No jive turkey in this issue. 1¢
Caricature artist, Dino DiArtist, draws Stephanie Ramirez and Leslie Trujillo during Marrvel- ous Pet Rescue & Adoptions annual Spayghetti & No Balls Gala at Snook’s Bayside. The evening also featured special VIP Guest of Honor, Aladdin, who overcame extreme neglect and abuse to become a world- renowned therapy dog. MARY D. GRIFFIN/ Contributed 2 UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 17, 2017
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GABRIEL SANCHEZ [email protected] The Weekly joined the Ocean Studies Newspaper Club for a discussion about journalism. Along with sources, the Weekly and club talked editorial planning, how to report happenings, and the people to use as experts, because just as important as having information on-hand is understanding its origin. And so after meeting, the Newspaper Club was asked … If you could follow around one person for a week and write about their life, who would it be, and why? Your Quality
“Mrs. Chandler, she’s a person OB/GYN Care I don’t know much about,” said Alyssa. in the Keys
Randy A. Fink, MD, FACOG Stephanie Fink, MSN, CNM Marilyn Peñuela-Ladaga, MSN, FNP
“Dominick, because he’s my best friend and he has really good jokes,” said Bo. • Pap smears, check-ups
• GYN problems • Infertility Joseph said, “The Undertaker because he’s been in the WWE for over 20 years and always entertains me.” • Ultrasounds • HPV & STD’s • Pregnancy
Manolo said, “Giancarlo Stanton • Botox & Juvederm of the Miami Marlins. I’m a big fan of the Marlins and he almost hit 60 home runs this season.” • MonaLisa Touch Vaginal Rejuvena®t io n • Menopause • Bio-Identical Moya said, “Phoebe, because she’s a smart and intelligent girl and I want to Hormone Thera py learn more about her life.” • Testosterone Pellets
305.274.3130 • keysobgyns.com Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays by appointment only “My best friend Maggie because I don’t know a lot about her daily routine and I’d Tassell Medical Arts Building, Mariners Hospital like to know more,” said Phoebe. 91550 Overseas Highway, #207, Tavernier, FL 33070 4 KEYS SCHOOLS UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 17, 2017
91831 Overseas Hwy. Tavernier, FL 33070 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com
Publisher Jason Koler [email protected]
Publishing Partner Britt Myers [email protected]
Editor Sara Matthis [email protected]
Copy Editor Mike Howie [email protected] PLANTATION PROGRESS
Sales & Marketing Biltmore Construction Project Manager John O’Connor, left, Monroe County School District’s Jason Koler [email protected] William Shoemaker, Thoron Grafton Architect and Project Manager of Zyscovich Archi- tects, and Biltmore Construction Superintendent Mike Hobbs tour the under-construction Account Executives Plantation Key School site with members of the Monroe County School Board on Nov. 14. Lesley Aaron [email protected] GABRIEL SANCHEZ/ Keys Weekly Hollie Will [email protected]
Staff Writers Kristen Livengood [email protected] Hays Blinckmann TEACHER HOUSING [email protected] School Board starts work on housing plan for the Lower Keys Gabriel Sanchez [email protected] GABRIEL SANCHEZ [email protected] Ultimately the group’s efforts are Office Manager meant to be “small in scope, small in Charlotte Hruska n Nov. 14, the Monroe numbers, and short in timeline,” said [email protected] County Board met to dis- Porter. Production Manager cuss, among other things, Board members then talked about Anneke Patterson the formation a Sugarloaf the county level regulations and a pos- [email protected] housingO tasking force. sible waiver of fees from the county. Design / Web Master Superintendent Mark Porter While raising the issue of land use at Travis Cready started the discussion by introduc- Sugarloaf, the board also discussed the [email protected] ing of the members of the employee use of Trumbo Point. Design / Pre-Press housing task force at Sugarloaf In conveying the urgency of the Javier Reyes School. The group includes Porter need for housing, Bobby Highsmith, [email protected] as facilitator; Niels Hubbell, senior vice chairman of the board, ultimately director of strategic planning for requested completion of the projects Classifieds Luis Bouzon Monroe County; Kimberly Matthews, parameters by Jan. 31. [email protected] 305.743.0844 Sugarloaf kindergarten teacher; Ra- During the public comment por- chel Quad and Jenny O’Brien, also of tion of the meeting, former school Se habla español Sugarloaf School; and Holly Hum- board member Capt. Ed Davidson Keys Weekly Newspapers (ISSN 1944-0812) are a mell-Gorman, president of United discussed the efforts of the previous community newspaper group Teachers of Monroe. Dirk Smits, the board to address the issue of work- published every Friday by Keys Weekly Newspapers, school district’s legal counsel, is an force housing. 9709 Overseas Highway ad hoc member. “We’re simply looking for a re- “Most of the controversy and ac- Marathon, FL 33050. Subscription rates are $100.00 Ultimately, Porter pointed to source to come back and make a rimony that has recently erupted was per year outside of Monroe land use and feasibility as the main recommendation; it’s not a binding really unnecessary because most of County. Please call for all other subscription rates including over- issues for figuring out a timeline for recommendation,” said Porter. “The the issues – in fact every issue brought seas mail. when the proposed 10 to 20 work- board still has the full authority to up here – has been already been pro- force units could be completed. do anything they might want to do in cessed. It’s been thoroughly studied Periodicals postage pending at Marathon, FL and additional mailing offices. All stories, photos, and Board member Andy Griffiths terms of proceeding.” and the options extensively analyzed graphics are