challenges.
But he said he will rely on his
extensive background in comparable issues to help him along the
way initially.
“There are a lot of similarities
[with my previous positions and
cities],” Lawless said while highlighting those.
Lawless comes to Islamorada
after a six-year stint as town manager of Knightdale, N.C. He also
served as town manager of Nags
Head, N.C., for one year, town
manager of Beech Mountain, N.C.,
for 11 years and town administrator for Franklinton, N.C., for five
years, according to his resume.
Mayor
Deb
Gillis
and
Councilman Mike
Forster both previously said his
background in
resort and tourist
towns was one
Lawless
of the reasons he
topped their lists.
Lawless spoke
about a $30 million beach nourishment effort funded by a special
tax that he oversaw while at his
Nags Head position. Similar problems of eroding shoreline areas
currently plague some spots in
Islamorada.
But Lawless said his biggest
strength in his previous positions
has been developing relationships.
That could come in handy when
trying to bring more state funding
to Islamorada. He said his biggest
weakness, at least initially, would
be being the new man on campus.
Lawless was asked how he might
handle pressure from the friends
of council members when it comes
to procedural issues.
SUPPORTING
THE CAUSE
Candidate forum
set for Thursday
ISLAMORADA — The
Islamorada Chamber of
Commerce will host a
Village Council candidate
forum at 6 p.m. Thursday,
Sept. 29, in the Founders
Park Community Room,
mile marker 87, bayside.
Two seats on the
five-member board are
being contested. Dave
Boerner, Cheryl Meads and
Dave Purdo are seeking Seat
2, and Mike Forster and Jill
Zima Borski are running for
Seat 5.
The forum is free and
open to the public.
Free CPR class
About 86 cyclists journeyed from Key
Largo to Key West on Sept. 24 to benefit
the Monroe Association of ReMARCable
Citizens, which provides support to those
who are developmentally challenged. In
its second year, the ‘ReMARCable Ride’
features rest stations about every 12
miles from mile markers 100 to 0. At this
rest stop near the Islamorada fire station at mile marker 74, a group from the
Northeast said they read about the ride
online and flew down because they wanted to support the cause.
CONTRIBUTED
Neighbors quarrel over illegal development
BY BRIAN BOWDEN
Free Press Staff
ISLAMORADA
—
The
Islamorada
Fire
Department will offer free
CPR training from 12:45 to 5
p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at
Fire Station 20, mile marker
81.9, bayside.
Participants will be
taught how to prevent,
recognize and respond
to cardiac and breathing
emergencies and how to
perform CPR in infants,
children and adults. Those
completing the class will
receive American Health
and Safety Institute certification.
The class is available to
people living or working in
Islamorada. Participants
See CPR, page 7A
ISLAMORADA — Two
abutting Windley Key communities arguing over one’s
unauthorized structures
and overstepping of property lines went before the
Village Council last week
looking for relief. Before
the board, specifically, was
an administrative appeal
of village staff’s denial of
an after-the-fact building
permit.
The property in question
is a trailer lot at the Windley
Key Mobile Home Park
Condominiums complex,
which sits just south of
Angler’s Reef Resort Villas
& Marina — those having
issues with the unpermitted development. The lot is
owned by Stacey Telenzak.
The problems revolve
around a new, wider
trailer placed on the
property between 2013
and 2015, according to
Monroe County Property
Appraiser’s Office aerial
photos, as well as a deck/
walkway that encroaches a foot or so onto the
Angler’s Reef neighborhood and two tiki huts on
the waterfront lot. One tiki
hut is new, while the other
has been there but was
expanded.
Village Planning Director
Cheryl Cioffari said the illegal development came to
light when Angler’s Reef
complaints arose. They
then responded to investigate. The two communities
tried to resolve the matter
3 Locations to Serve You
Thank you all for waiting
for our newest location to open!
South
Marathon at
725 11th Street Ocean
MM 47.3
305-289-0839
LazyDaysSouth.com
“I’m just there to carry out the
direction of the council members,”
Lawless said.
That particular issue has been
attributed, in part, to Aguilar’s
demotion earlier this year, in
which she initially received
less-than-favorable reviews on
her annual evaluation from some
on the council. She responded on
paper that she had trouble handling special requests from council members’ friends, specifically
those tied to Forster.
Lawless is set to make $145,000
annually with the village. Aside
from his salary, which includes
cost-of-living adjustments, he will
receive a $10,000 relocation stipend to be split into an initial
payment on Oct. 3 and another
six months after his start date. A
performance evaluation will also
be given after six months and then
every year following for the length
of his employment. Other details
of the contract include some
administrative leave days and a
severance package.
bbowden@keysnews.com
NOW OPEN!
Islamorada at
79867 Overseas Hwy
MM 79.9 Oceanside
305-664-5256
Key Largo at
102770 Overseas Hwy
MM 102 Bayside
305-451-0565
Reservations Recommended
LazyLobsterintheKeys.com
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
internally, but to no avail.
“The process has now
evolved to this point,”
Village Attorney Roget
Bryan said at the Sept. 22
meeting.
Many Windley Key residents spoke in favor of
granting the property an
after-the-fact permit, saying the work done there has
greatly improved the area.
But while legal representation for Angler’s Reef agreed
that may be the case, the
development was still done
without permits.
Cioffari pointed out that
if Telenzak would have
applied for permits, most of
the dispute probably would
have been avoided.
Legal representation for
Telenzak said at the hearing that the property owner
would consider removing the side tiki hut that
encroaches on the Angler’s
Reef property. He would
also consider submitting
a substantially-different,
after-the-fact building permit application.
Ultimately, the appeal
was tabled by the council as
both parties agreed to give
it one last go at reaching
a mutual agreement. They
have up to 180 days before
the matter has to come
back before the board as
required by village code.
In other meeting news,
the council approved its
environmental sustainability plan. Two major projects for 2017 include canal
restoration and installation
of electric vehicle charging
stations. With the latter, the
village is looking at putting
one at Founder Parks and
another at its administrative building. A third station
is also being talked about
for Islamorada’s art district
area. The initial two have
not yet been put out to
bid, but estimates have it
around $35,000 for both.
The
council’s
next
meeting is scheduled for
The council also held its
final mandatory budget
meeting for the new fiscal
year on Sept 19.
With minimal discussion,
it approved a property tax
rate of $300 per $100,000
of assessed value for fiscal
year 2016-17. This is almost
a 20 percent hike over the
current rate, which is $264.
Also approved was the $13.1
million operating budget.
This is a jump of just over
$1 million from 2015-16.
The increase is due mostly
to staffing additions, salary
bumps and reserve funds
growth.
The new fiscal year begins
on Oct. 1.
bbowden@keysnews.
com
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
BEST LOCALS
DISCOUNT
in Monroe County!
20% TUESDAYS
305.664.4800
MM 81.6 Bayside ࠮Islamorada
507234
Village budget
SALE 175s
S
($15.00 Minimum order)
Sale Items Excluded
Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials
5:30 p.m., Oct. 13, at the
Founders Park Community
Room, mile marker 87, bayside.
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)
507391
ISLAMORADA
—
Southbound lane closures
on U.S. 1 will be required
for a Florida Keys Electric
Cooperative contract crew
to repair underground
power equipment from Oct.
4 to 12.
To access the equipment
the crew must use manholes between mile markers 91 and 89.5, which will
result in a single lane closure.
“Crews will work as efficiently as possible to minimize the time this project
will impact traffic,” said
FKEC Chief Operations
Officer John Stuart. “The
work being done is critical
to the reliability of power
in the Plantation Key area.
However, we apologize for
any inconvenience and
appreciate the patience of
our members.”
FKEC recently identified
problems in this underground equipment that
helps provide power to
Plantation Key. The repairs
to the underground cable
are being made to prevent
any potential equipment
failure.
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
7A
MONROE COUNTY
BY TIMOTHY O’HARA
Free Press Staff
MONROE COUNTY —
The local insurance watchdog group Fair Insurance
Rates in Monroe plans to
file a legal challenge to
an 8.9 percent windstorm
insurance rate increase.
Last week, the state Office
of Insurance Regulation
approved the rate hike
request
by
Citizens
Property Insurance Corp.,
despite dramatic discrepancies among the four
models used to come up
with the rate, including one
calling for a decrease.
FIRM board members,
local elected officials and
others had requested the
state agency either reject
the rate increase or postpone implementation until
more study could be done
and a more sound rate is
determined.
The FIRM board met
last week and agreed to
request a hearing before
a state Department of
Administrative Hearings
judge, which would allow
the group to challenge the
rate increase in a court-like
setting. The group plans
to make the request within the next 30 days, said
Mel Montagne, FIRM board
chair.
“We are not standing still.
We are moving forward,”
Montagne said.
The nearly 9 percent hike
will result in the average
premium increasing from
$3,706 a year to $4,033.
With the fees and surcharges Citizens levies, the
increases could be more
like 12 percent, Montagne
said. The increase would
result in an extra $6 million
being levied on Monroe
County homes and businesses.
The Florida Keys have
been hit with 221 percent
increases in windstorm
rates since 2010, according to FIRM, despite no
hurricanes striking Florida
between 2005 and 2016.
Also, the group plans
to meet with state legislators and the governor and
Florida Cabinet to lobby
to postpone the rate. The
group called on state Rep.
Holly Raschein’s administrative aide Kate DeLoach
to ask Raschein to facilitate
the meetings.
DeLoach read a letter
from Raschein in which she
said she was disappointed
about the rate request not
being postponed.
Teri Johnston, a FIRM
board member and former
Key West city commissioner, called on Raschein to
do more.
“We need more than
disappointed. We need
action,” Johnston said. “We
need legislation.”
Montagne, Raschein and
county Mayor Heather
Carruthers sent letters asking the Office of Insurance
Regulation to delay or halt
the rate increase because
findings in the four rate
models vary so widely, with
one calling for a 77 percent increase and another
making the case for an 8
percent decrease.
Citizens
Property
Insurance Corp. is the largest property insurer in the
Florida Keys and the insurer of last resort.
tohara@keysnews.com
Candidate, amendment forum set for Oct. 6
KEY LARGO — The
Tavernier
Community
Association, the Island of
Key Largo Federation of
Homeowner Associations
and the Upper Keys League
of Women Voters will
host a candidate forum
and amendment primer on Thursday, Oct. 6,
at the Murray E. Nelson
Government and Cultural
Center, mile marker 102,
bayside.
The event starts at 5:30
p.m. with a “Meet the
Candidate” hour, including
free snacks provided by the
host organizations and a
cash bar provided by the
Friends of the Key Largo
Cultural Center.
At 6:30 p.m., the Upper
Keys League of Women
Voters will present both
sides of the four amendments on the November
ballot dealing with solar
electricity, medical marijuana and two tax exemptions.
At 7 p.m., a panel consisting of David Goodhue,
editor of The Reporter;
Dan Campbell, managing
editor of the Florida Keys
Free Press; and Bill Hunter,
former president of the
Sugarloaf Shores Property
Owners Association, will
query candidates for U.S.
Congress, Florida Keys
Mosquito Control District,
Florida Senate, Florida
House of Representatives,
County
Clerk,
State
Attorney, Public Defender,
Key Largo Fire-EMS District
and Key Largo Wastewater
Treatment District.
The two-part forum will
be separated at approximately 8:15 by a 15-minute
refreshment break, again
offered by the host organizations and the Friends.
The forum and amendment primer will be broadcast on Comcast Channel
76, AT&T U-verse Channel
99 and streamed on the
Python
Continued from page 1A
the Upper Keys. There have
been no sightings of python
nests or eggs, however.
The Florida Fish and
Wildlife
Conservation
Commission’s Exotic Species
Hotline has received 31
credible reports of Burmese
pythons in the Keys over the
past five years, with recent
confirmed sightings limited
to Key Largo, according to
an FWC press release.
“While we have documented Burmese pythons
in the Keys for a while
now, this is the first time
we have documentation of
hatchlings in the area. This
is not surprising considering the proximity to the
known breeding population
in the Everglades,” Kristen
Sommers, section leader of
the FWC’s Wildlife Impact
Management Section, said
in a prepared statement.
Scientists and wildlife
managers are not yet 100
percent sure the snakes are
breeding in the Keys, but
they are concerned that is
the case.
“We could have a pregnant female that moved
into Key Largo after traveling from the Everglades, so
we can’t say unequivocally yet that they’re breeding
here, but it’s certainly leading up to that,” Dixon said.
“It could become a very
serious problem.”
The Upper Keys, particularly the Crocodile Lake
National Wildlife Refuge
and the Dagny Johnson Key
Largo Hammock Botanical
State Park, are home to the
federally endangered Key
Largo woodrat and the Key
Largo cotton mouse, both of
which could be prey for the
invasive snakes.
Researchers made headlines in April 2007 when
their telemetry tracking devices led them to a
7-1/2 foot python in north
Key Largo that had two
woodrat radio collars in
its belly. Recent studies in
Everglades National Park
have shown that pythons
DR. GERRY DIETHELM/Contributed
Dr. Doug Mader of the Marathon Veterinary Hospital, left, and
Ron Rozar from the U.S. Geological Service wrangle a 14-foot
python that was captured in the Everglades.
are wiping out the small
mammal population there.
Dixon and other managers have not seen a significant drop in endangered
species numbers in the
Upper Keys, but the August
sightings have them upping
their anti-snake efforts.
They are in the process of
Ken Reda
Director of Sales
Craig Stephens
Sales Consultant
installing traps in the refuge
and trying to get the word
out to residents to keep an
eye out for pythons.
“The most important
thing people can do is keep
an eye out, and keep their
eyes on it if they see one,”
Dixon said, adding that they
then need to call the FWC’s
Capt. Jeff Fraser
Sales Consultant
NEW BOATS
Monroe County website,
where it will also be available later for review.
TCA and the Federation
are both Florida non-profits, incorporated in 1998
and 2000, respectively. The
League of Women Voters is a
citizens’ organization established in 1920 to improve
government and engage
all citizens in the decisions
that impact their lives.
For more information,
call Burke Cannon at 305394-0141, Dottie Moses
at 305-393-4403, John
Hammerstrom at 305-8528722 or Christine Latronico
at 305-451-0867.
exotic species hotline number. “Stay with the animal
and keep on it, so we can
remove these snakes.”
The FWC and other government wildlife groups
have been at war with
Burmese pythons in South
Florida, particularly in the
Everglades, for the last two
decades. Many attribute the
invasive snake’s introduction to the wild to Hurricane
Andrew in 1992, which
damaged zoos, pet stores,
exotic animal warehouses
and the like.
They also attribute the
snake’s rise to irresponsible
pet owners who grow tired
of the snakes and release
them.
Residents and visitors
can help by reporting sightings of Burmese pythons
and other nonnative species to the FWC’s Exotic
Species Reporting Hotline
at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-4834681), online at IveGot1.org
or by downloading the free
“IveGot1” smartphone app.
For information about
Burmese pythons in Florida,
go to myfwc.com/python.
alinhardt@keysnews.
com
Free Press Staff
MONROE COUNTY —
The Coast Guard, Monroe
County Sheriff’s Office
and state wildlife officers
continued to investigate
Monday whether bodies found off Islamorada
and Ramrod Key over the
weekend were migrants
who all came from the
same chug that capsized
last Wednesday.
The confusing series of
events began on Saturday
morning when a body
was found by a fisherman about 23 miles off
of Islamorada in international waters. Another two
dead people were found
shortly thereafter — a man
and woman.
The Coast Guard was
still investigating their
nationality Monday, said
spokesman Petty Officer
3rd Class Eric Woodall.
On Saturday evening,
the body of an unidentified man was found on
a beach on Ramrod Key.
Two bottles of water and a
sandwich were found near
CPR
Continued from page 6A
must be at least 13 years
old and should wear
comfortable clothing to
practice CPR techniques
during the class. Class size
is limited.
Seventy to 80 percent
of cardiac arrest emergencies happen in the
home. Research shows
that heart attack victims
Salon & Tanning
the man. The night before,
deputies responded to the
area after the Coast Guard
reported seeing a man on
the same beach waving as
if to get their attention.
Deputies were unable to
find the man. Detectives
were still investigating his
nationality as of Monday,
said sheriff’s office spokeswoman Becky Herrin.
Meanwhile, at the same
time of the Coast Guard
report, a group of migrants
were found near Little
Palm Island just offshore
of Little Torch Key.
On Monday morning,
three migrants found on
an island near Big Pine Key
told the Coast Guard they
had left Cuba on Sept. 20
with 20 other migrants,
but the vessel capsized
Wednesday night.
A Miami-based HC-144
Ocean Sentry airplane
crew and the Coast Guard
Cutter Robert Yered were
searching for others on
Monday.
Whether any of these
events are connected
remained speculative as of
Monday, Herrin said.
have double the chance of
survival if they are immediately given CPR.
To ensure registrants
plan to attend the free
class, a $20 registration
deposit is required. The
deposit will be refunded
at the end of the class to
those in attendance.
Contact Debbie Naiser
at 305-664-6490 or fire.
department@islamorada.
fl.us to register or for more
information.
Full Service Salon
Come Get The Works!
2 tanning beds and
airbrush spray tans available.
1900
$
Express Pedicure
1000 OFF
3000
$
$
Hair Service Over $50
European Facial
Locals Working for Locals!
Some restrictions apply. Services can be upgraded with coupon only.
Cannot be combined with any other offer, coupon, or specials. Expires 10/31/16.
Tower Plaza at MM101 • (305) 741-7467
Monday Thru Saturday • Evenings by Appointment
Most Credit Cards Accepted
Mention this ad and receive a free gift!
IGUANAS TAKING OVER?
