Key West – Getting Back to Activity to a Crawl

JULY 2020 www.FloridaWeekly.com Vol. 5, No. 9 • FREE

“When this whole COVID thing happened we all really got scared that the market would pretty much tank and we’ve seen the opposite.” Real estate Renovated tropical oasis at — Raymond J. Vazquez, broker associate for Truman & Co. Real Estate Services 327 William St. for $1,995,000. A10 X FUNDAMENTALLY STRONG Real Estate professionals across South Florida report a relatively steady market during Fresh to stream the fi rst fi ve months of the year Theaters prepare for despite fears premieres; streaming serves that Covid-19 fresh offerings. A8 X could set off a decline in sales and prices.

BY EVAN WILLIAMS ewilliams@ﬂ oridaweekly.com

ANY SOUTH FLORIDA Realtors and home- Mbuilders were on track for a banner year before the pandemic lockdown that began in Snaps around town mid-March brought sales Key West – Getting back to activity to a crawl. (Ab)normal. A5 X At the same time, fears that COVID-19 might trigger a major slide in home values didn’t happen. As real estate professionals and their clients adapted with social distancing measures, a

SEE STRONG, A6 X

Top picks Key West artists unite ‘Under One Roof’ Check out a few things to do around town and virtually this BY LAURA RICHARDSON Key West treasure chest: a dumpster parked month. A2 X laura.richardson@ﬂ oridaweekly.com outside a residential construction site. Starr, whose unofﬁ cial motto is “I brake for dump- Back in early March, before the news sters,” couldn’t help herself. Download cycle was overtaken by pandemics and “Whenever I see a dumpster, I stop and our FREE protests, local artist Emma Starr was bik- look in the damn thing — always,” she said. ing down Olivia Street when she spotted a “In the past, I’ve found furniture, beautiful App today pieces of timber … I’m a pack rat like that. Available on EMMA STARR / COURTESY PHOTO the iTunes and Art by Michel Delgado. SEE UNITE, A4 X Android App Store. A2 JULY 2020 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

— Submit calendar listings and high- consideration for the annual festival and and found object assemblages by Cathy resolution photos to laura.richardson@ SATURDAY6.27 banter with special guests. https://www. Rose and new watercolors by Susan floridaweekly.com. Email text, jpegs or On the Radio – The Waterfront Play- facebook.com/fortmyersfilmfestival/. Sugar, through July 26. 1075 Duval St., Word documents are accepted. No pdfs house and US1 Radio present Daphne Space C-23 in Duval Square, or www. or photos of fliers. The deadline for du Maurier’s “Rebecca,” the next play in jaggallery.art. calendar submissions is noon Saturday. the Waterfront Playhouse Radio Series. WEDNESDAY7.1 Window Art - The corner windows In a lineup of great motion pictures, Between Two Palms – The Studios of the CVS Pharmacy at 500 Duval St. “Rebecca” stands as one of the giants. of Key West presents Between Two is host to a display of artwork by local THURSDAY6.25 It is arguably Hitchcock’s greatest film Palms, a series of intimate conversations painters Martha Cook and Jimi Lehm- effort, replete with jolting, slap-in-the- Farmers Market - The Truman with art and theater luminaries every kuhl. Both Martha and Jimi are academi- face plot twists and gothic sets. Dark and Waterfront Farmers Market is open Wednesday at 6 p.m. These conversa- cally trained painters who have a pas- moody, it will star Jessica Miano Kruel from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursdays at tions will be led by Studios Artistic Asso- sion for painting and have made it their as “I,” Christopher Peterson as Mrs. Truman Waterfront. The market fea- ciate, Murphy Davis, a Key West/New profession. Though Martha’s work is Danvers and Ross Pipkin as Maxim, co- tures fresh produce, baked goods, York stage director and former Artistic reflective of impressionism and Jimi’s of starring Gerri Louise Gates, David Black honey, fresh seafood, cheese, interna- Director of the Bay Street Theater. This surrealism, there is a cohesion, like two and John McDonald. The live broadcast tional cuisine and more. https://www. week, view a livestream discussion and languages saying the same thing, except will air at 8 p.m. on 104.1 FM and US1Ra- facebook.com/kwfarmersmarket. Q&A with Reed Birney, who played visually. The show runs through Aug. 15. dio.com, but spectators are invited to Vice President Donald Blythe on “House the theater to watch the voice actors at of Cards.” He is also a distinguished Virtual Pride at the Tropic - In work. Tickets are $40 and are sold on a FRIDAY6.26 stage actor, having won the Tony Award lieu of Key West’s traditional Pride Cel- first come, first served basis. in 2016 for his performance in “The ebration, the Tropic Cinema’s virtual Local Concert Series - Noth- library features both classic and new ing beats the energy of a live concert. Humans.” Buy tickets for the series at https://tskw.org/between-two-palms/. queer cinema films to stream at home. The Key West Theater (512 Eaton St.) MONDAY6.29 Virtual offerings chosen specifically for kicks off its Local Summer Concert Virtual Film Chat - Pride Month include “The Surrogate,” Series with Joal Rush and Nick Norman. The Fort Myers Film Festival presents Thank God for “For They Know Not What They Do,” Reserve your (socially distanced) seat ONGOING “Mädchen in Uniform,” “Michael” and at www.thekeywesttheater.com. Indie Mondays (T.G.I.M.) online at 7 p.m. every Monday with host Eric Rad- Keep Dreaming - Jag Gallery hosts “Victor and Victoria.” Learn more and datz. Enjoy screenings of films under the exhibit “Dreaming,” new ceramic stream films at www.tropiccinema.com.