copyrighted materials. added that an important consider- The impetus in forming the group for more than a year by a Keys-wide ation when submitting applications is in part due to the current housing affordable workforce housing commit- POSTMASTER: for amendments to future land use situation, says Porter. tee.” Send address changes to maps is doing so before the Depart- “We’re not going to be able to Davidson ended his comments by Keys Weekly Newspapers 9709 Overseas Highway ment of Economic Opportunity semi- solve anyone’s short-term housing recommending the board not think of Marathon, FL 33050. annual meetings. problems from the result of the cur- itself as a “bureaucratic agency,” but Porter noted that the authority rent hurricane situation. But perhaps rather as a developer. News Deadline of the task force is to make recom- if we move down this path we can give The superintendent’s task force Tuesday Noon mendations. them some indication of what might will have its first meeting on Thursday, Advertising Deadline be there for them and others in the Nov. 16. Tuesday 2 p.m. future.” UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 17, 2017 WEEKLY INTERVIEW 5
Islamorada village Which fields of emerg- What was your least favorite part of law school? The 1st Year. The attorney navigates ing law should prospective introduction of the Socratic Method is enough to make any law student lawyers be aware of? Cyberse- question their choice of profession. general specialty curity/data privacy and cannabis Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Profes- law are definitely areas to watch. sionally, serving as the village attorney and earning Board Certification in GABRIEL SANCHEZ City, County & Local Government Law. [email protected] If you hadn’t gone into law, what other profession Are there any new legislative proposals that you would like to see oget Bryan finally made the could you see yourself doing? passed? First and foremost, continuing to secure funding for water qual- move from the mainland to Front office executive for a pro- ity and land acquisition under the Florida Keys Stewardship Act and also Islamorada in 2013, when he fessional sports team. funding to purchasing both conservation land and buildable lots within the accepted the position to be Is- Which teams (MLB, NFL, village. Unfortunately, local governments are going to be playing defense lamorada’sR first in-house village attor- NBA, etc.) would you like to again in the 2018 state legislative session due to (state) preemption legisla- ney. A long-time South Florida resident own? Also, College Champion- tion on various issues from tree removal, vacation rentals and general and Florida State University College ship and Super Bowl picks? home rule. of Law graduate, Bryan was practicing Liverpool FC (English Premier Part of our legislative challenge is reminding and educating the state local government law on the mainland League – I’m a lifelong fan) and and federal government that the Florida Keys are not just unique, but before moving to the Keys. While grow- the Miami Heat. critically important as both economic and environmental assets. Secur- ing up on the island of Trinidad, he first I’m an FSU grad, but I was ing needed funding and supporting legislative proposals that protect our found interest in law around the age a Canes football fan first so I’m natural resources, improve our infrastructure and protect the quality of of 10 by watching television courtroom still supporting the “U.” NFL – life for our residents will still be the core focus in 2018. dramas like “Perry Mason” and, later, As of today, it looks like New “The People’s Court” and his family England. began to tease that he’d become either What’s something about a priest or a lawyer. “I knew priesthood you people wouldn’t normally was probably unlikely, but I didn’t seri- know? My love for music … ously consider law school until almost in a wide range of genres. I’m halfway through college,” said Bryan. a secret audiophile and even with the convenience of digital Name a past Supreme Court Jus- music streaming, I still maintain tice, or case, you feel had an impact a healthy collection of CDs, cas- on you? Thurgood Marshall, for his sette tapes and vinyl records. legacy and record as both an outstand- So what would your ing lawyer and SC Justice. theme song be? The People’s One court case that really in- Court theme song? Hard to trigued you, and why? Citizens United pick just one, but probably v. Federal Election Commission, for “Higher Ground” by Stevie Won- its profound impact in reshaping U.S. der. politics and elections in such a short It’s often said that those period of time. who like to argue would make What does the daily life of a good attorneys. Does this municipal attorney entail? Municipal claim hold any water? There’s attorneys are what I call “Generalized probably some truth to that. Specialists” because we have to engage The practice of law is inherently in and navigate through multiple areas adversarial and requires attor- of law each day, such as land use/zon- neys to advocate strongly for ing, real estate, contracts, labor and their client, so those who enjoy employment, finance/taxation, litiga- a “healthy debate” are often at- tion and environmental law. Since we tracted to the profession. have to give advice and opinions on a Who is one historical wide range of legal topics, you have to figure you’d be excited to be well-versed in many areas of law, debate? Robert (“Bob”) Nesta be skilled in legal research, able to Marley. He was so opinionated, analyze and apply law to multiple daily knowledgeable and self-aware, scenarios and then communicate often it would be fascinating to spend complex information as effectively as an evening discussing life, music, possible. It’s challenging, rewarding politics and religion with him. and definitely never boring.