Our
Patented
Products And
Procedures
Are Proven
To Work
• TRAPPING
• ANTI-HOLE BARRIER
• TREE WRAPS
• SPRAYS
• BARRIERS
• SEA WALL CONTROL
• SITE MONITORING
• FOLIAGE CONTROL
Commercial & Residential
Call toll free for a FREE Estimate
855-525-5656
www.iguanacontrol.com
With offices in Dade, Broward,
Monroe & Collier Counties,
We Service The
Entire South Florida Region
507371
305-367-3969
Call for Details and Showing Appointment
BROKERAGE & PRE-OWNED
2016
21’ BOSTON WHALER MONTAUK
200 HP MERCURY OB
“IN STOCK”
“UN-NAMED”
2015
17’ BOSTON WHALER MONTAUK
MERCURY 90 HP
$27,000
2016
27’ BOSTON WHALER DC (VANTAGE)
TWIN 225 HP MERCURY OB
“IN STOCK”
“UN-NAMED”
2003
23’ SCOUT SF
YAMAHA 225 HP 4S
$39,348
2017
270 BOSTON WHALER VANTAGE
TWIN 225 HP MERCURY OB
“ARRIVING SOON”
“UN-NAMED”
2006
25’ PURSUIT FS
TWIN YAMAHA 150 HP
$54,900
2017
330 BOSTON WHALER VANTAGE
TWIN 350 HP MERCURY OB
“ARRIVING SOON”
“UN-NAMED”
2007
32’ BOSTON WHALER OR-CUDDY
TWIN MERCURY 275 HP
$119,000
2017
35’ BOSTON WHALER OUTRAGE
TRIPLE 300 HP OB
“IN STOCK”
“UN-NAMED”
2014
32’ EVERGLADES CENTER CONSOLE TWIN YAMAHA 350 HP
$225,000
2016
195 SCOUT SF
115 HP YAMAHA OB
“IN STOCK”
2016
225 SCOUT XSF
F200XCA YAMAHA OB
“IN STOCK”
“UN-NAMED”
2015
32’ SCOUT LXF
TWIN MERCURY 300 HP
$259,900
2016
275 SCOUT LXF
TWIN 200 HP YAMAHA OB
“IN STOCK”
“UN-NAMED”
2014
35’ BOSTON WHALER OUTRAGE
TWIN MERCURY JS 300 HP
$359,000
2007
43’ TIARA SOVRAN
TWIN VOLVO IPS 600 435 HP
$339,000
$339,500
2017
177 SCOUT SPORT
115 HP YAMAHA OB
“IN STOCK”
“UN-NAMED”
2017
275 SCOUT DORADO
TWIN 200 HP OB
“IN STOCK”
“SOARING EAGLE”
2005
50’ CRUISER EXPRESS
TWIN VOLVO PENTA D12 (1430 HP, EA)
“ENDLESS VENTURE”
2013
60’ HATTERAS-MY
TWIN DD 1350 HP
CALL
“SPRING-R-TIME”
1983
61’ HATTERAS-MY
TWIN DD 1350 HP
CALL
2017
300 SCOUT LXF
TWIN F 300 YAMAHA’S
“IN STOCK”
2017
320 SCOUT LXF
TWIN F 300 YAMAHA’S
“ARRIVING SOON”
2014 35’ BOSTON WHALER
PRISTINE CONDITION/
BEAUTIFUL COLOR
JOY STICK CONTROL/ LOADEDMUST SEE
404750
FIRM to sue over rate hike
Authorities suspect
deaths may be linked
“OUR TRADE”
2003 23’ SCOUT SF
W/2004 LOADMASTER TRAILER
FULLY SERVICED
“UN-NAMED”
2007 TIARA 43 SOVRAN
HIGH END FAMILY CRUISER
CALL
2015 BOSTON WHALER
27 DUAL CONSOLE
ONLY 55 HOURS
CALL!
“UN-NAMED”
2015 32’ SCOUT LXF
TWIN MERCURY 300 HP
LOW HOURS! MUST SEE!
507393
8A • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
marathon news
License discussion, housing on agenda
BY JILL ZIMA BORSKI
Free Press Contributor
MARATHON — The Marathon
City Council on Tuesday was to
discuss the costs and benefits of
having staff handle occupational licenses in-house rather than
using the services of the county
tax collector.
The Sept. 27 meeting took place
after press time.
City Manager Chuck Lindsey
met with Tax Collector Danise
Henriquez to investigate the possibility of taking over the licensing matter.
Henriquez said Marathon’s tax
roll has 2,779 business accounts
that generated $88,564 during
the 2015-16 tax year. According
to a county ordinance, Marathon
received $43,569.67 of the gross
difference based upon its county
population percentage of 11.29.
Monroe County received its
share, and the cost of doing business — $850.85 a month — also
was deducted.
Mayor Mark Senmartin, who
pushed for the discussion, was
looking forward to Tuesday’s
meeting.
“[The monthly administrative
fee] is significant in terms of what
we’re getting and what [the tax
collector] is charging,” he said. “If
we were going to do this in-house,
it may take a full-time position
and that means salary and benefits. Does it make sense for us?
I still like the idea of us doing it
and including services such as a
fire inspection. If there isn’t a net
Layton, Key Colony
finalize new budgets
BY BRIAN BOWDEN
Free Press Staff
MIDDLE KEYS — With
the upcoming fiscal year
right around the corner,
Layton and Key Colony
Beach have each put to bed
its new budget, which will
go into effect on Oct. 1.
Layton officials, according to City Clerk Mimi
Young, made no changes to
its 2016-17 budget at its final
mandatory public meeting last week. It was unanimously approved Sept.
19 by the board.
Layton residents will
see an increase of 14 percent in total property tax
collection over the current
year. The city’s rate is now
set at $275 per $100,000 of
assessed property value for
2016-17. This would generate $150,000 from the town’s
roughly 200 residents.
The current property tax
rate, which ends on Sept.
30, is $259 per $100,000.
Layton’s operational budget comes in at $213,000.
Just over $40,000 of that is
set aside for building inspection services — the largest
expenditure for the new
fiscal year. Monroe County
Sheriff’s Office services,
administration and clerk
services, and city insurance are the other major
line items on the budget.
Each equates for between
$21,000 and $27,000.
Key Colony Beach officials, according to City
Clerk Kathryn McCullough,
also made no changes to its
2016-17 budget at its final
mandatory public meeting
last week. It was unanimously approved Sept. 21.
Residents there will see
an increase of 5.5 percent in
total property tax collection
over the current year. The
city’s rate will be $223 per
$100,000 in assessed property value for 2016-17. This
will generate $1.43 million
from the town’s roughly 800
residents.
The current property tax
rate is $225 per $100,000.
The upcoming year’s
tax collection will equate
for the lion’s share of Key
Colony’s $2.84 million operating budget. More than
$1 million of those funds
are slated for police and
fire rescues services. Other
expenses include hiring a
part-time administrator at
$60,000 a year and using
$100,000 in reserves to balance the new budget.
bbowden@keysnews.
com
Group to discuss family health issues
MARATHON — The Florida Keys Children’s Group
will discuss school-based health and wellness programs from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 30, at the
Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway in
Marathon.
The Florida Keys Children’s Group meets quarterly to
facilitate communication and integration of services for
children and families in Monroe County.
For more information, call 305-293-8424.
gain and there’s no loss either for
the city, is it feasible?”
Also at the council meeting,
the council was to hear a development agreement request from
RERR/41st Street, also known as
Tropical Getaways, for an affordable housing project proposing
construction of two duplexes on a
single lot on 41st Street near mile
marker 49. The planning commission recommended approval
unanimously.
The project, within a residential
high zoning district, is to be facilitated through a development
agreement that allows escrowing
the market rate residential transfer fees for construction of workforce housing directly by the owners of RERR/Anglers at Sombrero.
RERR also is creating an afford-
able housing unit at 42nd and
Louisa streets. It has been permitted and will be under construction
in a week or two, said Planning
Director George Garrett. Citizen
Diane Scott previously has criticized these projects as overly
dense for the neighborhood.
The city’s parks department
planned to announce a busy fall
for residents. Adult volleyball is
meeting at 7:30 p.m. Mondays
throughout the school year at
Marathon High School gym for
two hours.
Art in the Park holiday crafts
occurs from 10 a.m. to noon Oct.
1 at the pavilion near the concession stand in Community Park.
Several “sport-themed” crafts
will be available free of charge
for youngsters to make during
Saturday soccer games, reported
Parks Director Jimmy Schmidt.
The second annual Halloween
Treat Fest is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Oct. 15. Free activities at the
Community Park’s soccer fields
include arts and crafts, games
and snacks prior to the showing
of the movie “Hotel Transylvania
2” at 7:30 p.m. The department’s
Art in the Park program is part of
this event. Treats and gifts for the
children are part of the event. All
ages are welcome and guests are
invited to bring a chair or blanket.
Next is the free Halloween Pet
Parade at 9 a.m. Oct. 29, also in
Community Park at the pavilion.
Prizes will be given for the best
costumes. Donations of non-perishable foods are encouraged to
benefit the Florida Keys SPCA.
County
leaders
attend hall
ceremony
Above, Florida Keys developer Pritam Singh and Monroe
County Commissioner George Neugent discuss matters at the
recent Marathon city hall ribbon-cutting. Left, Monroe County
Commissioner Sylvia Murphy enjoys the festivities at the ribbon-cutting event.
MIKE HENTZ/Free Press
Marathon family killed in plane crash
BY ADAM LINHARDT
Free Press Staff
A couple who own two
resorts in the Middle
Keys as well as three in
Michigan and their teenage son were killed in a
plane crash Saturday, Sept.
17, in Montana, according
to multiple media reports.
Timothy Brown, 64, Tricia
Verhelle-Brown, 45, and
Theodore “Teddy” Brown,
13, died in the crash that
occurred between noon
and 1 p.m. about 12 miles
south of Boyles, Montana,
according to Carter County
(Montana) Sheriff and
Coroner Neil Kittelman.
The family owns the
Seashell Beach Resort on
Grassy Key and Kingsail
Resort in Marathon. They
also own Colonial Inn in
Harbor Springs, Mich., and
the Holiday Inn Express
Florida Ankle and
Foot Institute
and the Breakers Resort in
St. Ignace, Mich., according
to UpNorthLive.com and
the Billings Gazette.
A twin-engine Beechcraft
Baron took off from Billings
Logan
International
Airport. The crash area 12
miles south of Boyes is in
the southeast corner of the
state. The crash was found
by a rancher, Kittelman
said.
The family had requested
weather information at the
airport for Rapid City, S.D.,
but Kittelman said he could
not say for sure what their
destination was.
“It was a nice day,”
Kittelman said. “A few
clouds. Mostly sunny and
no strong winds.”
He had no information as
to what could have caused
the crash, which remains
under investigation by
the National Transportation
Safety Board.
A woman claiming to be
a cousin of Tricia VerhelleBrown commented on a
media site that the family
winters in the Florida Keys
and spends the rest of the
year in Michigan.
alinhardt@keysnews.
com
Dr. John F. Torregrosa*
www.AnkleandFootSurgery.net
www.PRPandStemCell.net
*Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Medicine
*Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Located at MM 98.9 in the median
*Doctor for National Motorcross & Supercross Series
“Help your body heal itself!”
½ PRICE
SALE!
• PRP & Stem Cell Therapy •
Monday, Oct. 3rd • One Day Sale!
Have your lower leg, ankle and foot ailments treated with the latest
techniques in regenerative medicine by a national instructor.
65% EVERYTHING INHot Dogs
OFF THE STORE! & Soda
PRP & Stem Cell are used to treat:
Entire purchase half price
with this printed coupon!
ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER.
Valid through 11/30/2016.
• Heel Pain
• Ligaments Injuries
• Joint Arthritis or Pain
• Woundcare
• Muscle Tears
• Nerve Injuries
• Tendonitis/Tendon Injuries
(Achilles or Others)
• Bone Repair/Regeneration
91550 Overseas Highway
Suite #107
REDEEMABLE AT OUR KEY LARGO
OR BIG PINE LOCATIONS ONLY!
LOTS OF MERCHANDISE
TO CHOOSE FROM!
We are accepting Furniture Donations.
8151 Overseas Highway
Suite #5
Tavernier, FL 33070 Marathon, FL 33050
Dr. Torregrosa
404762
(305)853-5151
(305)853-5151
507390
Hours are Monday–Friday 10am to 5pm.
Saturday 9–2
305-453-7855
404753
Family Thrift Store
CELEBRATE WORLD
HABITAT DAY!
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
big pine area news
9A
County issues lease termination for Habitat store
BY BRIAN BOWDEN
Free Press Staff
BIG PINE KEY — The Habitat for
Humanity ReStore shop at 30320
Overseas Highway, which uses its
funds to build affordable housing
on the island chain, could find
itself homeless by mid-January
if major structural work doesn’t
begin to happen on its Monroe
County-owned property.
This issue initially came to light
after an engineer report evaluating the current state of the
building was completed in July.
What the county-hired contractor
found was that the building was
in dire need of repair. Estimates
by that company put the work at
more than $500,000.
“We have life safety issues
involved [with this store] and we
have to pay attention to those,”
Monroe County Commissioner
Danny Kolhage said at a meeting
last week.
At that same Sept. 21 meeting,
the commission approved sending a notice of lease termination
to Habitat. It gives the non-profit
home-building organization 120
days to vacate the building.
But that doesn’t necessarily
spell the end for the fundraising
store, which sells furniture and
other household goods to offset costs in building affordable
homes in the Lower Keys.
Kevin Wilson, assistant Monroe
County administrator, said he and
Survival
Continued from page 1A
by 12 years.
“I’m the old man by a
dozen years,” he said last
Friday.
“I don’t come from the
era when everybody gets a
trophy,” Wachter says in his
introductory video on the
show’s website. “These kids
all came home from a softball game with a participation trophy, and that’s just
not my style.”
Wachter, his wife and
children have lived in the
Lower Keys for about 10
years.
Years ago, Wachter and
his wife sold their businesses, loaded their kids into
a motor home and hit the
road, home schooling the
kids and seeing the world.
Once settled in the Keys,
Wachter became the lead
singer and front man for
a rock n’ roll cover band
called Haywire.
“We play everywhere at
all the local bars, and we’re
one of the only cover bands
that play the Green Parrot,”
he said. “We play everything
people like. Everything
from the ‘60s to today.”
Wachter is still getting
used to his newfound
“Survivor” fame and the
recognition that comes
from appearing on a hit
television show.
“It’s been a crazy experience and absolutely a lot
of fun,” he said. “But it’s
also strange when a local
FACEBOOK
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore shop on Big Pine Key received a 120-day notice of lease termination on its Monroe-County owned building last week. The
issue stems from major structural repairs needed to be done on it. The non-profit is expected to present a proposal to the county in October in an effort to
keep its current home.
Habitat representatives sat down
on Sept. 19 to work on a proposal
for fixing the issues and ultimately
keeping a home there. They are
set to present that to the commission at an Oct. 19 meeting.
“And if it’s an acceptable proposal, then we could rescind the
lease termination,” Wilson said at
the Sept. 21 meeting.
“We just don’t want to do
anything to hurt Habitat,”
Commissioner George Neugent
said to those in attendance. “But
cop you’ve known for years
comes up to you after the
premiere and asks to take a
picture with you.”
But the best thing, by far,
Wachter said, has been the
good he’s been able to do
for the SPCA, which provides animal control and
adoption services from
Key West to Marathon and
plans to build a new shelter
in Key West.
“All our animals have
always been shelter animals, and they so need
this new shelter,” he said.
“I think anybody who has
any sort of influence at all
should always feel an obligation and responsibility to
help in some way, however they can, and I’m going
to use these 15 minutes of
fame to do as much good
as I can.”
Wachter also had only
good things to say about
“Survivor,” its producers,
the staff and his fellow contestants.
“There is nothing fake,
nothing forced, scripted
or set up on ‘Survivor,’” he
said. “There are 350 cameras on you at all times. It’s
nothing but reality. There’s
no director yelling, ‘Cut!
Let’s do that again to make
it look more real.’”
Wachter had been a longtime fan of the show that
pits two “tribes” of contestants against each other on a
deserted island setting. The
teams must make camp,
find food, build shelters
and keep themselves warm,
dry and healthy enough to
it’s necessary for us to take this
step [lease termination] at this
time.”
Wilson pointed out that Habitat
is responsible for maintaining
structural integrity of the building
because of its low-cost lease. The
non-profit rents the building from
the county for $10 a year.
Deb Curley, vice president of
Last Stand, a Lower Keys environmental group that focuses its
efforts on quality-of-life issues
affecting residents, spoke highly
compete in weekly physical
challenges.
The losing team each
week is forced to vote
someone from their tribe
off the island. There are also
reward challenges thrown
in, immunity idols that can
keep a contestant from
being voted off and other
plot twists thrown in.
The last remaining survivor at the end of the
10-week season wins $1
million and the title of
Survivor. Strategies emerge,
alliances form, promises break, facades crumble
and people reveal who they
really are when challenged
to “Outwit, outplay and
outlast.”
“More than 11,000 people applied to be a contestant this season,” Wachter
said, adding that he was
lucky. “But I never had to
apply. For me, this all started seven years ago when
I owned Captain Hook
Charters [in Key West] and
a television producer had
heard that I was also a recreational treasure hunter.
Not like the Mel Fisher guys,
just me and my kids with
underwater metal detectors
at the beach looking for lost
watches and whatnot.”
The producer wanted to
film a pilot show to pitch
to the networks about rival
treasure hunters.
“We ended up shooting
for three days and nothing
happened. But I had been
telling them the whole
time that if they’d do it
like ‘Survivor,’ unscripted,
of Habitat at the Sept. 21 meeting.
“They have provided many
public benefits,” Curley said.
“This is a program we cannot
afford to lose.”
Habitat hasn’t applied for a
building permit on Big Pine Key
since 2008. The county obtained
the Big Pine property in 2004. At
that time, it entered into a 15-year
contract with Habitat. The building is also used as a hurricane
shelter in times of need.
At the Sept. 21 meeting, Neugent
it may have a chance,” he
said.
Seven years later, Wachter
received an email from a
woman who had been a
part of the ill-fated treasure
show.
“She now works on
‘Survivor’ and contacted me
out of the blue,” Wachter
said. “She asked if I still had
long hair, if I was still in a
rock band and if I wanted to
apply for ‘Survivor.’”