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Download Publisher Production Manager Niall Geoghegan Alisa Bowman our FREE [email protected] [email protected] App today Editor Operations Manager Laura Richardson Kelli Carico Available on [email protected] the iTunes and Published by Florida Media Group LLC Advertising Operations Manager Presentation Editor Megan Roberts Android App Store. Key West Florida Weekly Eric Raddatz 100 Grinnell Street [email protected] Copyright: The contentsco of the Florida Weekly Key West, FL 33040 are copyright 20172020 by Florida Media Group, LLC. No portionortion may be reproduced without the express 305.363.1310 writtentten consent of Florida Media Group, LLC. FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST www.FloridaWeekly.com JULY 2020 A3 WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO

Mango Fest - The annual Key West Mango Fest has gone digital. Enjoy ■ The annual Key virtual culinary videos (posted at noon #KW West Mango Fest has daily) and learn how to make mango cocktails (videos posted at 5 p.m. daily). gone digital. Enjoy Explore the Mango Square Foot Art daily virtual Show at Royal Furniture (3326 N. Roo- culinary and sevelt Blvd.) and the Mango Mania Vir- TOP tual Vendor Village. Mango Fest runs cocktail videos. through June 28. Proceeds benefit the PICKS — mango Police Athletic League. https://mango- festkeywest.com/. festkeywest .com/ Keys History - The Florida Keys His- tory & Discovery Center offers Face- book live virtual visits at 1 p.m. on Mondays with Mote Marine Labo- ratory’s Aquarium Biologist Blake # VIEW IT We offer: Terry. At 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Discovery Center Cura- ■ Stream ■ “Weeping,” a painting A Fine Selections of tor Brad Bertelli features a glimpse of “Viktor and by Jimi WAGU Beef, Prime the museum through existing exhib- Lehmkuhl and choice cuts, its. Every other Wednesday, Bertelli Victoria” as seasonal game, our hosts Cocktails with the Curator, an part of the on display local chef recipe open question-and-answer hour about in the all things Keys history. On Field Trip Tropic Cinema’s sausage selection Fridays, Bertelli visits a different his- Virtual Pride windows of and more quality toric site in the Upper Keys and pro- Celebration. the CVS Pharmacy at meats and cheeses. vides a brief history lesson at 10 a.m. 500 Duval St. And if you miss one of the live events, — tropiccinema. you can always access the Discovery com Center’s ever-expanding digital media offerings on demand on its YouTube concerts, Saturday night music movie emphasizing harmony with nature. Channel (search “Florida Keys History watch parties, full-length concert record- These works are earth-friendly in the & Discovery Center”). https://www. ings that have never been shared with selection of materials (including recy- keysdiscovery.com/. the public, messages from musicians and cled and natural material) and themes. more. https://www.southfloridasympho- Sculptures by local artists accent the Symphony Music Series - South ny.org/intermission-music-series/. natural beauty of the conservation site Florida Symphony keeps the music play- on Stock Island through July 31, from 10 Art in the Garden - CST_P?_Ø7PdCP^_ ing by bringing the music to the com- The 10th annual a.m.-4 p.m. seven days a week. 5210 Col- 305-741-7207 munity via Facebook and YouTube with Key West Art in the Garden is open at lege Road, Stock Island. https://www. its “Intermission” Music Series, featuring the Key West Tropical Forest & Botani- keywest.garden/. ■ Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-7pm Thursday afternoon livestream recital cal Garden with artistic expressions Sun 10am-3pm