Roget Bryan, village attorney for Islamo- rada. GABRIEL SANCHEZ/ Keys Weekly 6 MONROE COUNTY UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 17, 2017 2017-2018 PERFORMING SEASON STOCKTON TO LEAD UNITED WAY Agency seeks tax prep help, partners with builders group eah Stockton The program is provided to fami- will take the lies with an income of $54,000 or less. role of presi- Returns can include Earned Income dent and Credit, Child Tax Credit, Education CEOL of United Way Credits and Dependent Care Credit. of the Florida Keys. There is no charge to the recipient Stockton replaces for this service. FREE INDOOR BAND CONCERT • 4PM Kate Bauer-Jones, Materials, training schedule and who resigned after more information are available from suffering Hurricane Loretta Geotis at 305-797-1704 or via Irma-related damage to her home. email to [email protected]. Saturday, Nov. 25 Stockton has a background in non- profits and is an established member of the Keys community, having lived BUILDERS PARTNER Salute to America: in Key West for more than a decade. WITH UNITED WAY She has worked with the Florida Keys Associated Builders and Contrac- Dreams of the American Family Healthy Start Coalition for the last tors East Coast Florida Chapter (ABC) seven years, serving families in Mon- has partnered with United Way of the Conductor: Hulber Gagliardini roe County as program coordinator Florida Keys to help those still affected and community liaison. by Hurricane Irma. Island Community Church While at Berry College in Georgia, ABC Cares, the chapter’s charitable Stockton served as lead for several foundation, is offering direct financial MM 83, Bayside, Islamorada community organizations, including assistance to residents of the Florida Free Admission for All Concerts • Indoor Concert president of the Habitat for Humanity Keys who work in the construction Fun-filled Family Entertainment chapter, and coordinator for two hur- industry, regardless of ABC member- ricane relief teams traveling to Florida. ship status. — New Band Members Welcome — She then moved to Key West where Post-Irma partnership efforts will Co-sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, Village of Islamorada, with support from Islamorada Community Entertainment she worked in the hospitality industry help aid a small licensed HVAC busi- for several years. ness run by Jennifer Cappadona of Is- 305-451-4530 • www.keyscommunityconcertband.org Stockton said she is “looking lamorada. Cappadona took out a loan forward to the opportunity of working to pay her employees during the storm with such a strong local organization and aftermath of having no business as United Way of the Florida Keys.” She for several weeks. ABC Cares and Advertisement said her work will “focus on families United Way have agreed to pay $1,000 in the community, with the most im- toward her liability insurance payment mediate need being to assist those to free up other funds and allow her to who suffered losses during Hurricane continue to pay her employees. Irma.” She praised Bauer-Jones for Additionally, ABC Cares and United doing “such remarkable work grow- Way have agreed to pay two months of INJURED? ing United Way’s impact and presence rent for Angel Garcia, a licensed con- Personal Injury - Workers Compensation - Malpractice throughout the Keys.” tractor for Rutherford Construction in Wrongful Death Motor Vehicle Accidents the Lower Keys. This will allow Garcia - a place to live in the aftermath of the TAX PREPARATION hurricane while his company gets back VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT up to speed. Representing Clients throughout The United Way of the Florida Keys Since 2010, the foundation has do- the Keys for over 20 years. is looking for volunteers to train for the nated more than $60,000 to construc- free tax preparation program known tion professionals and their families Committed to getting the best as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. in times of need. The goal has been to Previous tax experience is not provide financial assistance and sup- results for clients. required. Volunteer roles include port, often before disability or insur- greeters and reviewers as well as tax ance payouts are available. preparers. A hands-on training will be For more information, for assis- Call Dirk Smits, Esq., scheduled in the next few weeks to tance or to donate to ABC Cares, con- Managing Attorney of familiarize volunteers with procedures. tact Chris Jimenez, Director of Member Volunteers can work as much or operations and Foundation Develop- Vernis & Bowling as little as they choose. A schedule of ment at [email protected] located in Islamorada, tax preparation sites and dates will be or visit abccaresfoundation.com. Florida at issued in early January and all clients —CONTRIBUTED (305) 664-4675 for will have an appointment time to avoid your free consultation. long waits.