Wachter replied immediately: “Yeah, yeah and hell
yeah!”
“They basically advanced
me right to the semifinals,
when they flew a bunch of
us out to L.A. for a week of
interviews, medical screenings, a drug test,” he said.
“But they never really tell
also dispelled local chatter that
this move was being done for the
benefit of a Publix grocery store
looking to build on Big Pine. Some
residents thought that demolition
of the property would create rateof-growth ordinance units needed
for Publix construction. The grocery chain applied for a building
permit earlier this year looking to
build a store on the Big Pine flea
market property. It is still under
county staff review.
bbowden@keysnews.com
you definitively that you’ve
been chosen until Jeff
Probst, the host, walks out
and says they’re gonna start
the show.”
They did tell the group
once they boarded a plane a
few weeks later where they
were going.
“All the young kids had
gone online to all the secret
websites by then and had
figured out that we were
going to Fiji, but I had to
ask,” he said, laughing.
Fiji surely wasn’t a bad
destination, but the contestants weren’t staying at a
posh resort.
“You’re basically subsisting on a cup of rice a day,
plus whatever else you can
find,” he said. “It was an
absolutely amazing experi-
ence.”
Though it’s tough for
Wachter to remain silent
about anything, he has to
keep quiet about the show’s
outcome.
“Everyone just has to
watch and wait and see,”
he said, adding that more
viewing parties and fundraisers will be scheduled
throughout the season.
No one will know until
the season finale whether
Wachter walked away with
$1 million, or just the experience of a lifetime. Either
way, he wins. So in the
immortal words of show
host Jeff Probst, “Survivors
ready ...”
The show airs at 8 p.m.
Wednesdays on CBS.
mmiles@keysnews.com
Spread the word with Advertising!
Placing Your Ad Is Quick & Easy.
Contact Tammy Collins, Advertising Representative,
to advertise your business or event today!
(305) 396-7423
tcollins@keysnews.com
507229
$1525
PRODUCTS
SERVICES
• Ready Mix Concrete
• Boom Pump Truck
• Concrete Block &
Building Materials
• 2” Concrete Pumps
• Aggregates
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.**
• Block Truck
All Keys Concrete
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.
(305) 453-0368 • info@all-keys-concrete.com
2 Locations:
101075 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
ENJOY YEARS OF COMFORT WITH FALL COOL CASH SAVINGS!
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 11/15/2016.**
10610 7th Avenue
Marathon, FL 33050
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.
404742
507280
10A • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
business & news
real
estate
CONTRIBUTED
The Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key now features modernized signage, among other improvements. The
adjacent liquor store, left, affiliated with the grocer, offers a more expansive selection of spirits.
It complements the liquor, wine and beer choices already at Winn-Dixie.
Grocer gets facelift after 30-plus years
BY BRIAN BOWDEN
Free Press Staff
BIG PINE KEY — In place
since the early 1980s, the
Winn-Dixie on Big Pine Key
can finally put its best face
forward.
Last week, the aged grocery store revealed its new
look and offerings to locals
at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 22. Ian McLeod,
CEO of Southeastern
Grocers, parent company of
Winn-Dixie, said this was
the largest single investment upgrade to the store
since it first opened over
three decades ago.
“I’m really pleased with
how it came out,” McLeod
told the Free Press. “It’s a
major transition.”
A few highlights of
the updates, which were
based on a concept store
CONTRIBUTED
Ian McLeod, CEO of Southeastern Grocers, parent company of
Winn-Dixie, spoke at the unveiling of the revamped Big Pine
grocery store last week.
in Jacksonville, include a ice for longer freshness
produce department with periods, an expansion of the
products now shelved on store’s natural and organic
selections, and sushi prepared by an in-house chef.
“More and more are eating fresh,” said Lower Keys
Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Susan
Miller, who attended the
event. “So these are some
important options to have.”
McLeod said the meat,
seafood, deli and bakery
departments also were
expanded with more customer options and fresh
looks that included modernized casings.
Overall cosmetically, a
contemporary color palate, upgraded flooring and
new signage were placed
throughout the interior and
exterior of the building.
“The store was dated.
It definitely needed this,”
Miller said. “I was happy to
see its more open layout, for
starters.”
CONTRIBUTED
A more expansive natural and organics section at Winn-Dixie is
offered to its customers.
She also was pleased shore waters of the Florida
with the grocer’s use of Keys and sweet items from
local options. The store will Key Largo Chocolates, to
offer its customers snapper
See GROCER, page 11A
pulled straight from near-
Family fun zone in
works for Florida City
BY CHARLOTTE TWINE
Free Press Staff
CONTRIBUTED
Bay Harbor Lodge and Coconut Bay Resort’s cottages are situated close to the bay.
Rental cottages rebrand as boutique resort
front hotels as a boutique
resort.
Unveiling a new logo as
well, the two properties
now operate under the
brand “Bay Harbor and
Coconut Bay Resort.” The
To all of our customers,
Thank You!
Landscape Design
Installation
Maintenance
resort launched a new
website, bayharborkeylargo.com, offering images
of the property and photos of each room so guests
can preview accommodation choices from among
the 21 cottages.
A booking engine handles reservations online.
The current promotion
offers $10 nightly discount
for rooms booked on the
website. The company
also has a Facebook page.
“We have completed
renovations throughout
the property with updates
in all the rooms,” said Peg
Laron, owner and operator
since 2000. “The rebranding campaign and update
to our name makes sense
as the two properties are
operated together.”
The 2.5-acre resort is
located at 97702 Overseas
Highway.
Sod Installation
Pavers
Stones
Pea Rock
River Rock
(YL^OP[LÅPLZ
bugging you?
Sand • Soil
Tree Trimming
CALL US TODAY.
WE CAN HELP.
Grading
lic. # SP3644 & SP4117
Lot Clearing
Pressure Cleaning
FREE Estimates
404743
507236
104475 Overseas Hwy.
305.453.9377
BeachHouseGardens.com
See FUN, page 11A
ned
“Locally Ow
& Operated
Since 1976”
PEST CONTROL, INC.
305-451-3389 • 300 Atlantic Dr. • Key Largo
404744
KEY LARGO — Bay
Harbor Lodge and Coconut
Bay Resort, both longtime
hotel properties owned and
managed locally, last week
announced a rebranding
that unites the two bay-
FLORIDA
CITY
—
Florida City Mayor Otis
Wallace announced to
the South Dade Chamber
of Commerce that developers will soon be breaking ground close to the
Florida Keys Outlet Center
on a family entertainment
complex similar to Dave &
Buster’s.
This may be good news
for Florida Keys parents who
want to try
something
other than
w a t e r
activities
or
tear
their children away
from Xbox
Wallace
or
the
Pokémon
Go app.
Wallace acknowledged to
the Free Press that residents
on the island chain often
visit South Dade for entertainment, and vice versa.
“I am a weekend warrior
myself,” he said.
The facility will have
a video arcade, indoor
go-carts, a roller-skating rink, bowling lanes, a
climbing wall, a restaurant
geared for kids and per-
haps “a water element,” all
under one roof, according
to Wallace.
“The first phase is the
entertainment complex on
the 38-acre site. Much more
to come,” he said about the
development.
According to Florida real
estate news website The
Real Deal, John Brunetti
bought the parcel at 345
East Palm Drive for $6.735
million in late 2015. He also
owns Hialeah Park Racing &
Casino.
Wallace said a critical first
step toward developing this
property is dealing with the
traffic from the adjacent
Florida Turnpike.
“Nobody wants to build a
fantastic facility and people
are trying to squeeze to get
out of it,” he said, pointing
out that “5.8 million cars
exit the turnpike in Florida
City per year.”
To deal with this problem, he said, Miami-Dade
County and Florida City are
funding a project to install
a culvert for the canals on
Palm Drive and create extra
traffic lanes.
“The
culvert
[project] is already fully funded,” Wallace noted. “The
[Miami-Dade] county com-
opinion
CONTACT US:
Florida Keys Free Press
91731 Overseas Highway
Tavernier, FL 33070
Phone: 305-853-7277
Classified Ads:
305-292-7777 ext. 210
Editorial/Design Fax:
305-853-0575
Email: freepress@keysnews.com
Advertising Email:
sales@keysnews.com
Website: keysnews.com
Managing Editor . . . . . Dan Campbell
Staff Writer . . . . . . . . . Brian Bowden
Staff Writer . . . . . . . . Charlotte Twine
Sports Writer . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Bass
Advertising Director. . Melanie Arnold
Advertising Sales . . . . Tammy Collins
Advertising Sales .Melissa Fernandez
Classified Sales . . . . . Megan Meints
Composing. . . . . . . Key West Citizen
Office Manager. . . . . Vicki Heddings
Paul A. Clarin, Publisher
pclarin@keysnews.com
INFORMATION:
The Florida Keys Free Press
is published each Wednesday with
a weekly distribution of 18,000 copies
serving Big Pine Key to Key Largo.
Deadlines:
Display Advertising . . . Thur., 4:30pm
Classified Advertising . Thur., 4:30pm
Classified Line Ads . . . . . .Mon., noon
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.
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
11A
Get over it
The Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District Board
of Commissioners specifically included a clause in the
manager’s contract that includes a requirement to “cultivate a culture of transparency and encourage senior
management to establish and maintain an open channel of communication with the board.”
The reason for the clause is obvious.
Commissioners must rely on “staff” (the very people
they are charged with supervising) to obtain information. Therefore, it is essential that commissioners have
access to information from more than one source.
Obviously, the manager would prefer to be the sole
source of information, but we have learned that multiple
sources of information is the best way to stay informed.
That is the reason that I opposed the chairman’s suggestion to delete the clause and to have the manager
participate in all “face-to-face” interactions with our
senior management staff.
I have served this community faithfully and honestly
during the past 14 years. In addition to my leadership
on various issues and my assistance in solving complicated legal issues, I have uncovered serious conflicts
of interest with management, another with a former
attorney and a “back room deal” between management
and a consultant that was purposely intended to prevent
information from getting to the board.
I intend to continue to do my job, which occasionally
requires me to dig deeper into certain matters. To those
board members who disagree with my “style,” I say, get
over it.
Andrew M. Tobin, Esq., commissioner, KLWTD
Disappointed in sewer project
I am very disappointed in the Cudjoe sewer project.
Among other deceptions, the initial promise was that
residential pumps would only be used for maybe 600
“outliers.” When those public assurances were made, the
designed number was actually about 3,000.
So many other “mistakes” come to mind. ... My isolated subdivision got gravity, so I have no personal stake in
this issue, just expecting fair treatment for all, and that
what’s done is what was promised when we voted to
fully fund an adequate sewer system.
I know others have endured the angst, coercion and
expense of submitting to what appears to me an illegal,
unfair and arbitrary requirement to give up their property, bear not only the expense of running these pumps
but also, in many cases, spending thousands of dollars
to upgrade older electrical service and such. All this
could be avoided if the pumps were put in the county
right-of-way as the ordinance requires.
Now billing us for water not treated? It all just seems
like bullying. Where’s the compassion and common
sense?
So a lawsuit requesting a declaratory judgment against
the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and Monroe County
has been filed on behalf of two Little Torch and Big Pine
homeowners. FKAA and county officials called the suit
“frivolous.” That’s insulting and arrogant.
The complaint includes a request for a writ ordering
the county and FKAA to comply with existing law by
providing a gravity connection point at the property line
as per county ordinance. I think it is far from “frivolous.”
Kind of like the hospital issue, we’re getting over-billed
and not getting what we paid for or expected. I admire
these two women for taking on this cobbled-up and
unreasonable Goliath.
Harry Powell, Big Pine Key
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
Free Press is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cooke Communications, 3420
Northside Dr., Key West, FL 33040.
©2016 Cooke Communications
CALL 305-853-7277
CONTRIBUTED
On Woman Key in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, the Ecomotion youth group collected 12
bags of trash from the beach.
Refuge thanks cleanup volunteers
We wanted to say thanks to the more than 60 people who volunteered their Saturday
morning, Sept. 17, to help clean up the public (National Key Deer Refuge) portion of
Long Beach on Big Pine Key as part of the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup. At 9 a.m.,
Long Beach was a complete mess, full of plastics and other hazards to wildlife. By noon,
it was beautiful and free of debris.
A special thanks to our
local youth groups and
their leaders, Key West High
School’s Navy Jr. ROTC and
Florida Keys Community
College students who
showed up and worked
with enthusiasm, as well as
refuge and FAVOR volunteers, and smiling Big Pine
and Lower Keys residents.
On the same day, on
Woman Key in the Key West
National Wildlife Refuge,
the Ecomotion youth group
CONTRIBUTED
pulled 12 huge bags of trash
from the beach and ferried Volunteers pose with some of the trash collected on Long Beach
it by kayak out to a ref- on Big Pine Key.
uge transport boat. These
young folks are great role models for the local community.
It is amazing to see what we can accomplish when we work together; this wilderness
beach is now much safer for wildlife. Thanks to all volunteers who assisted the refuge
and those throughout the world who were part of this very important International
Coastal Cleanup.
Kristie Killam, park ranger, Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex
Join fight against Rett
To raise awareness for Rett Syndrome, the Purple Pumpkin Gala Committee is sponsoring “Pumpkins on Parade.”
Last fall, the purple pumpkin became an important symbol in the Upper Keys community to spread awareness about Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one in every 10,000 to 15,000 female births. The syndrome
can cause developmental and growth delays, slowed brain and head growth, loss of hand
use and problems with walking, seizures and intellectual disability.
“Pumpkins on Parade” involves local artists designing a pumpkin for display in the
community. Local individuals and businesses will have the opportunity to sponsor the
artist and display the pumpkin at a location of their choice for the next few months.
The event will culminate on Oct. 1 at the Islander Resort in Islamorada with the Purple
Pumpkin Gala to raise awareness and funds for Rett Syndrome research and treatments.
The special works of art will then be auctioned off at the gala. Winners of the “Pumpkins
on Parade” art auction will take them home to keep.
Many local artists have committed to participate in “Pumpkins on Parade.” They
include Wyland, Jason Barth, Stacie Krupa and Barbara Weingardt. If you are interested
in either sponsoring a pumpkin in your place of business or are an artist that would like
to create a pumpkin, please call Michelle Bennett at 305-434-5062. Also, for more information about Rett Syndrome and the Purple Pumpkin Gala, please visit rettsyndrome.
org/purplepumpkingala.
Lindsay Poetz, Islamorada
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
Borski serves as chair of the Florida
Outdoor Writers Association’s board of
ISLAMORADA — Local writer Jill Zima directors.
Borski recently collected five awards in an
annual communications contest held by
the Florida Outdoor Writers Association, Realtors attend state
which celebrated its 70th anniversary this
convention, trade show
year.
The Excellence in Craft awards, presentMARATHON — Several members of
ed Sept. 17 at the Hammock Beach Resort
in Palm Coast, honored nonfiction stories, the Marathon and Lower Keys Association
broadcasts and electronic communica- of Realtors attended the 100th annual Florida Realtors Convention and Trade
tions published in 2015.
Expo, which was held in late August at
Borski’s awards, by category, were:
• Conservation Story, first place, “The Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.
Attending were Kristen Brenner, presiMatecumbe Indians: Fact or Fantasy,” pubdent; Kelly Willey, president-elect; Debra
lished in Keys Life magazine;
• Family Participation, first place, “Dick Farrell, treasurer; Sandra Tuttle, past presPope Jr.’s family’s legacy,” published in Keys ident; David Grego, director; Tom Wright,
attorney; Lea Ruesch, committee chair;
Life;
• Magazine Feature, second place: “On David Ruesch, member; and Wayne Carter,
Board with Capt. Matt Bellinger,” pub- CEO of the association.
The annual event brings together
lished in Keys Life;
• Outdoor Travel/Destination Story/ Realtors from around the state to discuss
Florida, third place, “Kayaking the key issues that shape their profession and
Suwannee River of State Song Fame,” pub- the state association. Members attend
more than 35 education sessions on topics
lished online;
• Outdoor Travel/Destination Story/ such as new trends in real estate, building
Outside Florida, third place: “Bicycle Ride successful teams and converting leads into
Across Georgia,” published online.
business.
Borski wins writing awards
Grocer
Continued from page 10A
name a few.
“It’s good to see them use
these businesses,” Miller
said.
With the revamp comes
a new standalone spirits
store adjacent to the main
building. McLeod said it
offers a full range of liquor,
wine and beer, which for
the latter will include some
local concoctions such
as selections from the
Fun
Continued from page 10A
mission approved a $3.1
million allocation. It’s just a
matter of design and construction [for the development].”
The mayor said that the
ground-breaking for the
Islamorada-based Florida
Keys Brewing Company.
There are 150 different
craft beer options.
“It will definitely give
them some choices,”
McLeod said.
Liquor, wine and beer are
still available in the main
building, though. McLeod
said this new addition will
enhance what was already
in place.
“This entire project
exceeds the initial concept
store [as far as options,
looks and overall feel
goes],” McLeod said.
The Winn-Dixie revamp
took roughly four months.
McLeod would not provide
a total cost for the work,
but said it was significant.
The store handles 10,000 to
12,000 customers weekly,
with that number sometimes doubling during
busy periods. It is located
at 251 Key Deer Blvd and
can be reached directly at
305-872-4124.
bbowden@keysnews.
com
entertainment center will
be within a year.
“I think when you’re
developing things to do
in the area, you have to
plan for the whole family,” Wallace said, explaining why the city approved
the development of the
kid-friendly fun zone. “Of
course, the Florida Keys are
great for fishing. … We have
the asset of the Everglades.
We want people to spend a
day or two in Florida City,
to provide an additional incentive to people in
the area. There are a lot of
activities for adults, but we
felt activities for kids were
missing.”
ctwine@keysnews.com
12A • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
MONROE COUNTY
Robots may be used to kill lionfish
BY TIMOTHY O’HARA
Free Press Staff
FLORIDA KEYS — From building cars to vacuuming floors,
robots have made life easier and
better.