HOT TIN ROOF SUMMER 2020 GRILLED CIABATTA Grilled Ciabatta Hot Tin Roof BURRATA, TOMATOES Cucumber, Croutons, Tomato-Cumin Vinaigrette ICEBERG WEDGE SIGNATURE KEY WEST FLAIR Blue Cheese, Tomato, Chorizo, HTR Ranch CORN AND CRAB CHOWDER Crab Salad, Worcestershire Creme, Dried Corn i About the Restaurant GRILLED ASPARAGUS Our Key West restaurant offers casual elegance and the best waterfront Fried Egg, Caramelized Shallots, Manchego dining overlooking the Key West Harbor. SWEET AND SOUR CRISPY Hot Tin Roof restaurant pays homage to Tennessee Williams, a frequent BRUSSEL SPROUTS Key West guest, by playing on the title of one of his most well-known Fresno Peppers ROASTED CARROTS plays, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The Hot Tin Roof restaurant menu is a mix of Citrus, Rosemary Honey, Almonds seafood and land fare prepared in a unique culinary style dubbed “conch- SALMON POKE fusion,” a mélange of tastes and fragrances, combining traditional Florida Avocado, Cilantro, Fried Wonton with Caribbean inﬂuences. KEY WEST PINK SHRIMP Hot Tin Roof restaurant offers the best Key West’s best waterfront Mascarpone Risotto, Charred Tomato Vinaigrette dining. The lounge and dining room feature elegant island styles, which SEARED GROUPER embrace the vibrant community of Key West. Detailed teak woodwork, Coconut Curry, Chorizo, Jasmine Rice BUTTER POACHED LOBSTER hand painted murals and ceiling, white leather seating and wild wire MAC AND CHEESE sculptures bring whimsy to the beautiful lounge, while cozy banquettes Manchego Gratin offer an intimate option when embracing an island romance. The coolest CRISPY OCTOPUS place to dine overlooking the Sunset Pier at the end of Mallory Square. Conﬁt Potatoes, Roasted Lemon Vinaigrette EMPANADA Chorizo, Spinach, Goat Cheese, Salsa Verde A LOCAL’S REVIEW... SEARED BEEF MEDALLION Foie Gras, Yukon Potatoes As a concierge, I am always torn between sending my guests to a great dinner or a great view. The other night my problem was solved as a group of concierges had dinner at the Hot Tin Roof. ZAATAR SPICED LAMB BURGER The views are fabulous, it feels like you are sitting on the ocean watching the boating activity in Harissa Yogurt, Dill Cucumbers, Gaufrette Potatoes the ocean and then the fabulous Key West sunset. OK, that solved the view problem but what BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB about the great dinner. Well, the food was outstanding. starting with appetizers, small plates, and Goat Cheese Yukon Potatoes the main course. Oh yes, don’t forget dessert. As a group, we wanted to know how the food was BONE MARROW presented and tasted so we all ordered different meals and we each sampled everything that was Crusty Bread, Pickled Shallots and Herb Salad served. I cannot recommend a particular dish as the chef must be multitalented because each item served was outstanding. Speaking of food served the service was excellent. The staff pays PINEAPPLE RUM CAKE attention to the tables and guests. The wait staff was pleasant and jovial, Joney on the spot. This is Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream a phenomenal restaurant to recommend for guests who want great food with a super view. KEY LIME PIE Graham Cracker-Cashews Crust, Whipped Cream i Bob Tepper CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT CHEESECAKE Concierge at Courtyard Marriott Key West Berry Jus, Candied Hazelnuts 0DFBO,FZ3FTPSU4QBt;FSP%VWBM4USFFU ,FZ8FTU '- For Reservations Call 305.295.7057 or visit OceanKey.com HOURS: BREAKFAST: `>Þ->ÌÕÀ`>ÞÊn\ää>££\Îä>ÊUÊ-Õ`>ÞÊÇ\Îä>££\ää> BRUNCH\Ê-Õ`>ÞÊ££\{x>£\{x«ÊUÊDINNER: Daily 6:00pm-9:00pm www.oceankey.com A4 JULY 2020 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST UNITE From page 1