The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 17, 2017 GIVING 7
76180 Overseas Highway Listed & Sold By: Keith Allen Download our free app, Text Lorem ipsum C21301733 CFFK AWARDS MORE to 87778 Each Office is Individually Owned and THAN $480,000 Operated Irma relief so far New grants from the Florida SELLING THE KEYS WITH EASE! Keys Emergency Relief Fund: 305-481-5544 tops $620,000 • A.H. of Monroe County (AIDS he Community Foundation Help), $10,000. [email protected] of the Florida Keys (CFFK) • American Legion Post 154, www.c21schwartz.com is providing an additional $10,000. $480,650 to relief efforts • Bethel AME Church, $10,000. inT the Keys following Hurricane • Big Pine Academy, $15,000. Irma. So far, CFFK has provided • Big Pine United Methodist nearly $620,000 from the Florida Church, $7,500. Keys Emergency Relief Fund and • Catholic Charities of the Archdio- RESIDENTIAL the Landau Family Hurricane Relief cese of Miami, $10,000. Fund for the Upper Keys, to support • Coral Isles Church, $15,000. relief for individuals from Key West • DOLPHINS to Stop Domestic DEMOLITIONS to Key Largo. Violence, $2,000. The $480,650 in grants sup- • Florida Keys Commercial Fisher- ports 35 nonprofits providing men’s Association, $44,650. & DEBRIS REMOVAL direct assistance to foster children, • Florida Keys Foster Adoptive As- families, students and teachers, sociation, $2,000. police officers, commercial fish- • Florida Keys Healthy Start Coali- SOUTHERNMOST ers, veterans and other individuals tion, $10,000. throughout the Keys. The grants • FKCC Educational Foundation, DEVELOPMENT GROUP provide temporary housing, rent, $5,000. (305) 522-1511 mortgage and utilities assistance, • Glad Tidings Tabernacle, $10,000. food, clothing, household supplies, • Good Health Clinic, $10,000. medical care, counseling, daycare • Grace Church of Gwinnett (Blue- services, home repairs, rebuilding water In The Keys), $15,000. efforts, and more. • Guidance Care Center, $10,500. CFFK Chair Susanne Woods • Habitat for Humanity of the said the grants help hundreds of in- Middle Keys, $5,000. HAS YOUR dividuals, families and businesses. • Habitat for Humanity of the Up- “We’re grateful for the incredible per Keys, $10,000. HURRICANE INSURANCE generosity of so many people and • Immanuel Lutheran Church, businesses around the country that $8,000. CLAIM BEEN DENIED contributed to the Relief Fund,” she • KAIR – Keys Area Interdenomina- said. tional Resources, $40,000. OR Community advisory commit- • Key West Police Department Love UNDERPAID? tees representing areas of the Keys Fund, $10,000. (Key West, Lower, Middle and Up- • Key West Rotary Club Founda- per Keys) reviewed all applications tion, $25,000. to determine how best to meet the • Middle Keys Marine Association, FREE Pro Bono local area’s needs. The committees $15,000. made recommendations to CFFK’s • MM50 Relief Project, $15,000. Legal Advice for How to Process, grant committee for final determi- • Monroe County Education Foun- nation. dation, $20,000. Protect and Maximize Your Claim These 35 grants complement • Peace Covenant Presbyterian the $138,000 provided over the Church, $10,000. past six weeks by CFFK for immedi- • Rural Health Network, $15,000. ate relief with housing and rent is- • Samuel’s House, $10,000. Call Patrick Russell, Esq. sues. Additional grants will be made • Sister Season Fund, $10,000. in the coming months to address • Southernmost Coconut Cast- (305) 608-2977 longer-term recovery and rebuild- aways, $6,000. ing efforts. Applications for assis- • St. James Children’s Center, Hurricane Lawyer and Keys Property Owner tance and more information will be $10,000. available at cffk.org. Donations can • St. Peter Catholic Church Social of Florida Insurance be made at the website as well. Ministry, $25,000. More than 2 Decades The foundation said contribu- • Stanley Switlik PTO, $25,000. Law Experience that Began with Hurricane Andrew tions to the Florida Keys Emergency • Star of the Sea Foundation, Relief Fund are still needed for lon- $20,000. THE MISSION IS TO EDUCATE. ger-term recovery efforts through- • Wesley House Family Services, INFORMATION IS FREE, MISTAKES ARE COSTLY. out the Keys. CFFK is distributing $15,000. 100 percent of funds raised. —Contributed 8 SEEN AROUND TOWN UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / NOVEMBER 17, 2017 WE ARE LO LLY OWNE N OPER E OR OVER 10 YE RS