A group of engineers and
Massachusetts
Institute
of
Technology graduates are now
proposing yet another use for
robots that could take them to
waters off the Florida Keys. The
recently formed non-profit Robots
In Service of the Environment, or
RISE, is developing a prototype of
a robot designed to kill invasive
lionfish.
The prototype is still in the early
stages, RISE Executive Director
John Rizzi said. The robot works
like a remote operating underwater vehicle, as it has thrusters
that push it from side to side and
up and down, and a camera so
it can be operated remotely. The
only difference is the robot is fitted with technology to electrocute
lionfish, Rizzi said.
The robot can be taken to
depths that are difficult for divers
to reach or beyond their reach.
In recent years, divers have been
effective at controlling lionfish
populations in the more shallower nearshore waters but not in the
deep terrain.
The idea came after fellow
founders of RISE, Colin and Erika
Angle, were diving in Bermuda
last fall and talked with local divers there about the lionfish prob-
lem there.
The engineers working on the
prototype are ones that developed the technology for the iRobot Roomba vacuum and created
robots for military and underwater uses, Rizzi said.
“This came out of moment
and real need,” Rizzi said. “We
have some of the smartest people working on this. The process
comes from previous experience.
They have the experience to pull
this off.”
RISE is looking to partner with
such groups as the Key Largobased Reef Environmental
Education Foundation, which has
organized various local lionfish
derbies and conducted extensive
research on the exotic predator.
The goal is to have the product
to market by May or June of next
year. The eventual goal is to make
the roughly 2-by-3-foot robot
more compact, easy to use and
affordable for divers to purchase,
Rizzi said.
More information on the
non-profit group and the prototype can be found online at robotsise.com.
Lionfish are voracious eaters
and have been known to wipe out
native species of fish from their
natural habitats such as reefs.
Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission and
the Gulf of Mexico and South
Atlantic Fishery management
councils have adjusted their rules
in recent years to make eradicat-
ing the invasive lionfish much
easier. There is no closed season
or bag and size limit for lionfish.
Another group of divers in
Florida recently launched another
creative approach to killing lionfish that is not going over well
with the FWC.
The group has posted a video
on the Internet called “Glock
Fishing Underwater” that has
gone viral. In the video, divers can
be seen shooting lionfish with a
9-mm handgun.
“Handguns are not an allowable
gear type, even for lionfish,” FWC
spokeswoman Amanda Nalley
said. “We do not encourage people to use handguns to shoot lionfish.”
tohara@keysnews.com
FILE
Old crab shack property becomes preserve
MM 82 • 664-4335
The HOTTEST Dancers
in the Keys!
TOTAL NUDITY
Distinctive and Tasteful
Florida’s Most Beautiful Women
Private Table Dances Available
Full Liquor & Food
Served ’til Close
am!
Open ’til 4s
Couple
Welcome!
CONTRIBUTED
KEYS HOTTEST
HAPPY HOUR
2-4-1 Dances
2-4-1 Drinks
½ Price Appetizers
4-8pm • No Cover
Live the Riva Lifestyle
SCHOOL
HOUSE
A Special
Thank You
to our 2016-2017 NIE Sponsors!
Each year Monroe County students learn about current events,
politics, local and national news, and the world around them
because of sponsorship from Florida Keys businesses.
&2/-4/v
The generosity of the sponsors listed below makes Newspapers in Education work!
SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS
Albert L.
Kelley, P.A.
A.H.H. Computer
Service
Keyes
Konnections
MARINE
DIESEL
of the FLORIDA KEYS INC.
Ernest Hemingway
Home & Museum
Neptune
Designs
Overseas
Petroleum
Upper
Keys
BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS
&!#4/29
!54(/2):%$
7!22!.49
3%26)#%#%.4%2
THE KEYS #1 FULL SERVICE
MOTORSPORTS & MARINE DEALER
Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn • Barack Pensions, LLC • Capt. Conch • Category 5
Classic Harbor Line • Kev’s Cafe at Bud N’ Mary Marina • Keyboard Advertising
Keys Holiday Rentals, Inc. • Key West Seaplane Adventures • Law Offices of
Hal Schuhmacher • Porter Allen Company Inc. • Sunset Key Cottages • Tavern ‘N Town
Trinity Presbyterian Church • White Street Chiropractic
A Better Education
is Everyone’s Responsibility
If you would like to be a sponsor for any school in Monroe
County, call Claudia Harrell at the Key West Citizen
305-292-7777 xt. 230
406929
7772)6!--#/-s,/#!4)/.3
--s/6%23%!3(79+%9,!2'/
TEL. (305) 451-3320
507397
507235
The sunken derelict vessels, unpermitted structures and tons of trash
and debris that accumulated for decades on a private 22-acre property
across from Alabama Jack’s on Card Sound Road in north Key Largo have
been removed. Monroe County Code Compliance oversaw the cleanup
of the land and waterway that once was part of the ‘Historic Fishing
Village of Card Sound.’ John and Viola Gautier purchased the property in
1956 and allowed use of the land without any compensation, according
to their daughter Petsy Mezey. When Mezey inherited the property, it
contained broken crab traps, hanging wires, rusted pots, decrepit docks,
six derelict vessels, a fully sunken boat and a half sunken houseboat.
A handful of squatters and commercial fishermen were still living in
dilapidated conditions on the property. After the cleanup was completed
in late August, Mezey donated the land to the non-profit Artificial Reefs
International Preservation Trust. It will become part of the new ‘John
Gautier Aquatic Preserve’ to honor her father. The original crab shack
was allowed to remain due to its historic significance. Mezey also donated another 158 acres of mostly submerged land dominated by seagrass
and mangroves for the preserve. Case no. CE 14010058 will remain
open until $4,718.49 in fines and administrative costs that accrued
while the property was in noncompliance is resolved.
pursuits
• Living • Learning
• Playing • Exploring
KEYSNEWS.COM
FLORIDA KEYS FREE PRESS • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016
Unintended
consequences
Doing
wrong
for right
2B
1B
First win
Marathon claims victory
against St. Andrews. 6B
Don’t feed the wildlife. 4B
Absinthe makes art grow fonder
BRIAN BOWDEN/Free Press
Instructor Lori Estrella-Auger demonstrates her handiwork painting Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night,’ above, and
concocting the famous Dutch artist’s favorite drink, absinthe, left.
Islamorada district offers fresh take on paint-and-sip
BY BRIAN BOWDEN
Free Press Staff
B
BRIAN BOWDEN/Free Press
A blank canvas is less intimidating after a sip of absinthe.
y many accounts, famed
artist Vincent Van Gogh
enjoyed his absinthe.
The highly alcoholic spirit
derived from botanicals gained
great popularity in the late 19th
and early 20th centuries in
France. Aside from Van Gogh,
Pablo Picasso, Oscar Wilde, Edgar
Allen Poe and Ernest Hemingway
were just a few said to have had a
liking for the green concoction.
In 1912, it was banned from the
U.S. due to its supposed hallucinogenic effects. Many were said
to have seen a green fairy after
consuming too much absinthe.
That notion was later debunked,
though the drink’s supposed
unusual powers remain a subject
of conversation whenever a bottle is opened.
Absinthe returned to the
United States in a legal form in
2007.
Morada Way Arts and Cultural
District program coordinator Lori
Estrella-Auger has been offering ongoing painting classes on
Friday evenings in Islamorada
that unite famous artists and
their favorite drinks. Last week’s
combination was Van Gogh and
absinthe.
“It’s just something different,”
Estrella-Auger told the Free Press.
“It’s not your normal paint-andsip.”
Most paint-and-sip classes in
the region usually offer a Florida
Keys subject matter coupled with
wine. So she wanted to do something a bit different to attract
both amateur and practiced artists alike.
I attended last Friday’s Van
Gogh and absinthe event.
For the class, we were first
treated to a brief history of both.
The only piece of information
I really knew about Van Gogh
was the story about him cutting off part of his ear in a fit of
depression and presenting it to a
prostitute. As for absinthe, I had
sampled it a couple of times in
my overseas travels.
So following the background
information, Estrella-Auger
demonstrated the traditional
French method of preparing
absinthe. The process is called
“louching.”
A small portion of the spirit is
See ART, page 3B
Upper Keys women throw Halloween charity event
BY CHARLOTTE TWINE
Free Press Staff
KEY LARGO — From the
film “The Wizard of Oz,”
where the Wicked Witch
of the West character rides
a bicycle, we learned that
there are bad witches and
good witches.
Key Largo resident Pam
Caputo wants to conjure up
positive energy and donations for charity for her
third-annual Witches Ride
on Oct. 15, so you could
say that she’s a good witch
— despite the black pointy
ghoulish-looking shoes she
plans to wear at the gathering.
“It’s so much fun,” Caputo
said about the charity event.
She noted that more
and more women have
expressed interest in coming each year. In 2014 she
had 30 attendees raise
about $400, and in 2015
about 60 partiers raised triple that amount.
CONTRIBUTED
Pam Caputo, founder of the
charity event Key Largo Witches
Ride, will be wearing these
shoes to the party this year.
“This year, we expect a lot
more,” she said. “It’s a good
feeling.”
Tavernier resident Loretta
Dettmann attended last
year’s event with friends and
enjoyed watching everyone
pull out all the stops when
decorating their bikes and
painting their faces.
“Hanging out with a
bunch of women for a good
cause is just a good time,”
Dettmann said. “Everyone
is very colorful. … The
laughter for weeks after is
worth everything.”
To attend the event,
females are requested only
to wear a witch’s hat and
bring a bike. But Caputo
noted that her guests tend
to do it up.
“These ladies like to dress
up and put witches costumes on,” she said. “There
are good witches and bad
witches and sea witches.”
The party starts at a Key
Largo residence, which will
be decorated for Halloween
and fully stocked with
snacks and drinks, including adult beverages like
a “Witch’s Potion” and
Jell-O shots sold for a dollar each. All funds received
from the entry fee, Jell-O
shots and raffle tickets go
toward the charities for this
year’s event, Hospice of
the Florida Keys and a Key
Largo School fund for needy
students.
Door prizes and raffle
winnings will be handed out, and winners for
Best Costume and Best
Decorated Bike will be
anointed. Prizes will include
jewelry, souvenirs from The
Catch Restaurant & Bar and
the Caribbean Club, restaurant and salon gift certificates and a YETI cooler
crammed full with alcohol. Then the group hops
on bikes and heads first to
The Catch and then to the
Caribbean Club.
Because the event has
gotten so large, this is the
first year that Caputo, who
is a mother and a science
teacher at Key Largo School,
has had to form a committee in order to get everything done. She got the idea
in the first place from a
good friend in Northbrook,
Ill., who organized a witches ride, though it was a bit
KEYSNEWS.COM
CONTRIBUTED
Attendees of the Key Largo Witches Ride have to wear a witch’s
hat and ride a bicycle.
more tame.
“They put on witches hats
and meet at a Starbuck’s
near the village green, then
they ride to the library and
they’re done. I thought, ‘My
God, I have to do that.’ And
my friend Michelle Thiery
said, ‘Let’s do a fundraiser,’”
Caputo explained.
See RIDE, page 4B
2B • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
read see do
‘The Fixer’ constructs moral tale of righting wrongs
BY DAVID BECKWITH
Free Press Contributor
“Never a doubt. Never a mistake. Always for justice. Never
for revenge.” These are the fixer’s
rules.
Is it ever right to do wrong
to do right? “The Fixer,” by T.E.
Woods, addresses that moral
dilemma and does it with a very
engrossing story. Most of us have
witnessed injustices. We also
have wished these things could
be made right. We have wanted
to see the bad guy get his due
but instead have seen the guilty
evade justice at the expense of the
victim. This book takes this quandary to a whole new level.
For six years, the book’s main
character has been an invisible
vigilante and righter of wrongs.
Her assignments are specific, and
her standards are nonnegotiable.
She fixes things — permanently.
With a strict set of criteria, she
evaluates each request and then
only chooses to become involved
with a few. She is clever, precise
and careful. She will only take one
job per country per year. She will
only step in if it’s clear that justice cannot and will not be served
any other way. She completes her
deadly jobs with skill and precision, and these jobs never result
in inquiry or police investigation.
She is an assassin for hire who
always remains invisible.
In order to request the fixer’s
services, one needs to put a specific ad in three papers and leave
contact information. Within four
days the requester will receive a
disguised, digitized callback and
a meeting place will be arranged.
If the fixer chooses to take the job,
she comes into town like a specter, kills the target in a manner
where murder is never suspected
and then vanishes.
As the book begins, the fixer
undertakes a contract to kill a
prominent neurologist doing hideous experiments on primates,
including a gorilla. The “good”
doctor is soon found dead of a
heart attack. But then the person
who hired her is also killed by
persons unknown, and the fixer’s
identity falls into the hands of
a person who wishes to use her
as his personal assassin. Matters
still seem under control until
widowed, dedicated homicide
detective Mort Grant becomes
involved when his son Robbie, an
investigative reporter, requests his
assistance in helping to identify
a vigilante hit woman. Together
they put the pieces together and
begin to learn everything they can
about the fixer.
Meanwhile, psychologist Lydia
Corriger finds herself with a
new female patient, Savannah
Samuels, who swears only Lydia
can fix her. She speaks almost in
riddles and never truly reveals
herself to Lydia. She only tells
Lydia that she is a hired specialist
who does things that often hurt
people. Curious and wanting to
help this patient, Lydia seeks out
Mort’s assistance.
It takes awhile for the various story lines to come together
but once it happens, the book
becomes impossible to put down.
It is a refreshing change to everyday plots in the psychological/
crime thriller/mystery genre. It is
riveting with twists, turns and red
herrings, which keep you focused
and alert since things are not as
clear as they may seem. Woods
writes very well and sucks in the
reader only to spin him around in
circles again.
Not only is the story interesting and engaging, but Woods also
provides the reader with a cast of
characters that are all well developed and fun to know. My bottom
line is that I recommend this book
as a darn good read.
David Beckwith is author of the
Will and Betsy Black adventure
series.
faces & places
BIRD WATCHING
TUNNEL TO TOWERS BENEFIT
top 10
bestsellers
HARDBACK FICTION
1. Commonwealth (Debut)
2. The Underground Railroad
3. Razor Girl
4. Nutshell (Debut)
5. A Great Reckoning
6. Here I Am
7. The Woman in Cabin 10
8. A Gentleman in Moscow
9. All the Light We Cannot See
CONTRIBUTED
10. The Girls
H A R D B A C K N O N F I C T.
1. Killing the Rising Sun: How
America Vanquished World War
II Japan (Debut)
2. The Girl With the Lower Back
Tattoo
MIKE HENTZ/Free Press
People dining at Charlie Macs watch a couple chickens run wild
recently on Southard Street in Key West.
3. Hillbilly Elegy
4. Love Warrior: A Memoir
BIG SNOOK
5. When Breath Becomes Air
Twelve first responders of Monroe County Fire Rescue competed Sept. 18 in the Miami Tunnel
to Towers 5K Run & Walk to benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They joined
more than 1,000 firefighters, police officers, military members and civilians to run 3.1 miles
through the Port of Miami tunnel and over a causeway to Bayfront Park, where they then climbed
39 flights of stairs up One Biscayne Tower. The firefighters did it all in bunker gear, which weighs
more than 40 pounds. Their times ranged from 49 to 70 minutes. The event honors New York
firefighter Steven Siller, who had just finished his shift on Sept. 11, 2001, and was on his way
to play golf with his brothers when he heard on a scanner that the first plane had hit the World
Trade Center. Siller immediately returned to join his squad. Siller drove his truck to the entrance
of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it already was closed. He strapped on his 60 pounds of gear
and ran through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he died while saving others. Monroe County
Fire Rescue’s competitors were Battalion Chief David Sebben, Capt. Francisco Perez-Diaz, Capt.
Timmy Leonard, Lt. Michael Blanton, Lt. Danny Ribot, firefighter Adam Batchelor, firefighter
Megan Franks, firefighter Eric Fundora, firefighter Hector Mesa, firefighter Sean Ojeda, firefighter Laura Rojas and firefighter Anthony Henriquez.
6. The Hidden Life of Trees:
What They Feel, How They
Communicate — Discoveries
From a Secret World (Debut)
7. Between the World and Me
8. The Life-Changing Magic of
Tidying Up
9. Shoe Dog
10. The Upside of Inequality:
How Good Intentions
Undermine the Middle Class
(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 Sept. 17,
2016.
ERIC BASS/Free Press
Cherie Martin of Maryland caught and released this big snook
while fishing with her husband Dave.
live entertainment
LOCAL BAND AND VOCALIST PERFORMANCES
FRIDAY, Sept. 30
Bayside Grille: Luke Sommer Glenn 6 to
10 p.m.
Boondocks: The Island Time Band 7 to
10 p.m.
Caribbean Club: Luke Sommer Glenn
10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Gilberts: Bobbe Brown noon to 4 p.m.,
Baga Tricks 7 to 11 p.m.
Holiday Isle Jaws Raw Bar: Billy Davidson
& Steve Webb 4 to 7 p.m., Ras Daniel and
the Hyah Energy 8 p.m. to midnight.
Islamorada Fish Company Beach:
Jeanette Conklin Fire Dancer sunset,
Reggie Paul 6 to 10 p.m.
Islamorada Fish Company Zane Grey
Lounge: Jay Cox 5 to 9 p.m.
Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill: TBA 6 to 11
p.m.
Looe Key Tiki Bar: Haywire 7 to 11 p.m.
Lorelei: Dana Collins Band 6 to 10 p.m.
Morada Bay: Dave Feder noon to 4 p.m.
Oceanview Lounge: Allan Truesdell 7 to
11 p.m.
Pilot House: TBA 6 to 10 p.m.
Snapper’s: Dwyane McGregor 6:30 to 10
p.m.
Snooks: Taylor-King Band 6 to 10 p.m.
Sunset Grille: TBA 6 to 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, Oct. 1
Bayside Grille: Steve Venini’s Bayside
Band 6 to 10 p.m.
Boondocks: See Friday listing.
Caribbean Club: See Friday listing.