So I stopped to look in the dumpster in front of the house on Olivia Street, but I didn’t see anything. And then I looked down the side of the property between the house and the neighbor’s property and under a pile of timber, I saw all these metal roof tiles.” An aside: To the uninitiated, a roof tile may not sound like something worth dumpster diving for, but tile as artistic medium has a long history in Key West. In the 1980s, famous Key West muralist Rick Worth started painting on tiles, which he affec- tionately calls “candy bars” and which he still sells by the dozens decades later. (These days, you can fi nd them at Jag Gallery in Duval Square.) Olga Mano- salvas, who has created art in Key West since the ‘80s, started using tiles for her work in the ‘90s, embellishing them with woven and embroidered fabric and appending found objects to them. And beloved local artist Lenny Addorisio was also an early tile-as-medium adopter, mounting a show consisting entirely of painted tiles at Wooden Head Gallery back in the ‘90s. For many artists, painting on roof tiles gives the work a less formal feel, making it more approachable and, importantly, more affordable for less affl uent art lovers. And abandoned tiles are free, so fi nding a pile of tiles destined for the dumpster was like fi nding the holy grail for an artist like Starr. “I had to have those tiles but I was on my bike,” she said, “so I asked the build- ers to put them behind the porta-potty to make sure that no one else took them. I went back two days later and they had put them in a box for me. And then a few days later I cycled past again and the dumpster was full of even more tiles! So I spent an hour in that dumpster in my linen, plucking out as many tiles as I could.” Starr had initially planned to use the tiles on a project of her own, and then the shutdown happened. Galleries closed, leaving artists who had worked for months on collections without a venue to display the fruits of their efforts (and without the income those displays would have generated). “Artist friends had upcoming shows suddenly postponed to an unforeseeable EMMA STARR / COURTESY PHOTO date and the gallery closures severed Art by (clockwise from top left) Pam Hobbs, Sarah Plaia Davidson, Vivien Segel and Rhonda Bristol. the income stream of artists with rep- resentation,” Starr said. “One friend of thus contributing directly to both the many of the island’s unemployed service “The unique pattern running mine in particular had such a profound artist’s and the community’s survival. industry workers rely on emergency emotional reaction to her exhibit cancel- Some artists choose to donate 100% of fi nancial assistance from Sister Season through each tile creates a thread lation that I knew I had to do something. the proceeds to the featured charity and after natural disasters like hurricanes, of connection that we have been I thought, maybe I can share my tiles and prospective buyers also have an oppor- the effects of the months-long manda- we can create something. From there, tunity to add an additional donation to tory shutdowns have hit them harder void of, on a physical level, in this the concept just grew.” the asking price of the work. for a much longer period of time. Sister What Starr and her broad circle of “The focus of this project is commu- Season has been a fantastic partner. state of isolation we’ve all been artist friends have created is Under nity, community, community,” Starr said. Before their checks had even cleared, experiencing.” One Roof, a collaboration of works by “And giving. Every single one of us is in they wrote checks to make sure the art- Florida Keys artists in support of local a position to do something to help and ists were paid.” — Emma Starr, local artist non-profi ts that give back to local com- to give to the community in some way Sales for Series II will launch Satur- munity members affected by the pan- — it doesn’t have to be monetary. So (my day, June 27, at 8 p.m. Featured artists the Audubon House Artist Fund. demic-related shutdowns. Each artist husband) Eric (Anfi nson) and I came up for Series II include Rebecca Bennett, “We, as artists and as a community, has created their artwork on a piece of with a list of 50 or 60 artists to contrib- Rhonda Bristol, Bree Anne Buckley, both locally and globally, are all traveling Key West history — a salvaged antique ute pieces to Under One Roof — I still Susann D’Antonio, Sarah Plaia Davidson, these strange new times together,” Starr pressed tin shingle. can’t believe so many said yes!” Michel Delgado, Margo Ellis, Annemarie said. “We have been hibernating, going “The unique pattern running through The fi rst round of Under One Roof Giordano, Eric Grahl, Karen Greenfi led, inward and isolating in our homes and each tile creates a thread of connection went live on May 30. Twenty artists con- Helen Harrison, Mark Hedden, Elio attempting to get through this experi- that we have been void of, on a physi- tributed tiles to Series I: Eric Anfi nson, Hinds, Pam Hobbs, Adam Russell, Vivi- ence in the best way we know how. We cal level, in this state of isolation we’ve Sally Binard, Cricket Desmarais, Carrie en Segel, Reen Stanhouse, Rita Walter are all under one roof.” all been experiencing,” Starr said. “The Disrud, Gabriella Fiabane, Christie Fifer, / Lothar Speers (collaboration), Karen All artwork will be listed for sale via decorative, nearly century-old roofi ng Marlene Koenig, Karen Luknis, Olga Wray and Cindy Wynn. Instagram at @under_one_roof_key- creates a new historical connection Manosalvas, John Martini, Tory Mata, Part of the sales proceeds from the west and on Facebook at “Under One between the individual artworks … they Lauren McAloon, Lucy Paige, Michael upcoming Series II will benefi t the Flor- Roof Key West.” After sales go live at become a marker for what our commu- Palmer, Meggi Siegert, Emma Starr, B ida Keys Council of the Arts – Audu- 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, the fi rst to nity is currently living through.” Lucy Stevens, Susan Sugar, Andy Thurb- bon House Artist Fund. This relief request a particular piece of art will Thanks to the generosity of property er and Rick Worth. All twenty tiles sold fund was established by the Mitchell secure that piece. The sale will be host- owner Ken Silverman, a vacant store- within a week, raising $13,725, $8,500 of Wolfson Family Foundation to assist ed live simultaneously on Instagram and front at 400 Duval St. now serves as a which went to Sister Season Fund. Monroe County artists who have been Facebook, so the earliest time a purchase pop-up window gallery for Under One “As the project idea evolved I realized affected fi nancially by COVID-19-related request is posted guarantees the poster Roof. All proceeds from Under One Roof the need to include a local non-profi t closures. There are many artists still their preferred piece. Visit the Under sales benefi t both the individual artists that could benefi t from sales as another requiring assistance and the Florida One Roof social media pages for more and a local non-profi t, with each receiv- way to support individual members of Keys Council of the Arts is still support- information and to reserve your favorite ing 50% of the piece’s purchase price, our community,” Starr said. “Though ing individuals through the generosity of pieces as soon as the sales go live. ■ FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST www.FloridaWeekly.com JULY 2020 A5 KEY WEST SNAPS Key West – Back to (Ab)normal Courtesy Photos