Fish House Encore: Lee Sharp 7 to 10
p.m.
Gilberts: Hard Liquor 1 to 5 p.m., Jimmy
Stowe & the Stowaways 7 to 11 p.m.
Holiday Isle Jaws Raw Bar: Reggie Paul
noon to 4 p.m., Atkins & Smith 4 to 7 p.m.,
Klass I Band 8 p.m. to mindnight.
Islamorada Fish Company Beach: TBA
noon to 5 p.m., Jeanette Conklin Fire
Dancer sunset, Kenny Channels 6 to 10
p.m.
Islamorada Fish Company Zane Grey
Lounge: Scott Youngberg 5 to 9 p.m.
Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill: TBA 7 to 11
p.m.
Looe Key Tiki Bar: TBA 7 to 11 p.m.
Lorelei: Brothers of Others 6 to 10 p.m.
Morada Bay: Jesse Atkins noon to 4 p.m.
Pilot House: The Outer Band 6 to 10 p.m.
Snapper’s: See Friday listing.
Sunset Grille: TBA 6 to 9 p.m.
TapaVino: Jazz Night 7 p.m.
SUNDAY, Oct. 2
Bayside Grille: The Outer Band 6 to 10
p.m.
Boondocks: Beth Thompson 7 to 10 p.m.
Caribbean Club: Cat Daddies 5:30 p.m.
Fish House Encore: See Saturday listing.
Florida Keys Brewing Company: Nick &
Kris 3 to 7 p.m.
Gilberts: Push 1 to 6 p.m.
Holiday Isle Jaws Raw Bar: Ras Daniel
and the Hyah Energy 1 to 6 p.m.
Islamorada Fish Company Beach: Dennis
Holmes noon to 5 p.m., Reggie Paul 6 to
10 p.m.
Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill: Stereo
Underground to 8 p.m.
Lorelei: Steve Webb 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Morada Bay: Dave Feder noon to 4 p.m.
Safari Lounge: Rockin’ the Safari 6 to
9 p.m.
Snapper’s: Frank C. 11:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m.
Sunset Grille: TBA 6 to 9 p.m.
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
3B
IN THE KEYS
Reef is focus of festival Center observes High Holidays
KEY LARGO — REEF Fest,
a celebration of marine
conservation’s impact on
the Florida Keys and around
the world, includes a slate
of social events, eco-adventures and presentations by
marine experts.
Outdoor, marine and
nature enthusiasts can participate in the event set for
Thursday, Sept. 29, through
Sunday, Oct. 2.
Sponsored by Key Largobased nonprofit Reef
Environmental Education
Foundation,
activities
and education initiatives
include seminars, gatherings, snorkeling, diving and
outings on the water.
Festivities Thursday afternoon include seminars with
Keys underwater photog-
raphers Carlos and Allison
Estape, founders of the 100
Fish ID Challenge. The day’s
other attractions include a
twilight dive trip and a 6 to 9
p.m. social gathering at the
Bayside Grille, mile marker
99.5.
Friday and Saturday will
offer morning diving and
snorkeling opportunities,
afternoon presentations
from ocean experts and
evening social events.
A celebration dinner party
from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday
will feature a three-course
meal, music and a silent
auction. Tickets are to be
sold for the event and the
cost is $45 per person. The
evening is presented by
Divers Alert Network, the
nation’s largest association
dedicated to diving safety,
educational resources and
more.
Sunday morning’s schedule includes diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and glass-bottom boat
tours with area outfitters.
A percentage of charter proceeds is to benefit
REEF’s ocean conservation
programs.
All REEF Fest events are
open to the public. Seminars
are free, but registration is
recommended. Each is to
be held at the Murray E.
Nelson Government and
Cultural Center, mile marker 102, bayside.
For a complete schedule,
visit REEF.org/REEFFest/
schedule. For more information, call 305-852-0030.
BRIAN BOWDEN/Free Press
TAVERNIER — The Keys
Jewish Community Center
has announced this year’s
program celebrating the
Jewish High Holidays, Rosh
Hashanah through Yom
Kippur.
Services will be led by
Rabbi Richard Agler,
D.D., and Cantor Michael
Dzubin.
The schedule of services:
• Erev Rosh Hashanah,
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2;
• Rosh Hashanah Day
One, 9:30 a.m. Monday,
Oct. 3;
• Rosh Hashanah Day
Two, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday,
Oct. 4.;
• Erev Yom Kippur (Kol
Nidre), 7:30 p.m. Tuesday,
Oct. 11;
• Yom Kippur, 9:30 a.m.
CONTRIBUTED
The shofar is blown to announce the High Holiday of Rosh
Hashanah and at the very end of Yom Kippur.
Wednesday, Oct. 12.
All members of the
Jewish faith are invited to
all or any part of the services. Non-members are
asked to email president@
keysjewishcenter.com to
be welcomed and assured
seating.
KJCC, now in its fourth
decade as the only syna-
gogue between Homestead
on the mainland and Key
West, is located at mile
marker 93.1, oceanside.
Parking is available in the
rear.
For more information about KJCC services,
including breaks, ending
times and Kiddush meals,
visit keysjewishcenter.com.
cades”
e
D
e
h
t
h
g
u
o
r
h
T
“Dancing
One of the participants focuses on an element of Van Gogh’s painting.
Art
Continued from page 1B
BRIAN BOWDEN/Free Press
VENUE SPONSOR
A Free Press reporter tries his hand at art.
few chuckles, I really can’t
blame the absinthe. You
see, I haven’t picked up a
paint brush since roughly
middle school, and I’m 34
years old now.
I enjoyed the class,
though, particularly
the combination of the
absinthe and the tranquil
atmosphere. Estrella-Auger
provided some period
music and light snacks.
I guess all of that further
helped to set the mood for
each of us to channel our
inner Van Gogh.
Some of Estrella-Auger’s
future paint-and-sip classes
include Henri Matisse and
cider, Edvard Munch and
absinthe, Mark Rothko and
beer, and Jackson Pollock
and whiskey. Morada Way
members pay $36 while
all others pay $40, which
includes use of paints and
brushes, canvas, drinks and
snacks. Pre-registration is
required.
For a detailed schedule of
all upcoming classes, visit
moradaway.org.
bbowden@keysnews.
com
Schmitt Luxury Island Properties
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Bring this AD for
15% OFF Accesories
10% OFF Bicycles
*Discounts apply to in stock items only
404714
SILVER SPONSORS
FKBOR
RE-ACT
BRONZE SPONSORS
• Florida Title of the Keys • Sunshine Title • Debra Grill
• Monroe County Fire Equipment • Lisa Ferringo • Coral Reef Title
• Keller Porter Team • Keys Tropical Windows • Coastal Contracting
• All Around Keys Electric • Insurance Connection
• Dick Tritten – TD Bank
FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION
Ed & Lisa Reim, David Bible, Laura Lynn Kennedy – CB Schmitt,
Melissa Nowell – CB Schmitt. Island Homes of the Keys, Amy Puto –
CB Schmitt, Andrew M. Tobin PA, Alina Davis – CB Schmitt,
Dr. Travis Bennett DDS, Nira Tocco – CB Schmitt, the Newman Team –
CB Schmitt, Keys Accounting, Irene Alfonso – CB Schmitt,
Ken Nyman – East Coast Mtg, Karen Haack – CB Schmitt,
S & S Performance Marine, Andi Saylor –
Keys Holiday Rental, All Brands A/C
Thank You to the many local businesses who generously donated goods
and services to our Silent Auction, Sun 103.1 for having us on air and our
judges Sheriff Rick Ramsay, Kim Chesher & Richmond Arce
507394
507376
poured into a cup. Sitting
on top of that cup is a
brouilleur, a French word
meaning “scrambler.” It’s
used to combine a sugar
cube and water, which then
drips into the alcohol and
dilutes it to render it drinkable. Absinthe ranges from
90 to 150 proof, typically.
For those that have never
tasted the spirit, it strongly
mimics the Good & Plenty
licorice candy.
After we had our drink
in hand, we were ready to
start painting our version of
a Van Gogh. Our focus was
on one of the Dutch artist’s
more popular pieces, “The
Starry Night.” It depicts
the view from his room
just before sunrise at an
insane asylum. He admitted himself into the facility
following that ear-cutting
incident.
Estrella-Auger was there
to offer guidance if asked —
she has a good background
in art. But mostly, the class
is not an instruction session. She provides participants with a photocopy of
the work and you try your
best to recreate it. We had
about an hour and a half to
paint.
“You really see Van
Gogh’s work differently
when you’re painting it
— brush strokes, colors,
etc. — as opposed to when
you’re just looking at it,”
one participant noted.
While my finished
painting might draw a
4B • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
IN THE KEYS
at the movies …
IN THE KEYS & SOUTH FLORIDA
opening this week:
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (PG-13, Action/
Adventure and Sci-Fi/Fantasy) - When Jake discovers clues
to a mystery that spans alternate realities and times,
he uncovers a secret refuge known as Miss Peregrine’s
Home for Peculiar Children. As he learns about the
residents and their unusual abilities, Jake realizes that
safety is an illusion and danger lurks in the form of
powerful, hidden enemies.
Deepwater Horizon (PG-13, Drama and Action/Adventure) -
Based on the true events that occurred on an oil rig in
the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, this story chronicles the courage of those who worked on the Deepwater
Horizon and the extreme moments of bravery and
survival in the face of what would become one of the
biggest man-made disasters in world history.
Masterminds (PG-13, Comedy and Crime/Gangster) - David
Ghantt is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and day out he drives an armored vehicle, transporting millions of dollars in other people’s
money. The only glimmer of excitement is his flirtatious
work crush Kelly Campbell, who soon lures him into the
scheme of a lifetime. Along with a group of half-brained
criminals led by Steve Chambers and an absurdly faulty
heist plan, David manages the impossible and makes
off with $17 million in cash — only problem is he hands
the money over to this wild group of double crossers
and is set up to take the fall.
now showing:
The Magnificent Seven (PG-13, Western) - With the town
of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue, the desperate townspeople
employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters,
gamblers and hired guns. As they prepare the town for
the showdown they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money.
Storks (PG, Comedy, Animation and Action/Adventure) - Storks
deliver babies … or at least they used to. Now they
deliver packages. Junior, the delivery company’s top
stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally
activates the Baby Making Machine, producing a wholly
unauthorized baby girl. Desperate to deliver this bundle of trouble before the boss gets wise, Junior and his
friend Tulip, the only human on Stork Mountain, race to
make their first-ever baby drop.
Snowden (R, Drama and Thriller) - Edward Snowden is the
polarizing figure who exposed illegal surveillance activities by the United States and became one of the most
wanted men in the world. He is considered a hero by
some and a traitor by others. This is his personal story.
Please don’t feed the wildlife
BY BOB MUHLY
Special to the Free Press
M
ost everyone
enjoys wildlife.
A Florida Keys
State Park certainly offers
many opportunities to
experience a number of
species. However, everyone
should be aware there are
certain actions (or interactions) that should not be
conducted when graced
with a close encounter.
Wildlife may look cute and
cuddly, but feeding a wild
animal often results in
many unintended negative
consequences on a variety
of levels and to a varied
number of species.
Raccoons eat mostly
invertebrates and vegetation. Squirrels eat nuts,
seeds and fruits. Manatees
are herbivores, feeding
mainly on aquatic plants
and mangrove leaves. Ibis,
the strange-looking white
bird with a long, narrow,
curved beak and long legs,
and seen in abundance
in the Keys, primarily
eats small aquatic prey.
Crocodilians eat fish, crustaceans and mammals.
Leftover food scraps, bread,
crackers and cookies tossed
to wild animals provide a
diet of (mostly) empty calories that negatively impact
their health. Additionally,
animals will unlearn how to
hunt for the food that they
do need.
To their misfortune,
when animals are fed by
humans and don’t forage
for natural food sources,
they become conditioned
to handouts and associate
Nature’s
Corner
taught a bad habit that
could get it, and you, into
serious trouble.
Recently, hatchling
mourning doves were
found that evidently had
fallen from the nest. We
let them be. They were
fledglings still being cared
for by the parents. Today,
they’re flying and feeding
themselves. Capturing
those babies to care for
CASS MEADOWS/Contributed
them could have been their
Feeding wildlife can be harmful to the animal and people.
demise.
people with food. They lose reclassified as a “nuisance”
So, if you come upon
animal. The “cute” animal
that inherent healthy fear
a wild animal that looks
fed by humans will then
of people and instead see
hungry, or you believe may
every person as a potential be captured for relocation
have been injured, please
or worse yet, euthanized,
food source. Animals that
don’t feed it, touch it, or put
through no fault of their
expect to be fed by people
it in your car to care and
own.
can be bothersome and
nurture at home. Personal
Many people will say,
sometimes aggressive,
interference could be det“I’m not doing any harm to rimental to any species of
harassing people for food
these animals by feeding
scraps. I’ve seen cute little
wild animal, including the
them food scraps and left- possibility of spreading
squirrels bite children,
overs.” Unfortunately, that disease within that animal
aggressive raccoons rumphilosophy doesn’t take
mage through campsites
population. If you love
into account the person
and crocodiles that norwild animals, please leave
who provided that same
mally swim away from
them alone and call the
animal potato chips half an Florida Fish and Wildlife
humans approach people
onshore and in kayaks.
hour earlier, and the family Conservation Commission
This can be a very danger- who will offer it cookies
or other wildlife experts for
ous scenario. When these
later that afternoon. Before help.
animals get too familiar
you know it, the lesson has
Bob Muhly is a park
with people and pester
been repeated 20 times
ranger at John Pennekamp
them, oftentimes they are
and a wild animal has been Coral Reef State Park.
Information courtesy of movieinsider.com
future releases:
The Accountant
The Girl on the Train
Middle School
dvd releases
PICK OF THE WEEK
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (PG-13, Comedy) - Most kids can be
pretty wild at times, but one young boy puts them all to
shame. After he creates all kinds of mayhem, it quickly
becomes clear that this child is a challenge for the foster
care system. When he is sent to a home in the woods
after his latest outburst, he doesn’t realize that his new
foster uncle is every bit as wily and nimble as he is.
mystery
CONTRIBUTED
Attendees of the charity event Key Largo Witches Ride gather for a group shot at the Caribbean Club last year. The event started
the year before with about 30 people.
Ride
Continued from page 1B
So the pair amped it up
for the Florida Keys, complete with those adult beverages and a mini pub crawl
PHOTO
Premiering
Friday, September 30th:
Sully (PG13)
7:00PM and 9:15PM Nightly
2:00PM Matinees on Saturday
and Sunday
COMING SOON
305-743-0288 • 5101 Overseas Hwy.
behind Marathon Liquor and Deli
www.marathoncinema.com
If you recognize the scene in 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.
LAST WEEK’S PHOTO:
Founders Park,
Islamorada
WINNER: Rick Alvarez
507395
Bridget Jones’s Baby (R)
on the Overseas Highway.
Each year, Caputo chooses a different charity that is
near and dear to her heart
to receive the proceeds.
“My mom had hospice
[care],” Caputo said. “I don’t
know how my dad and I
would have made it without
them. They’re an amazing
organization.”
Caputo is also grateful to
the staff of The Catch and
the Caribbean Club.
“They’ve been extremely generous and thoughtful, and they’ve donated so
much,” she said.
The witches may want
to be more careful, though,
with the picnic benches
behind the Caribbean Club,
locally known as “The Crib.”
Caputo said they accidentally broke one when they
piled on for a group photo
op.
“That was fun,” she said,
chuckling.
CONTRIBUTED
The founders of the charity event Key Largo Witches Ride, Pam
Caputo, left, and Michelle Thiery, dress up for the cause.
The event kicks off at
noon Saturday, Oct. 15, at
1026 Adams Drive in Key
Largo. Entry fee is $20. At
1 p.m., the group leaves
for The Catch and then the
Caribbean Club. For more
information, call 305-3940347. Caputo is still accepting donations for the event’s
prizes.
ctwine@keysnews.com
Writers to discuss craft
KEY LARGO — The Latitude 25 Writers will meet at 7
p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Key Largo Library, mile
marker 101.4, oceanside.
All writers and aspiring writers are welcome. There are
no dues or fees. Call 305-451-4164 for details.
Women X Men
Plus Size X Kids Jewelry X Accessories
... and so much more!
Art on display
Your destination
for great fashions
at great prices!
In Central Plaza
103200
10
Overseas Hwy. Suite 6
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-440-3714
www.SavvyConch.com
404712
TAVERNIER — The Art Guild of the Purple Isles has
installed new artwork on the second floor foyer of the
Tassell Medical Arts Building at Mariners Hospital.
The artists exhibiting their work are Cris Sandifer,
Catherine Fox, Sharon Braunberns, Pat Collins, Mary
Bonde, Gloria Avner, Annmarie Anderson, Natalie Dorf,
Geri Smith, Alfred Weihl, Jane Tomlinson, Carol MacKenzie
and Carmen M. Alex.
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
WIN
$
50!
FOOTBALL CONTEST >> WEEK 3 <<
Jeff Brammer
J.W. Cooke
Ron Cooke
Night Editor
Sports Writer
Sports Writer
Copy Editor
Page Designer
Ralph Morrow Evan Schaffer Audrey Shrem
Advertising Consultant Graphic Designer
Marathon
Marathon
Marathon
Florida Christian
Marathon
Marathon
LaSalle
Coral Shores
Coral Shores
LaSalle
LaSalle
Coral Shores
Florida at Vanderbilt, Sat., Noon
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
Florida
Miami at Georgia Tech, Noon
Miami
Miami
Miami
Miami
Miami
Miami
Florida St.
Florida St.
Florida St.
Florida St.
Florida St.
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
Jacksonville
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Catch all the action with our
interactive weekly football
contest. Contest will appear
every Tuesday in the Key West
Citizen and each Wednesday in
the Free Press.
COLLEGE GAMES
North Carolina at Florida State, Sat., 3:30 p.m. Florida St.
We’ll pick 12 gridiron contests
and list one game under each
of the ads below. Use your own
prognosticating prowess, or
access the collective wisdom
of our nearly famous Key West
Citizen staff. The reader who
submits the entry form with the
most correct winning team picks
by Thursday 5 p.m. deadline will
win a weekly prize of $50!
PRO GAMES
Indy vs Jacksonville in London, Sun.,9:25 a.m. Indianapolis
Denver at Tampa Bay, Sun., 4:05 p.m.
Denver
Denver
Denver
Denver
Denver
Denver
Tennessee at Houston, Sun., 1 p.m.
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston
Houston
Oakland at Baltimore, 1 p.m.
Baltimore
Oakland
Baltimore
Oakland
Oakland
Baltimore
Dallas at San Francisco, Sun., 4:25 p.m.
Dallas
Dallas
San Francisco
Dallas
Dallas
Dallas
Los Angeles at Arizona, Sun., 4:25 p.m.
Arizona
Los Angeles
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
Week 2 Records
6-6
6-6
6-6
4-8
5-7
4-8
Overall Record
13-11
15-9
11-13
12-12
14-10
10-14
Official Entry
Ask About Our
Deductible
Discounts!
6391 3rd Street, Stock Island
305-294-5581
“NOBODY” Does It Better
Weekly entries must
be received at the Key
West Citizen office by
5 p.m. THURSDAY.
WANTED!
Used Jet Skis
& Jet Boats!
HELP
WANTED
REPAIRS • SALES
R
SALES • SERV
SERVICE
SE VICE
VIC
Any Year, Make or Model · Jet Ski & Jett Boats
1: Marathon at Florida Christian
Name: ________________________
Highest Quality Servicee and
best pricing in all the Keys
______________________________
MM91.6 Bayside · 171 Hood Ave.
Tavernier, FL 33070
We are your one-stop shop!
hop!
Address: ______________________
Anthony McMellon, Owner
CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL
(305) 393-1219
jetskishop1@gmail.com
7: Denver at Tampa Bay
______________________________
ATING 140 YEARS
CELEBR
Phone: _______________________
The Florida Keys’ Only Daily Newspaper, Est. 1876
Your ad here.
1.
Boost business call today.
keysnews.com • 305.292.7777 ext. 204
Advertising made easy.
Your Home
for
Football
Season
Cooper’s Paint & Auto Body:
_______________________________
31044 AVE A • BIG PINE KEY • 305.872.4100
2.
2: Coral Shores at LaSalle
Your Ad Here:
_______________________________
Ready for Some Football?
We Have the NFL
Sunday Ticket
3.
Safari Bar:
_______________________________
4.
Every Game, Every Week,
Only at the Safari
73814 Overseas Hwy – MM 74 • Islamorada, FL 33036 • 305.664.8142
5.
Keys Insurance:
_______________________________
3: Florida at Vanderbilt
6.
Bumby’s Raw Bar and Local Libations
15% OFF
OO-Tray:
_______________________________
507306 FBC
8: Tennessee at Houston
(305) 509-7561
BumbysIslamorada.com
Dinner Nightly 5-10PM
Sunday Brunch 10AM to 2PM
507400 FBC
• Repair Service
• Detailed Cleaning
• Headliner
508155 FBC
Kansas City at Pittsburgh, Sun., 8:30 p.m.*
In event of a tie, winner will be
the reader who submits number
closest to final combined score
of tie breaker game. Tie-breaker
game is indicated each week
with an asterisk*.
507398 FBC
Coral Shores at LaSalle, Fri., 7:30 p.m.
507399 FBC
Marathon at Florida Christian, Fri., 7:30 p.m.
Check out
Tuesday’s Citizen
or Wednesday’s
Free Press for
the name of our
Weekly Winner!
82779 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
9: Oakland at Baltimore
Sharkey's Pub:
_______________________________
7.
20% OFF
TRUMAN & WHITE CHEVRON
STOCK ISLAND CHEVRON
Jet Ski Shop:
• Beverages • Ice
• Snacks
• And More!
_______________________________
LOCALS DISCOUNT
507401 FBC
305.922.2027
www.oo-tray.com
80939 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
8.
Bistro 31:
Key West
Stock Island
1126 TRUMAN AVE. 5220 US #1
_______________________________
9.
4: Miami at Georgia Tech
Bumby's:
508159 FBC
PREP GAMES
5B
10: Dallas at San Francisco
_______________________________
KEYS
INSURANCE
SERVICES
10. Chevron:
11. Two Oceans Digital:
Key West (305) 294-4494
Marathon (305) 743-0494
Key Largo (305) 453-1445
507302 FBC
5: North Carolina at Florida State
_______________________________
12. Century-21 Letisia Powell:
TIBREAKER*
• Web Site Design
• Search Engine Marketing
• Internet Advertising
• Google Certified Partner
508260 FBC
_______________________________
Call us today at 305.292.1880
11: Los Angeles at Arizona
_______________________________
Letisia Powell
6: Indianapolis vs Jacksonville
Week 2:
Sharon Pierce, Key West
Entries may be dropped off at the Key West Citizen office:
3420 Northside Dr., Key West; or mailed to: The Citizen,
P.O. Box 1800, Key West, FL 33041. One entry per person.
Unnamed or photocopied entries will not be considered. Cooke
Communications employees and their families are not eligible.
Contestants must be 18 years or older. Mailed entries must be
postmarked prior to 5 p.m., Thursday. Entries received after
5 p.m. on Thursday will not be eligible.
211 Simonton Street
Key West, FL 33040
Cell: 305-797-0399
Office: 305-292-2923
Lpowell37@gmail.com
508157
50815
50
0815
0
8157 FBC
8
FB
BC
C
*TIE
12: Kansas City at Pittsburgh*
gh
h*
BREA
FOOTBAL
PLAY TO WIN
$
50!
L
WINNERS BY WEEK
404761 FBC
522 CARIBBEAN DRIVE, KEY LARGO • 453-0999
Sales Associate
Se Habla Español
Tiebreaker – Total Score
of *Tiebreaker Game: ________________
CONTEST
KER
508253 FBC
Watch Your Favorite
COLLEGE & PRO TEAMS HERE!
6B • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
sports & recreation
KATHY LANCASTER/Contributed
Left, Braylin Haymon (12) tries to stop a St. Andrew’s run in the first half of play at Marathon. Right, Esteban Sainz (1) evades a St. Andrew’s defensive player for extra yardage in last Friday’s game.
Marathon won 10-7.
Dolphins get first win on Zambrano FG
BY RON COOKE
Free Press Staff
MARATHON — The Marathon
High School football team was
not to be denied last Friday night
during its Southeastern Football
Conference home matchup
against Saint Andrews.
Tied 7-7 with 1:42 left in the
game, senior kicker Sammie
Zambrano booted a 25-yard field
goal to give Marathon a 10-7 victory in front of its fans for the
team’s first win of the season.
The Dolphins got on the score-
board with 7:56 left in the second quarter. Quarterback Jackson
McDonald nearly walked into the
end zone from the 6-yard line to
cap a 59-yard drive.
Zambrano split the uprights for
the extra point and a 7-0 advantage.
On the ensuing kickoff, the
Scots receiver called for a fair catch
but dropped the ball. Marathon
recovered but could not capitalize
on the turnover.
The Scots were 2-2 coming
into the game, but lost their starting quarterback. The Marathon
defense did not let backup play
caller Jason Otis get off many successful passes until the closing
seconds of the game.
It took Saint Andrews two
attempts to score its first touchdown due to a few flags by the
refereeing crew. Otis scored on a
9-yard run but a holding penalty
moved the ball back. The second
TD run was good and the extra
point by Seth Newhouse tied the
game at 7-7.
Marathon almost scored again,
but the Scots’ defense held the
line. In the third quarter, with
a second-and-seven from the
42-yard line, McDonald connected with Esteban Sainz for
a 65-yard pass play. Sainz was
dropped at the half yard line, but
Marathon could not dive over the
goal line after that for a touchdown. Zambrano’s 26-yard field
goal attempt was no good to leave
it knotted at 7-7.
With 9:00 left in the fourth quarter, Marathon took possession of
the ball on its own 28-yard line.
The Dolphins ate up the clock on
22 plays and moved the ball to the
15 to set up Zambrano’s go-ahead
kick.
But the game was far from over.
With 1:36 left in the game and
two timeouts for the Scots on
the Marathon 46-yard line, Otis
connected with tight end Evan
Loesel, who was pulled down at
the Marathon 14-yard line with
plenty of time still on the clock.
But Marathon’s defense stopped
three pass attempts, leaving it to
kicker Newhouse to try to tie the
game with 46 seconds left. The
kick was blocked and Marathon
took over possession for the win.
rcooke@keysnews.com
Marathon’s Sainz selected Canes’ defense stands
to state student committee strong in 13-12 victory
BY J.W. COOKE
Free Press Staff
MARATHON — Marathon
High School junior Esteban
Sainz has been selected as
one of 14 student-athletes
to be a part of the Florida
High
School
Athletic
Association’s
Student
Advisory Committee, which
was created in 2008 to provide students with a voice at
the state level.
“It feels pretty awesome
to be picked, and I feel pretty honored,” Sainz said. “It
gives me that feeling that all
my hard work on and off the
field was noticed. I believe I
stepped up a lot as a leader
at school and got noticed,
so it was hard work paying
off.”
Sainz was first chosen
as the Dolphins’ representative by his classmates at
Marathon and was then
selected as a member of the
state committee from a pool
of more than 40 applicants.
These members were chosen based on their athletic
participation, extracurricular activities and leadership
on and off the field. The
new members will join two
returning members from
last year’s committee for a
total of 16, according to a
FHSAA press release.
Sainz said his main goal is
to improve sportsmanship
as well as help get coaches
involved in students’ lives
outside of practices.
“Not just during season,
but also in the offseason,
and then they become more
than a coach to them but
also someone they can talk
to and maybe even a father
figure for students,” Sainz
said. “I really want them to
be someone they can trust
when they have issues going
on at their house.”
Sainz is a multi-sport ath-
lete who has played football and baseball for the
Dolphins since his freshman
year. He also played basketball and his extracurricular activities include Relay
for Life and the school’s
Garbage Committee.
The members of Student
Advisory Committee will
meet two times at FHSAA
headquarters in Gainesville
to discuss issues that affect
Florida student-athletes.
The first meeting will take
place Oct. 14 and the second meeting will be held
March 10, 2017.
“Once I get back from
the meeting I’m sure they
will give me some tasks to
do throughout the school,”
Sainz said. “I believe I can
handle it all, and I believe it
will help me once I get out
of high school, so the more
the better.”
jwcooke@keysnews.com
Visit our NEW
Glass Bottom Bar
Voted Best Happy Hour in Town
4pm-7pm DAILY!
BY J.W. COOKE
Free Press Staff
ISLAMORADA — Despite
not allowing a defensive
touchdown, the Coral
Shores High School football
team found itself behind
by a score last Friday with
less than two minutes to
play when coach Alphonso
Bryant decided to gamble
on fourth down.
It paid off as Hurricanes
quarterback Juan Pablo
Abarezzco hooked up with
Elijah Woods for the second
time in the game to help
propel Coral Shores to a
13-12 Southeastern Florida
Football Conference victory against visiting Glades
Day.
Abarezzco finished the
game 8-for-14 with 103
passing yards and two
touchdown passes, while
Woods grabbed three
receptions for 85 yards.
While the Hurricanes
(3-1) were solid through the
air, the rushing attack struggled for the second straight
week as Josh Holper had a
team-high 34 yards, while
Abarezzco added 30 and
Abran Mendoza had 22.
Meanwhile, the Coral
Shores defense held Glades
Day to 115 total yards, a
majority of which was
logged by running back
Markens Pierre, who had
87 on the ground.
The only way Glades
Day (3-2) was able to score
was on defense and special
teams, with the first coming just 15 seconds into
the game when Christian
Ellison returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a
touchdown.
The Hurricanes defense,
however, shut down the
Gators for the rest of the
first half, allowing only 55
yards through the break.
Down by a touchdown,
Abarezzco fooled the
Glades Day defense on
a bootleg fake and then
found Woods, who carried
the ball and a defender into
the end zone to even the
score at the end of the first
quarter.
After both teams had
their extra point attempts
blocked,
the
score
remained 6-6 through the
second quarter.
After being shut down in
the first half, Glades Day
marched the ball down
to the 1-yard line where
Coral Shores stopped four
straight runs to get the ball
on downs.
Deep in Gator territory, Mendoza took the first
carry nine yards to get the
drive going, but fumbled at
the 16-yard line to give the
ball back to Glades Day in
the red zone.
Once
again,
the
Hurricanes’ defense held
for a goal-line stand, but
the offense again coughed
up the ball and the Gators
scooped it up for a touchdown. The Hurricanes
blocked the extra point
again to keep Glades Day
ahead by six.
With time once again
a factor, the Hurricanes’
offense responded by
quickly working the ball
down to the Gators’ 34-yard
line. But the Hurricanes
soon were faced with a
See DEFENSE, page 9B
Healthy Air Products
Exposure to air pollutants can be 100 times higher indoors than outdoors.
EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM
IMPROVED
Pil t H
Pilot
House
Restaurant
as seen on
“Diners, Drive-Ins
& Dives”
Call us today about:
HIGH EFFICIENCY AIR FILTERS • UV LIGHT DISINFECTION SYSTEMS • HUMIDITY CONTROL
Follow us on Facebook!
Pilothouse Marina & Glass Bottom Bar
CAC1815697
For More Information 305-852-2960
507332
404711
MM 99.5, Oceanside
13 Seagate Blvd,
Key Largo, FL 33037
Telephone: 305-451-3142
pilothousemarina.com
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
7B
SPORTS & RECREATION
Lady Fins pick up shutout in district rivalry
Free Press Staff
MARATHON — In what
is likely a prelude to the
District 8-4A semifinals, the
Marathon High School volleyball team shut out visiting Somerset Silver Palm
3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-6) last
Friday night at home.
“We really didn’t play that
great,” Marathon coach
Kevin Freeman said. “It’s
difficult to stay motivated
in a game like this, but you
still have to go out and do
your job. At times, we didn’t
play up to our ability, but a
win’s a win.”
With the victory, the
Lady Fins (11-6 overall,
4-1 District 8-4A) take
control on the second
seed in the district, while
the Somerset (9-8, 4-2) fall
to the No. 3 spot.
Helping lead Marathon
to the win was Rachel
Philcox with 11 kills and
11 aces.
Meanwhile,
Grace
Kirwan contributed eight
aces, three kills and three
assists; Aliyah Headen
added six aces with five
assists; and Hannah Child
and Baelee Pettry had three
KATHY LANCASTER/Contributed
Above, Grace Kirwan serves for Marathon in the second set as the Lady Fins defeated visiting
Somerset Silver Palms in three sets on Friday. Right, senior Rachel Philcox gets a kill against
Somerset early in the third set on Friday.
kills apiece.
After missing five serves
in the first game, which the
Lady Fins won by 13 points,
and a few more in the second, won by 14 points,
Marathon did not miss any
in the third set to close out
the match victory.
“We’ve got to get over
those missed services,”
Freeman said.
Earlier in the week, the
Lady Fins swept District
Free Press Staff
ISLAMORADA — After
winning three straight to
open the season before
dropping two, the Island
Christian School volleyball
team looked to get back to
winning last Friday at home
but could not overcome
an extra-point loss in the
first set against Westwood
Christian, which sent the
Lady Eagles to their thirdstraight loss, 3-0 (28-26,
25-16, 25-11).
“The girls played hard and
recognize what we need to
work on,” Island Christian
coach Sam Orvalle said.
In the first set, the Lady
Eagles controlled the early
pace, opening up a 14-11
lead behind an Alyssa
Bell service run, before
the Lady Warriors fought
back to even the score at
15. Battling back and forth,
Island Christian had a
chance at a set point while
ahead 26-25, but it could
perienced team.
In the opener, Philcox
served up 13 aces and
issued seven kills. Kirwan
had eight aces, three kills
and nine assists. Pettry had
eight aces and two kills.
Junior Julissa Herrada led
the second match with 19
aces and four kills. Hannah
Child served four aces and
had three kills, and Headen
had nine assists, six aces
and a kill.
Keys Window & Door Company
305-587-0477
JV ACTION
Lady Eagles struggle
after first-set loss
BY J.W. COOKE
8-4A opponent Everglades
Prep 3-0 (25-6, 25-5, 25-9)
and 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-5)
in a home doubleheader.
Marathon coach Kevin
Freeman said Everglades
Prep has a young and inex-
• IMPACT WINDOWS
• FRENCH DOORS
• SLIDING DOORS
Professional Window & • STOREFRONTS
• SHUTTERS
Door Installation
not close out the final point,
leaving Westwood with the
opportunity to score three
straight to win the first.
The Lady Eagles never
recovered, as the Lady
Warriors scored nine
straight to open the second
set and never looked back,
opening up an 18-3 advantage before going up 2-0 in
the match with a 25-16 win.
Westwood did not let up
in the third, scoring the first
nine points in two service
chances to open the set.
In fact, the Lady Warriors
served only one full rotation through the lineup in the third-set finale,
as Westwood cruised to a
25-11 triumph to secure the
match victory.
Island Christian (3-3
overall, 1-2 District 16-2A)
are to face the Coral Shores
and Marathon junior varsity squads this week before
hosting a doubleheader
against district rival Edison
at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30.
jwcooke@keysnews.com
30 Years of Installation Experience in South Florida
Florida Certified General Contractor CGC1513148
507382
CONTRIBUTED
Zoe Myers of the Island Christian School Lady Eagles junior
varsity volleyball team goes high to punch a ball back to the
Westwood Christian side of the court. Westwood won in three
straight sets (28-26, 25-17, 25-16).
HAVE A STORY IDEA? CALL 305-853-7277
Free Press September 21, 2016
KEYS
tides
s p o n s o r e d by :
The
Juice House
Open 7 Days a Week!
Mon-Sat 5AM-8PM • Sun 6AM-6PM
Breakfast Special
2 eggs; ham, bacon or sausage,
toast and a cafe con leche.