As more and more visitors make their way to our tropical paradise, Key West is starting to feel a little more “normal” every day. Last week, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to require masks anywhere with a roof overhead — a rule that Key West had adopted as soon as the checkpoints at the entrance to the Florida Keys came down. The requirement hasn’t seemed to damper our social spirits, though. The new rainbow crosswalks at Petronia and Duval streets render the main drag (no pun intended) as colorful as ever and tourists and locals alike are just glad to get back to visiting their favorite places, even with their new accessories.

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The Perry Hotel, 7001 Shrimp Road, Stock Island The Green Pineapple, 1130 Duval Street, Key West A6 JULY 2020 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST

“Towards the end of April it felt like there was a black cloud over the sun and somebody pricked a hole in the cloud and people were starting to talk to us.” — Claudine Leger-Wetzel, Stock Development vice president of sales and marketing

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY “It’s kind of like after 9-11 when a lot of people wanted to leave the big cities and get out of there ... the interest rates are at an all-time low right now so first time buyers are taking advantage of the interest rates,” says Raymond J. Vazquez, broker associate for Truman & Co. Real Estate Services.

Homes. “But we didn’t really see that. There’s STRONG still such a demand and a backlog of From page 1 construction, there’s not going to be a major impact as far as any pricing. It will stay steady. We’re not going to see tentative return to the business of building, great increases because of what’s going buying and selling residences that help on (either), we’re going to see good steady fuel the region’s economy was underway. pricing.” “First quarter as a In terms of sales, Florida counties over- company we had the all saw a 12 percent increase year-over- best performance year through March, though local busi- in our history,” said nesses report sales slowed sharply in April Budge Huskey, presi- and May. dent and chief execu- As businesses adapted to the lockdown tive offi cer of Premier with increased online activity, the sharp Sotheby’s Interna- halt gave way to greater numbers of virtual tional Realty, a high- sales. The idea of “contactless buying,” fi nding and purchasing or building a home end luxury real estate HUSKEY company founded in entirely online often without having ever 1983, in Naples. set foot inside, became an ongoing trend. “That was kind of the overall market, The pandemic accelerated other already but I’d say the luxury side of the market growing trends as well, including wellness FRANK R. JENKINS CUSTOM HOMES COURTESY PHOTO “What I think is people realize, ‘Yeah this is scary, but life goes on,’ and they’re going to come was even stronger. I focus on the fi rst quar- and home-offi ce related features. to Florida and build their dream home,” Frank R. Jenkins said. “They might actually be pushing ter because we saw what the demand was, Some real estate professionals, espe- it ahead instead of waiting.” the desirability of our market. That hasn’t cially those in the high-end luxury market, changed.” saw a boost from the pandemic as clients high earners. want to have another place in the fall,” she Florida Weekly checked in with real from heavily populated areas of the North- While many of these factors bode well, said. estate sales and homebuilding companies east and other areas accelerated plans no one knows how the pandemic will play The Naples-based homebuilder Stock in Lee, Charlotte, Collier and Palm Beach to purchase that second or third home out over the summer and fall and how Development also had a strong start to counties and Key West to fi nd out how as a place where they could comfortably consumers will respond if there is another 2020. The period from March 2019 to businesses have weathered the turbulent weather a lockdown and work remotely. major outbreak of COVID-19. February 2020 was among the company’s fi rst fi ve months of “What I think is people realize, ‘Yeah Inga W. Lodge, owner of the brokerage “best 13 months on record,” said Claudine 2020. this is scary, but life goes on,’ and they’re fi rm Wilson & Associates RE in Naples, Leger-Wetzel, vice president of sales and Across the state, going to come to Florida and build their saw web traffi c for her company double in marketing. rising home prices dream home,” Mr. Jenkins said. “They March and April dur- Stock builds homes in Sarasota, Char- continued to climb, might actually be pushing it ahead instead ing the lockdown. lotte, Lee and Palm Beach counties with albeit more slow- of waiting.” Selling luxury high- an average price point of $1.4 million. In all ly. With inventory Other factors such as historically low rise properties at through May, sales for the company were declining in Florida, interest rates and Florida’s relatively tax- Kalea Bay and other up 10% from the year before. the overall median friendly status continued to play a positive North Naples commu- “Towards the end of April it felt like listing price was fl at role for sales activity as well. nities that are often there was a black cloud over the sun and year-over-year at JENKINS The stock market dipped sharply at fi rst second homes, Ms. somebody pricked a whole in the cloud $335,000, according to but later recovered much of its gains, a Lodge saw the aver- and people were starting to talk to us,” Ms. Realtor.com. barometer especially for wealthy home- age age of buyers drop LODGE Leger-Wetzel said. “I think everybody thought there was buyers. And with no state income tax, Flor- from 64 to 54 over the In Lee County, Realtors saw similar going to be this great big dip in prices,” ida remains an attractive place to declare last decade, a trend trends play out. said Frank R. Jenkins, president of the residency. That was further fueled by a accelerated by COVID-19. “Here really pricing has stayed stable, Lee County Building Industry Association 2018 federal law that limited deductions “They’ve now upped their timeline and which is a very good thing because I and president of Frank R. Jenkins Custom for state and local taxes (SALT), making I think we’re going to see a lot more people think as Florida opens up more — and states such as New York more costly for FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST www.FloridaWeekly.com JULY 2020 A7 we’re already lead- friendly status and the ing on that path — I ability of his clients think we’re going to to work here remotely see a lot of Northern- from home. ers, especially from Mr. Marotta sells the Northeast and high-end real estate Midwest,” said Kevin along the beach in Williamson, broker Northern Palm Beach and owner of Real- County and in county World C. Bagans WILLIAMSON try clubs, where buy- MAROTTA based in Lehigh Acres ers are often purchas- and 2020 president-elect of the Royal Palm ing a vacation home. Coast Realtor Association. “I’m very grateful for my market posi- “If they were on the fence about buying tion,” he said. “You learn in very short they’re coming down, they’re coming,” he order that the super high-end travels in said. very small circles and when you give cli- Mr. Williamson and the Royal Palm ents 100 percent of your efforts you get a Coast Realtor Association are looking ton of referral business … towards an ongoing increase in virtual “I was having my best year ever in the services. The association’s Realtors