2.99
$
7 Days
a Week
Lunch Special
6.99
$
from 5-7 to over 200 people
Pigs from 15-80 lbs.
Weddings • Bridal & Baby Showers • Picnics
404740
Come in and see our Catering Menu
103200 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo, FL 33037 (MM 103)
Order
Online!
(305) 451-4270
JuiceHouseOnline.com
404752
8B • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
Medical Care for Uninsured Residents of the Keys
OUR SERVICES:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Urgent Care
Women’s Health
Preventative Care
Chronic Illness Management
Advanced Medical Services
Diagnostic Testing and Labs
Rx Assistance
Income Restrictions
Se habla español!
Apply Today!
305-853-1788
91555 Overseas Hwy. #2
Tavernier, FL 33070
MM 91.5 Oceanside
www.thegoodhealthclinic.org
507232
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 • September 28, 2016 •
9B
SPORTS & RECREATION
Conchs edge Fins for bragging rights Lady Canes finish
BY RON COOKE
Free Press Staff
KEY WEST — As expected, the
Monroe County Cross Country
Championship came down to the
wire in the highly anticipated boys’
race.
The Conchs, led by Owen Allen and
Jason Block, out-paced Marathon’s
top boys Joel Zaila, Aydan Child and
Matthew Pinkley to win the meet by
a mere point, 28-29.
The Key West boys’ team time of
18:56 was the fastest time ever on
their home course. The previous
team record on the Price course was
19:10.
Key West’s girl’s squad, led by sophomore Nicole Matysik, ran their own
race against the fledgling Marathon
girls’ team, which had a good showing in just their second meet of the
season.
Matysik ran a pace race over the
3.1-mile course with a time of 20:59
minutes, which broke the school
sophomore record. Second for the
Lady Conchs was Telia Llama with
Megan Mayer less than a second
behind.
Noemi Fekete was the top female
RON COOKE/Free Press
Key West’s Jason Block, right, and Owen
Allen, with Marathon’s Joel Zaila trailing,
near the 1-mile mark in the Monroe
County Cross Country Championship.
runner for Marathon, followed by
Riley McDonald.
Allen praised the much-improved
Marathon team.
“First and foremost, I give them a
lot credit. Coming from a small program they really make the most of it,”
Allen said. “It’s awesome for them.”
Zaila said the course’s hills sapped
up a lot of energy.
“Those hills are killers,” he said. “If
it was a flat course, I would have got
them.”
Conch coach Terence White knew
the outcome would be close, very
close.
“It was an incredible race. What
I saw from every runner out there
was desperation, just wanting it so
bad. Both teams wanted it so badly,”
he said. “You could see the sense of
urgency and desire to not let their
team down. It was everything we
thought it would be.”
Marathon coach Jim Murphy said
all the kids pushed each other to
make it a fun race.
“We knew it was going to be a
tough battle, and we knew if one
person faltered from the game plan
we were going to be in trouble,” he
said. “For us to win, it was going to be
a one or two point difference. They
all ran solid. We ran here three weeks
ago. The difference in time is drastic.
We had six under 20 minutes.”
Murphy said the girls’ team is
beginning to develop in time for the
postseason.
“The girls that ran today did well.
The last time we were here, the fastest time was just under 31 minutes.
I think today we had five under 30.
They’re moving,” Murphy said.
rcooke@keysnews.com
week on positive note
Free Press Staff
ISLAMORADA — The
Coral Shores High School
volleyball team finished last
week’s action with a strong
showing against Keys Gate
Charter. The Lady Canes
swept the Lady Knights 3-0
(25-18, 25-12 and 25-16).
Haylee Curry scored
12 service points, which
included six aces. She also
had five kills and a block.
Lauren McCormick had 10
service points, including
three aces, and knocked
down five kill shots.
The victory helped end
the week on a positive note
for the Lady Canes after two
losses earlier in the week.
On Thursday, Carrollton
School of the Sacred Heart
defeated Coral Shores 3-1
(25-18, 11-25, 25-15 and
25-15).
“It was a long night,” said
CS coach Kathy Ets-Hokin of
Defense
CROWNING
ACHIEVEMENT
Locals had a good showing in PADDLE! the
Florida Keys’ fifth annual Triple Crown of the
Upper Keys on Sept. 17 and 18. More than
40 stand-up paddleboarders participated in
various divisions for speed (1-mile sprint), skill
(obstacle course) and stamina (3- or 10-mile
paddle). From left, Jimmy Aucamp, open men;
Stephen Artusi, elite men; and Faye Stratford,
open women.
Continued from page 6B
fourth-and-four with two
and a half minutes to play.
Instead of going for
the easy first down, Coral
Shores went for the victory
and it paid off as Abarezzco’s
pass connected with Woods
in the end zone. And this
time Sean Walters knocked
the extra point through to
put the Hurricanes ahead
the nearly two-hour match.
“We came back on fire in
the second set but lost the
third and fourth sets.”
The coach said junior
Sierra Jenkins stepped up
at setter.
“Sierra had a few blocks, a
few kills and a ton of points
when she was serving,” EtsHokin said.
McCormick led the team
with nine kills, eight digs,
five blocks and two aces.
Curry added four kills, four
aces and blocked six shots.
Lizzie Warfield added nine
digs and Jenkins added five
digs, three blocks and three
aces.
Three days earlier, Palmer
Trinity beat Coral Shores 3-0
(25-12, 25-13, and 25-17).
Brittany Doyle had four
kills, three digs and two
blocks. Warfield had four
digs, two aces and two kills.
McCormick had three kills
and one dig. Curry had two
kills and one block.
by a point.
Desperately looking for
yardage, the Gators dropped
back four straight times to
pass, but the Hurricanes’
defense put an exclamation
on the night with a pair of
sacks led by Robbie Proseck.
The victory keeps the
Hurricanes undefeated at
home, but now Coral Shores
will be back on the road
Friday to face SFFC South
Division leader LaSalle.
jwcooke@keysnews.com
CONTRIBUTED
Fishing tournament for kids
crossword horoscopes
KEY
KEY
SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 4
CLUES ACROSS
1. Computer-generated image
(acronym)
4. Some horses
9. Slope of loose rock debris
14. Ashes holder
15. Circle
16. Certain sorority member
17. Dust remover
18. Afraid of performing
20. Waste piece of casting
22. Achilles, e.g.
23. Restaurant for tea and
light meals
26. Take off
30. Followed
32. Brat
34. ___-Wan Kenobi
36. Beg
38. Characteristic carrier
39. Campus military org.
41. Holding one’s piece
43. Cut, maybe
44. Unfair?
45. Brown shade
47. Crystal meth, in slang
48. Fancy hat
51. Italian ___
53. Discern
55. Muscle contracting disease
58. Cover
60. Appeared
61. Ancient
67. Bit
68. Atmospheres
69. Beautiful young woman
70. Bird-to-be
71. Bait
72. Put in
73. “Comprende?”
CLUES DOWN
1. Affected by something
bad (arc.)
2. Vineyard fruit
3. Lack of appreciation
4. Rose plant fruit
5. Crumb
6. “The ___ Daba Honeymoon”
7. Approaching
8. Charger
9. Didn’t shuffle
10. “The Sweetheart of
Sigma ___”
11. “Andy Capp” cartoonist
Smythe
12. Addis Ababa’s land: Abbr.
13. “Dig in!”
19. Fingerboard ridge
21. Cable network
24. Cantina cooker
25. Equals
27. Advocate
28. Memos issued by seller
to buyer
29. Bartender’s supply
31. Women of rank
33. Network of nerves
34. “Carmina Burana” composer
35. Like visiting teams, often
37. Cache
40. Coagulate
42. Banquet
46. Bromo ingredient
49. Doctor
50. Air force heroes
52. Ring bearer, maybe
54. Church donation
56. Grammar topic
57. Bulrush, e.g.
59. Come into view
61. Congratulations, of a sort
62. Morgue, for one
63. Victorian, for one
64. Consumes
65. Hangup
66. Anger
LIBRA – SEPT 23/OCT 23
You know better than to judge
a book by its cover. Don’t
be deceived, Libra. Impulse
purchases make big dent in
the wallet.
GEMINI – MAY 22/JUN 21
A senior defies the odds. Throw
a party to celebrate, Gemini. A
blast form the past returns with
quite the proposal. Trust your
instincts.
SCORPIO – OCT 24/NOV 22
Teaching comes to you easily,
but this week, you will have your
work cut out for you with an
acquaintance who challenges
you at every turn. Good luck,
Scorpio.
CANCER – JUN 22/JUL 22
You are what you eat, so watch
it, Cancer. Make changes for
the better for a lifetime. A clash
of opinions at work leads to a
major debate.
SAGITTARIUS – NOV 23/DEC 21
You tried, Sagittarius. You really
did. Cut yourself some slack.
Some things just cannot be
done. A meal with friends
points you in a new direction.
CAPRICORN – DEC 22/JAN 20
You run out of steam this week,
but not to worry, Capricorn. Your
family will take up the slack.
A hobby resumes with a hasty
purchase.
LEO – JUL 23/AUG 23
Where there’s a will, there’s a
way. If your colleagues want it
to happen, they will find a way,
and you would do well to be
onboard, Leo.
KEY LARGO — The Kiwanis Club’s Kids’ Fun Fishing
Derby is set for Sunday, Oct. 2, with team registration at
12:30 p.m.
Teams are made up of one child and a parent or guardian, and the cost is $50 per team. Children must be in
kindergarten through fifth grade.
Every child participating will gain passage on either the
Gulfstream or Sailors Choice party boats and will receive
an event T-shirt, ditty bag and other items. Upon return
to the dock, both parent and child will be treated to a
banquet.
Space is limited to 48 teams. To register or for more
information, contact Tim Bricker at 305-852-4844 or
tbric52@aol.com.
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
CALL 305-853-7277
Glass Bottom Boat Tours aboard the luxurious
75’ Key Largo Princess II
NARRATED TOURS
The “ONLY” Glass Bottom Boat with
a Full Cocktail & Snack Bar
Mar.-Oct. ~ Fri. & Sat.
SUNSET CRUISES
VIRGO – AUG 24/SEPT 22
Romance is an all-time high,
and you’re whisked away on
an adventure. Enjoy, Virgo. An
exercise gets the creative juices
flowing at work.
6:30-8:30
6:30
8:30 p.m.
NOW
CAgLetL33% OFuFse
to
. trips,
10 a.m FPKLAM. F
code 20% OF
t
Or, ge oon trips, .
afternde FPKL12
o
c
se
u
2 Hour
Hour Cruises:
Cruise 10 a.m. • 1 p.m. • 4 p.m.
AQUARIUS – JAN 21/FEB 18
Smell a rat, Aquarius? Are you FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
sure? Do some snooping before
you make any accusations.
SEPTEMBER 28
A game delivers great fun at
Naomi Watts, Actress (47)
home and boosts spirits.
PISCES – FEB 19/MAR 20
The ball is in your court, Pisces.
Think before you act. Trying
times at home come to an end
with the arrival of guests. Be
grateful for the distraction.
SEPTEMBER 29
Andrew Dice Clay, Comedian
(58)
Location: Holiday Inn Docks at MM 100 - Tickets in Gift Shop
BOOK in ADVANCE and SAVE at: KeyLargoPrincess.com
Or by phone at (888) 307-1147 or (305) 451-4655
Bar & Grill Available on Board • Free Parking • No Entrance Fee
404707
Whether You Live Here All Year Long or Visiting for a Short Time, You Can Trust The Professionals At
WHEATON’S
SERVICE CENTER
MV10170
SEPTEMBER 30
Angie Dickinson, Actress (84)
ARIES – MAR 21/APR 20
The rash decision of a loved OCTOBER 1
one is the last straw. Bow out,
Jimmy Carter, US President (91)
Aries, while there is still time.
It is their life, and if they make
a mess of it, it will theirs to fix. OCTOBER 2
Sting, Rock Singer (64)
TAURUS – APR 21/MAY 21
Something indeed is up at OCTOBER 3
home. Turn a blind eye, Taurus.
Sean William Scott, Actor (39)
It does not involve you in the
slightest. An auto repair bill
turns out to be far less than OCTOBER 4
expected.
Dakota Johnson, Actress (26)
Quality Service Since 1972
AMERICAN & FOREIGN CARS, TRUCKS, SUV’S, VANS, TRAILERS & RV’S
• OIL CHANGES
• FULL SERVICE CAR CAREE
• CERTIFIED MECHANICS
• TIRE SALES AND REPAIRS
S
• 24 HOUR TOWING
404710
(305)
101500 Overseas Highway
Key Largo • MM101.5
451-3500
KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED
10B • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
SERVICE Find it
DIRECT RY FAST!
Florida Keys Free Press • keysnews.com
ws.com
Advertise Today!
Call 292-7777 ext. 232
THE #1 WEEKLY IN THE KEYS!
marnold@keysnews.com
Auto Services
LARGO
Sunshine Home Service & Maintenance, Inc.
MECHANICAL
STATE CERTIFIED
AIR CONDITIONING
CONTRACTOR
AUTO SERVICE
*Doors
*Cabinets
*Custom Closets
*Tile
*Painting
AVAILABLE FOR SERVICE
7 DAYS A WEEK
FROM 8AM TO 9PM
Oil Changes, Brakes
and Much more!
404756
Participating Independent Contractor
CAC 18116742
SP2388
SP2397
The new
degree
of comfort
Gary Lentz
SP2396
SP3001
www.sunshinekeys.com • kgsunshinehome@bellsouth.net
Phone/Fax (305)853-0511 Mobile 393-6758
305.492.9535
305.741.7737
*Shutters
*Windows & Impacts
*Decks & Docks
*Pressure Cleaning
*Framing & Forming
Licensed & Insured
404720
106130 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo, FL
Mon-Fri: 8 AM-5PM
Sat: 8AM-3PM
Maintenance Services
Contractors
507238
tricityfl.com
Cleaning Services
Marine Sales
507388
Bobcat Service
Hurricane Shutters
Remodeling
New Construction
Island Boat Place
We Sell Boats
We Specialize
in Catamarans
786-255-1820
507233
Lic & Ins. CGC 1511836
Bring Us Your Boat
and We Will Sell It
For You
101741 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-735-4171
islandboatplace.com
www.tikihuts.com
Computer Services
404755
Marine Services
507387
Lawn Care
On-Site or In-Store Services
Marine Repair & Rigging
Dockside Service
Waverunners & Jetboats
ARBORTECH
Annual Property Maintenance Programs
•
•
•
•
305-852-4320 or
Cell: 305-451-7850 507237
• LAND CLEARING
COMPLETE TREE SERVICE
• MULCH & TOP SOIL
HURRICANE PREPARATION
STUMP REMOVAL
• LOCALLY OWNED &
TRANSPLANTS
OPERATED
FREE ESTIMATES • (305) 852-5180
507389
102900 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL
305.517.6857 Hours: M-F 9:00-6:00
www.overseaspc.com
Henry Panse
Landscape Design & Improvement
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
404722
• New & Used Desktops and Laptops Specials
• Virus Removal & System Restore
• Network & Remote Connection
• Laptop Rentals
• Data Recovery
Licensed & Insured SP3163
• Web Site Design
• Internet Advertising
• Search Engine Marketing
• Google Certified Partner
Pest Control
promo
CHAGO LAWN
MAINTENANCE
SERVICE
305-292-1880
“The Termite Professionals”
Roberto (Bob) Lozano
Manager
104616 Overseas Hwy #2
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: byebyetermite@bellsouth.net
• Whitefly Control
• Mosquito Control
• Complete Pest Control Service
• Lawn & Ornamental Care
404705
Complete
Maintenance
I like to keep my
customers satisfied
with my work!
305-394-2430
Contractors
FULLY INSURED
No. 011A00003965
404703
Call for a FREE Estimate
G & S LANDSCAPING
SEWER CONNECTIONS
MCF Construction, Inc
AUGER SERVICE • BOBCAT SERVICE • EXCAVATOR SERVICE
BOULDERS • PEAROCK • SAND
• Completed more Sewer
Connections than any other
company in the Keys
• Serving the Keys over 30 years
• Starts & finishes jobs faster than
any other company
• No other company has a better
warranty
Licensed & Insured • Residential & Commercial
Locally Owned
FULL LAWN SERVICE • WEEKLY & BIWEEKLY
507385
Screen Repair
Storm Shutters
Rescreens
New Screen Rooms
Got Weeds?
wayne4mcf@yahoo.com
507381
NOW ACCEPTING
✔ CGC062399 ✔ CBC055266 ✔ CFC1428220
ISLAND
LAWN SERVICE
Storm Panels, Etc
FREE
ESTIMATES
Bob Eyster:
664-9243
Bi-Weekly and Monthly Rates
Licensed & Insured
Serving the Keys Since 1988
305-240-5888
License # SP1993
LICENSED & INSURED
ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK
INTERIOR • EXTERIOR
PLASTER • STUCCO
CEMENT • BRICK & BLOCK
STEEL & ALUMINUM
FABRICATION
SEAMLESS REPAIRS
24-Hour Service
507274
786-351-0098
Accordion Shutters
HOME REPAIR
305-393-1807
Islamorada, FL 33036
SP-4180, SP-4183, SP-4187, SP-4185, SP-4181,
SP-4182, SP-4184, SP-4186
404751
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES REQUIRING DEP PERMITS:
MCF can provide complete design / build service including
engineering, permitting, & installation.
Frame Repair
JEFF’S
COMPLETE
507384
Contractor # SP 4017
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
LICENSED & INSURED
Repairs
RIS
DEBOVAL
REM Gunter Bloy
305-664-1233
397742
Florida Keys Free Press • September 28, 2016 •
NOTICE TO
ADVERTISERS
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.
CANCELLATIONS
All word ad rates are
placement fees and
non-refundable (for
frequency days canceled). Ads may be
removed from publication with placement
fee remaining.
CHANGES
Once an ad has been
placed only acceptable minor changes
can be made to the
ad.