work fi rst quarter. I had already closed over in Lee, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and Col- $30 million in business. Obviously when lier counties, selling properties that range COVID-19 hit it was very slow for the back from $50,000 lots to multi-million dollar half of March and April, but I’m pleas- waterfront homes. antly surprised and happy to report in “I think there’s certainly going to be a AKEL HOMES COURTESY PHOTO May things have really picked up and are new norm, technology’s going to play a Delray Beach-based homebuilder Akel Homes has found that longer term trends such as as strong as ever.” big part in it,” Mr. Williamson said. “So as health and wellness features, consumers being highly educated online, and the idea of work- In Punta Gorda, Paul H. Schaefer II of an association one of our main focuses is ing remotely from home were accelerated by the pandemic. Sage Homes reports that “the year has going to be educating agents with technol- been great for interest and activity, of ogy.” course with the exception of the lockdown While contactless buying has become period from C19.” the norm with sales during this season of COVID-19 has also caused a delay in the virus — happening over Face Time receiving some building materials. and Zoom — Key West real estate agent “We’ve been tak- Raymond J. Vazquez sees a return to a ing advantage of the traditional approach, ‘lull’ to invest time perhaps once there is into improving our a vaccine. selections, scheduling The lockdown and communications slowed sales activity processes to make us for him at fi rst. more effi cient and “When this whole effective as the mar- COVID thing hap- ket recovers,” Mr. pened we all really Schaefer said. LUKE got scared that the Charlotte County- market would pretty VAZQUEZ based homebuilder Luke Brothers Custom much tank and we’ve Homes is expecting a strong summer sea- seen the opposite,” said Mr. Vazquez, bro- son. ker associate for Truman & Co. Real Estate “The start of 2020 was extremely strong Services. until the shutdown due to COVID-19,” said “Three or four weeks ago we put a president Rod Luke. “Since the state began $650,000 duplex under contract. We put a reopening, we have had a large increase in $1.67 million dollar house and $1.3 million activity at our model center. So it appears dollar house under contract. So it’s kind we are heading for a stronger than normal of interesting to see that things in general summer selling season.” across the board are still moving. Luke Brothers homes priced at over “I think there are a lot of reasons why, $600,000 and under $475,000 have been but number one it’s kind of like after 9-11 the strongest sellers recently for the com- when a lot of people wanted to leave the pany, with those priced in between selling big cities and get out of there. And number at a slightly slower rate, possibly due to a two, the interest rates are at an all-time higher number of homes already built in low right now so fi rst time buyers are tak- that price range, Mr. Luke said. ing advantage of the interest rates. Aside from the lockdown, another trend “I would say that we are defi nitely see- that concerns him is a lack of young people ing more and more people leave the bigger entering the construction trades. cities. Atlanta, for instance. And we get a “I don’t think there has been a better lot of people from New York and Boston. time than now for a young person to enter I think that has a lot to do with the whole the construction trade and create a lucra- virtual thing (and working) remotely. They tive and highly rewarding career,” he said. were already kind of starting to do that and STOCK HOMES COURTESY PHOTO Sotheby’s Realty CEO Mr. Huskey has a now we’re seeing it even more.” Stock builds homes in Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Palm Beach counties with an average price positive outlook as well. More so now than ever, clients of the point of $1.4 million. In all through May, sales for the company were up 10% from the year “Fundamentally the underlying basis husband-and-wife team Dan and Dawn, before. for the success of our region remains, and otherwise known as The Malloy Home Delray Beach-based homebuilder Akel “It gives families and homebuyers the for that reason everybody has viewed this Team at Premier Brokers International, are Homes has found that longer term trends ability to use additional bedrooms as as something to get through and that we’ll buying homes virtually. such as health and wellness features, con- multi-purpose spaces in their home as we return to business in a fairly brief period They sell homes ranging from $200,000 sumers being highly educated online, and see more trends like work-from-home or of time,” he said. “And I think that’s what to $5 million from Highland Beach to the idea of working having to educate your kids from home we’re seeing. Jensen Beach, and in Jupiter, Palm Beach remotely from home or exercise at home,” Mr. Akel said. “The “We’re not quite where we need to be at, Gardens, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, were accelerated by Sierra was always popular and extremely we’re in the early stages of recovery. But I Palm Beach and Singer Island. the pandemic. popular since the pandemic.” have every expectation that as we move The brokerage found itself ready in that “‘Home’ has Looking forward, Mr. Akel described his through June and beyond we’re going to regard, having offered online services such become so much more outlook as “cautiously optimistic.” start to see business levels comparable as virtual tours as customers increasingly and the defi nition has “In 2020 we got off to a strong start and with last year. We may even see a rebound turned to the internet over the years. changed so drastically then COVID-19 hit and because of all of for some pent up demand as a result of the “Being prepared years ago has helped us over the course of two the lockdowns our sales and model gallery gap period.” ■ during this pandemic, as everything went months,” said presi- was closed for almost two months,” he said virtual,” Dan Malloy said. dent Alex Akel. AKEL early this month. “We only reopened two “I think everybody thought there From January through May in 2019, “So a lot of these weeks ago and we saw a strong bounce was going to be this great big the company’s Palm Beach County single- new trends I’ve back. And we do feel like there is a favor- family home buyers closed on 1,703 homes outlined were already occurring before able environment that exists between low dip in prices ... compared to 1,416 this year, with nearly all COVID-19. But typically bad events accel- interest rates, and people have maybe the losses coming in April and May. erate ongoing trends and make them a reevaluated their living circumstances But we didn’t really see that.” “With the pandemic affecting a lot of reality and that’s exactly what we’re seeing during lockdown.” large populated cities, we believe that across the board.” Luxury real estate agent Vince Marotta — Frank R. Jenkins, president of the Lee people will be looking for a place where One of their most popular products has at Illustrated Properties in Palm Beach County Building Industry Association they can escape,” said Mr. Malloy. “Florida been the two-story Sierra, a six-bed, four- Gardens said he believes sales remained is that destination.” bath, 2,800-square foot home. strong in large part due to Florida’s tax- A8 JULY 2020 www.FloridaWeekly.com FLORIDA WEEKLY KEY WEST STREAMING NOW Theaters prepare for premieres; streaming serves fresh offerings

as he helps raise his young son with a girlfriend who doesn’t exactly share his enthusiasm for comedy. His charac- Eric RADDATZ ter’s impressions of a comedian named [email protected] Marques, played by Katt Williams, make him an online sensation in this comedy with a lot of heart, along with some There have been a few silver screen great Jay Pharoah screen time which holdout films that have not been given has been lacking the last four years. The the green light to go to streaming and Lionsgate Home Entertainment produc- it looks like they will soon get their tion also stars RonReaco Lee, Deon chance — albeit postponed — to finally Cole, Keke Palmer, DC Young Fly and come to a theater near you. Jess Hilarious. R; 1h 37m. With theaters starting to open their doors there will be some movies com- ■ “Bully. Coward. Victim. The ing out that you can’t find online just yet, just fewer of them as Hollywood Story of Roy Cohn” has been shut down and many films The documentary, now available to set to premiere publicly have taken the JOHN WILSON / NETFLIX IMAGE stream on HBO, tells the story of the stream-to-your-home route during the Will Ferrell as Lars Erickssong and Rachel McAdams as Sigrit Ericksdottir in “Eurovision Song life and death of infamous attorney and pandemic shut- Contest: The Story of Fire Saga,” which is set to premiere on Netflix June 26. power broker Roy Cohn, who gained down. Among the prominence pros- films set to actu- lion in revenue — all with VOD as the shown over the years on “Saturday ecuting Julius and ally hit the big only option — is yet to be seen. My guess Night Live,” (2010–2016) with spot-on Ethel Rosenberg. screen are a few is that, depending on their release dates takes of Jay-Z, Chris Rock, Kanye West, It is told through to get really excit- (some of which are as soon as July 10), Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Shaq, Den- the eyes of direc- ed about, includ- the half-capacity seating rule and some zel Washington, Barack Obama (my tor Ivy Meeropol, ing the new Bond folks’ reluctance to reenter their favorite personal favor- who happens to be film “No Time public screening venues might have stu- ite), Ben Carson the granddaughter to Die” starring dios rethinking their decision. Of course, and many more. of the Rosenbergs Daniel Craig, Bill I’ve been wrong before. Still, it is exciting Pharoah now and who saw the and Ted’s long- to get off the couch again. I know I’m stars in “2 Min- backstory with her awaited sequel psyched. Many films are still premiering utes of Fame” as own eyes during “Bill & Ted Face the Music,” Disney’s on your favorite digital platforms and are Deandre, a come- much of her life as live action “Mulan,” Gal Gadot in “Won- excellent viewing options if you are lov- dian who heads things played out, while feeling repelled der Woman 1984,” and Christopher ing staying in and watching from home. to L.A. to make and fascinated by the man who pros- Nolan’s long awaited “Tenet.” it in the stand-up ecuted her grandparents — convicting Whether or not they will do better ■ “2 Minutes of Fame” world while try- them of spying on behalf of the Sovi- than, say, “Trolls World Tour,” which has Jay Pharoah is the master comedic ing to maintain a et Union and insisting on their execu- impressionist of all time, as he has fatherly presence reportedly grossed more than $77 mil- SEE STREAM, A11 X