0220
Help Wanted
Lower Keys
AVAILABLE
POSITIONS
AT THE
SHERATON SUITES
KEY WEST
*Dishwasher
*Server
*Restaurant Supervisor
*Host
*Line Cook
*Busser
*Night Kitchen Cleaner
+Application hours are
from 9:30am to
4:30pm.
+Can also email
resume to:
hr@sheratonkeywest.com
2001 South Roosevelt
Boulevard, Key West,
FL 33040
Tel: 305-293-7928
Caregiver Wanted
Seeking a loving,
dependable, patient,
and organized person
to help out an elderly
couple ages 75 and 85.
The job includes daily
cooking, cleaning,
grocery shopping and
planning activities.
Must be able to drive.
40 hours a week.
References required.
Those interested and
qualified please call
Maria at 781-844-6509.
CUPCAKE SUSHI
DESSERT
ROLLING BUSINESS:
Hiring Management,
production rollers,
dipper/decorators apply
@ 431 Front st
cupcakesushikeywest
@gmail.com
0220
Help Wanted
Lower Keys
EATON BIKES HAS
THESE FULL-TIME
POSITIONS
AVAILABLE:
DRIVERS
Eaton Bikes is hiring
drivers with a clean
driving record and a
familiarity with Key
West. Attention to
detail and a
commitment to great
customer service are
essential. Up to
$14/hour plus overtime
for qualified drivers.
MECHANICS
Mechanics are
responsible for
repairing our
customers’ bikes,
including cruisers,
hybrids and road bikes,
and servicing our rental
fleet. Shop experience
required. Up to $20/hr.
plus overtime for
qualified mechanics.
Apply in person at 830
Eaton Street (corner of
Margaret) between
9am-5pm. Previous
applicants need not
apply.
ELECTRICIAN
INDIVIDUAL MUST
Have 5 years electrical
experience. Ability to
work with a lead
Supervisor in the field.
Pay $39.57 per hour.
Background check
required. Send resume
to info@mil-con.com.
Call Andy Anderson
904-509-0647.
0220
Help Wanted
Lower Keys
0220
Help Wanted
Lower Keys
0220
Help Wanted
Lower Keys
FLORIDA
HOME DELIVERY
GUEST SERVICE
DEPARTMENT OF
CARRIER
AGENT NEEDED
Health Monroe County
The Key West Citizen
Historic Key West Inn
has an opening for an
is currently accepting
is currently seeking a
OPS CONTRACT
talented individual to fill applications for: Home
ADMINISTRATOR
Delivery Carriers in
a position at our front
ANALYST
Key West. This is an
desk. Excellent sales
Ideal candidate will
Independent
and communication
have experience
Contractor position
skills are required.
dealing with contracts, We offer a competitive
where contractor will
2+ years financial or
be required to deliver
starting salary, medical
budget experience;
papers before 6am,
and dental benefits
7 days a week. This
Intermediate mastery
available. Must be able
route takes approx. 4
of MS Excel, MS Word
to work evenings and
& MS Outlook;
weekends. Apply at our to 5 hours to complete.
Payrate averages
excellent written and
main office located
$350/week. Contractor
verbal communication
409 Angela St.
is responsible for
skills in English. Duties
providing own
include but are not
transportation and
limited to: data entry,
Host, Dishwasher and
invoice verification and AM and PM Bussers, must have valid driver's
license and insurance.
tracking, contract
At upscale restaurant.
Please apply in person
monitoring, ability to
Apply in person
at: 3420 Northside
navigate State and
Louie's Backyard,
Drive, Key West, FL
Federal computer
700 Waddell Ave.
33040 or email:
systems and
charrell@keysnews.com
databases, financial
analysis, budget
Teller
preparation and
Key West Hammocks
Keys Federal
monitoring, and the
is looking for great
Credit Union
ability to meet tight
Sales people. Hourly
Hours are Mo-Fri with
deadlines. Requires
pay plus commission.
a Saturday rotation.
Florida Driver’s
You should be
A minimum of six
License. Salary $20motivated, proactive
months of customer
22/hr; 20-28
and experienced in
service and cash
hrs/wk/schedule
sales. Apply in person
handling is strongly
negotiable within
before Noon at
preferred. Good credit
normal office hours.
719 Duval St.
and HS diploma or
OPS positions do not
equiv required.
include benefits.
Positions Available
Excellent pay and
Fingerprinting required.
at Westin Key West,
benefits. Spanish
Please apply online at:
Sunset Key, Weather
and/or Creole fluency
http://peoplefirst.
Station, Banana Bay
preferred. Visit
myflorida.com
and Bayside Inn
www.keysfcu.org.
Refer to requisition no.
Fax 293-6056. E.O.E.
64944130-51389279
EO/AA/VP Employer
305-292-7777
305-852-4555
Help Wanted
Lower Keys
Westin
*Guest Services Manager
*Housekeeping Supervisor
*Restaurant Host
*Pool Concierge
*Sunset Celebration Server P/T
Sunset Key
*Concierge
*Line Cook
*Resort Ambassador
*Restaurant Host
*Restaurant Reservationist
Wetherstation Inn
*Room Attendant PT
HELP WANTED
products and services;
proficiency in CAD,
Revit and CS. Submit
resume to
Careers@DasignSource.com
Keyswide
Classifieds
305-292-7777
Now Hiring For
Positions in Key West and Marathon
Assistant Manager
Sandwich Artists
245 Front Street,
Key West, FL 33040
Tel: 305-294-4000
Fax: 305-292-4348
Competitive Wages and Benefits
0230
Help Wanted
Middle Keys
INTERIOR
DESIGNER/SALES
CONSULTANT
D’Asign Source is
seeking an
experienced Interior
Designer/Sales
Consultant who is
passionate about great
design and provides
exceptional customer
Now hiring ENERGETIC,
MOTIVATED individuals seeking
part-time employment
in retail sales.
Nights, weekends and holidays necessary.
Job Description Requires Bending, Lifting,
Light Cleaning, Cash Handling Experience
And Great Customer Service Relations.
Apply In Person:
Tradewinds Liquors
Tradewinds Plaza • MM 101, Key Largo
507403
UPPER KEYS
CARRIER
The Key West Citizen has an immediate
opening for an Upper Keys carrier to
deliver newspapers each morning. The
perfect candidates must have attention
to detail and a positive attitude toward
giving the customer a great experience.
Must have dependable transportation.
For more information and to apply in
person, contact Claudia Harrell at
The Key West Citizen
3420 Northside Dr,
Key West, FL 33040
No phone calls please.
The Juice House in Key Largo, is seeking an
Busy Law Firm seeking Closer/Funder who will be responsible
for reviewing title work, preparing closing documents,
HUD-1 Settlement Statements and funding/disbursing files
to ensure timely closing of real estate transactions. This
position requires a high level of communication and multitasking. The employee will interact regularly with real estate
associates, lenders, attorneys, sellers, and buyers to provide
all documents necessary for a real estate closing. Solid
knowledge of and practical experience with the applicable
technology tools including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office.
Salary commensurate with experience, superior benefits. Fax
resume to 305-852-8848, Attn: Office Administrator or email
resume to: JDycus@HLYlaw.com.
Help Wanted
Middle Keys
Cleveland at (786) 295-5307
Experienced Line- Cook for our busy restaurant.
Interested applicants apply in person MM103 Bayside
service to join our
team. Must have a
proven track record
and broad knowledge
of interior design,
architecture and
construction
concepts/practices;
ability to sell ideas,
0230
Apply online at www.MyTomThumb.com or call
the Juice House
FULL TIME POSITION
Help Wanted
Middle Keys
hr@westinkeywestresort.com
507503
Flexibility is key. Line cook must have the ability to work
mornings, lunch shifts, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
0230
Application hours are
from 9am to 3:30pm
or apply online to:
SIGN ON BONUS!
Keyswide Classifieds
Full time
A/C Tech’s,
Installers, Helpers
needed
0220
507370
Public Notice
507377
0010
11B
The Spa at Cheeca Lodge
is the Premiere Florida Keys Spa
and we are seeking
Licensed Massage Therapists
to add to the TEAM.
508494
We are offering a $500 sign on bonus
for qualified applicants
AFTER A 90 DAY EVALUATION.
NOW HIRING
IN
MARATHON
TELLER, Full-time
Email resumes ASAP to spatel@cheeca.com
CHEECASPA.COM
507379
507378
We are looking for experienced, friendly, outgoing
applicants with excellent customer service skills to assist
customers in handling transactions. Must be flexible
and able to work Saturdays. Teller experience and/or
excellent customer service skills required.
To apply, please go to
www.my100bank.com, then click Careers.
For assistance contact HR@my100bank.com.
EEO/AA/M/F/Veteran/Disabled
Centennial Bank is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national
origin, sex, age, status as a protect veteran, among other things, or status as a
qualified individual with disability.
507413
SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING SPECIALIST
AT TWO OCEANS DIGITAL
(YHUKDGDGHVLUHWRJHWLQWRWKHÀHOGRIRQOLQHPDUNHWLQJ"
1RZ·V\RXUFKDQFHIRUDJUHDWFDUHHU7ZR2FHDQV'LJLWDO
LVORRNLQJIRUDEULJKWDPELWLRXVGHGLFDWHGSURIHVVLRQDO
WRZRUNLQRXUVHDUFKHQJLQHPDUNHWLQJGHSDUWPHQWLQ2OG
7RZQ.H\:HVW1RSUHYLRXVGLJLWDOPDUNHWLQJH[SHULHQFHQHFHVVDU\ZHZLOOWUDLQWKHULJKWSHUVRQWREHFRPH
*RRJOH$G:RUGVDQG$QDO\WLFV&HUWLÀHG
$VD6(06SHFLDOLVW\RXZLOOGHVLJQLPSOHPHQWDQG
RSWLPL]H$G:RUGV%LQJDGVDQG)DFHERRN3D\3HU&OLFN
FDPSDLJQVWRGULYHOHDGJHQHUDWLRQDQGVDOHVJURZWKIRU
RXUEXVLQHVVFOLHQWV<RXZLOOZRUNDVSDUWRIDG\QDPLF
WHDPWKDWSRVVHVVHVGLYHUVHVNLOOVDFURVVWKHYDULRXVGLVFLSOLQHVRIGLJLWDOPDUNHWLQJ&RPSHQVDWLRQDQG%HQHÀWV
LQFOXGHWRDQQXDOVDODU\PHGLFDOGHQWDO
DQGYLVLRQLQVXUDQFHDQG.DIWHU\RXUÀUVW\HDU6HQG
UHVXPHVWRFDUHHUV#WZRRFHDQVGLJLWDOFRP
4 premier properties, 4 distinct styles — Find the perfect fit for you
JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY!
We are hiring for several positions
in the following areas:
FOOD & BEVERAGE • GUEST SERVICES
BEACH SERVICES • RETAIL • SALES
ACCOUNTING • ENGINEERING • MARINA
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, and life insurance
programs. Profit sharing is available to every
member of our team (conditions apply).
Apply online at
www.MyTomThumb.com or
APPLY IN PERSON AT POSTCARD INN
84001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada • Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Questions: 305.433.9937 or recruitment@holidayisle.com
508483
NOW HIRING
in Key Largo, Tavernier, Marathon
and Big Pine
507369
Call Cleveland at (786) 295-5307
with questions.
DFWP & E.O.E.
507368
FRONT DESK
MANAGER
Apply in person
experience required.
305-360-0714.
KEY LARGO
WASTEWATER
Treatment District is
accepting applications
for full-time entry-level
positions to join our
team within the Plant,
Field Operations and
Maintenance
Departments. Ideal
candidates will have a
high school Diploma or
equivalent, a clean
driving record, good
work ethic and be able
to work outdoors. We
offer a competitive pay
& benefits package
including, but not
limited to: paid
vacation, health
insurance, a deferred
compensation
retirement plan and
tuition reimbursement.
Qualified applicants
should email resume
to:
keylargoemployment@
gmail.com; Or, go to
www.klwtd.com and
click on the
employment link to
apply. EOE
LABORER
Ability to work with a
Lead Supervisor in the
field. $15.00 hour,
background check is
required. Send resume
to info@mil-con.com.
Call Andy Anderson
904-509-0647.
Plantation Boat Mart
hiring full-time Office
Assistant. Starting pay
at $11.00. Monday Saturday. Please call
305-852-5424.
0240
Help Wanted
Upper Keys
UPPER KEYS FAMILY
Buisness looking for
reliable help. Must own
reliable transportation
and be able to work 40
hours per week. Boat
detailing,
housekeeping and
other client based
activities.
For interview, please
call 305 367 2924
50 TON QUALIFIED
CAPTAIN
Island Ventures, Dive
Centre is seeking a
confident, well
rounded, thorough
captain, with
experience around the
local upper Keys area.
Applicants will ideally
have experience of
operating and
maintaining island
hoppers. We are
located in Jules
Undersea Park, Key
Largo. We operate 2 x
30' island hopper boats
for commercial dive &
snorkel excursions,
and daily trips for
MarineLab educational
centre. Payment will be
on a daily contract
basis. All applicants will
need to be a part of the
Key's Consortium.
Applications to
dive@islandventure.com
0332
Yard Sales Upper
Keys
MOVING YARD SALE
Sat and Sun 8-5.
34 Snapper Ave.
Key Largo MM103.
Wanted Screen
Room and Railing
Installers
Must have
transportation and valid
drivers license.
0332
Yard Sales Upper
Keys
305-852-2568 or send
resume to
PO Box 288, Tavernier
Fl, 33070
alumrus@bellsouth.net
0410
Mobile Homes
Lower Keys
2BR/1BA
Central AC, W/D,
$1,800 month, F/L/S.
No animals.
305-304-0184.
0414
Mobile Homes
Upper Keys
1BR/1BA Furnished
Park model
Located at Islmorada
Oceanside. $2,200
includes rent,utilities
and boat slip. Available
10/1/16. Call
530-204-8007.
0428
Unfurnished Apts.
Lower Keys
AT HOME IN
KEY WEST, INC
Yearly & Monthly
Rentals Available
AthomeKeyWest.com
305-296-6996
0432
Unfurnished Apts
Upper Keys
ISLANDMORADA
MM82 unfurn.
Efficiency, Clean
Quiet location. Pet
Considered. $875/Mo.
Includes Utilities.
$1000 Sec. Year
Lease. 970-846-5903
MM94.3 Large
1BR/1BA, c/air, W/D,
no pets/smoking, credit
check and references
required. $1,000 plus
utilities/year lease.
305-852-8878.
0432
Unfurnished Apts
Upper Keys
2BR/2BA, HARRY
HARRIS PARK
New modern apt. all
appliances, central
A/C, responsible
couple preferred. No
pets, smoking or drugs.
F/L/S. $1,600 month.
305-453-3271.
0440
Unfurn. Houses
Lower Keys
All real estate
advertising in
this newspaper
is subject to the
Federal Fair Housing Act of
1968 which makes it illegal
to advertise “any preference,
limitation or discrimination
based on race, color, religion,
sex or national origin, or an
intention to make any such
preference limitation or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept
any advertising for real estate
which is in violation or the
law. Our readers are hereby
informed that all dwellings
advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal
opportunity basis.
407377
0444
Unfurn. Houses
Upper Keys
MM 105 2 Bed 1 Bath
Canal Home
3 lots from the bay,
great sunsets, large
screen tile patio,
cathedral ceilings,
washer dryer,
workshop shed, plus
storage shed, alarm
system, 90 feet dock,
has own boat ramp.
$2,600/month
305-619-5309
0452
Vacation Rentals
Lower Keys
Monthly
Vacation Homes
Old Town, 1 – 5 BR,
Today - Dec. See
www.HistoricHideaways.com
for pricing/availability
305-294-RENT
0460
Commercial
Rentals
COURTHOUSE
BUSINESS CENTER
Key West Business
Center: Fleming St. at
Duval $600 - $750
includes all utilites.
Virtual Office Plan
$170/month
305-296-4087.
0534
Commercial
Property
Commercial For Sale
Search All Key West
and FL Keys
Commercial RE and
Businesses For Sale at
www.KeysRealEstate.com
725 Caroline St.
KW Seaport
150 Seat Restaurant
w/ in/outdoor seating.
New construction
Summerland Key
0534
Commercial
Property
0534
Com Building
On US-1, waterfront.
Easy to show
Individual Office
Spaces
from $550/mo.
Old Town-New TownCudjoe Key
514 Fleming St.
Mixed-Use
Retail Down, Resi.Up.
Poss. Transient Rec.
Zone. Concrete,
X Zone
Funky Chicken StoreSuccessful Biz
Proven Success,
Owner Retiring.
10 Unit Fully
Licensed Guesthouse
Located on Petronia St.
in Bahama Village.
Fully Updated. Major
Price Reduction
604 Duval St.$7,500/mo
900 SF Down
+200 SF Storage
1406 S.
Roosevelt Blvd
Beautifully renovated
3 Unit Residential
Income Producing
Commercial
Property
Berkshire Hathaway
Knight & Gardner
Realty # 1 in
KEY WEST
commercial sales and
lease volume in 2015
and for the last 10
years combined.
Sold over $1 Billion.
Keyswide
Classifieds
305-292-7777
0544
Realty Wanted
TRANSIENT RENTAL
LICENSE WANTED
No Broker fee, private
party. 904-504-8893.
WANT TO RENT A
CLOSE GARAGE
From Nov 1st. - April
1st. or close to those
dates. Will pay up to
$110 month.
414-573-7511.
Claude J. Gardner, Jr.
or Will Langley
305-766-3133
RV SITES FOR RENT
MM 113
Daily • Weekly • Monthly
Full Hookup
305.522.6598
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
Keyswide
Classifieds
1,000 to 5,000 ft.
Key Largo, MM 100
305-292-7777
305.522.6598
508344
Help Wanted
Upper Keys
404716
0240
KEYSWIDE CLASSIFIED
404717
12B • September 28, 2016 • Florida Keys Free Press
507392
Advertise your House for Sale
in the Keyswide Classifieds
305-292-7777