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a thing or two about charm and wit. Also STREAM starring Parisa Fitz-Henley, Ken Jeong and Kristen Schaal, it is set to stream on WENDY ZINTSMASTER From page 8 Amazon Prime June 26. PG-13; 1h 39m. tions. The film draws on extensive and ■ “Eurovision Song Contest: The A full service real estate experience newly unearthed archival materials never Story of Fire Saga” We manage over 100 before seen. 1h 34m. The latest from director David Dobkin properties in Key West with ■ “You Should Have Left” is the hilarity of Will Ferrell’s newest comedy “Eurovision Song Contest: The a variety of programs that Everyone is six-degrees separated from Story of Fire Saga.” Originally sched- can be customized Kevin Bacon, it uled for a May 2020 theatrical release, it is said, and full is now set to pre- to meet your needs. disclosure — if miere globally on Whether your property you know me — Netflix June 26. you are only two Icelandic musi- requires a single monthly away, as I played cians Lars (Fer- visit or is used as an a tiny extra role rell) and Sigrit alongside him in (played by Rachel investment to generate the film “Stir of McAdams) get a rental income, our Echoes.” His lat- chance to repre- personable staff is available est film, just set to sent their country stream this week in the world’s big- to provide the services required to ensure your home is well and also starring gest song compe- cared for and successful in your absence. Amanda Seyfried, “You Should Have tition, the Eurovi- Left,” offers a similar horrific psychologi- sion Song Contest. It is kind of a reunion cal thriller feel to that very 20-year-old of sorts as the actors and director worked film — and there is good reason. The previously together in the comedy hit REAL ESTATE SALES screenplay, based on Daniel Kehlmann’s “Wedding Crashers” 15 years ago. Ferrell, “Measuring the World,” was written and who is well known after establishing a LUXURY VACATION RENTALS directed by mastermind David Koepp career on “Saturday Night Live” and in — who also did “Echoes.” The film’s cou- subsequent box office hits “Elf,” “Old ple, looking to repair relationship issues, School” and “Anchorman,” just to name PROPERTY MANAGEMENT books a vacation in a stunning home in a few, developed this project with Jes- the Welsh countryside, bringing along sica Elbaum and Chris Henchy. Written their six-year-old daughter (played by by Farrell and Andrew Steele, the film is LONG TERM RENTALS Avery Tiiu Essex in her first film). What executive produced by Adam McKay and begins as a vacation to the perfect retreat also stars Pierce Brosnan, Dan Stevens turns creepy, however, as reality seems and Demi Lovato. PG-13; 2h 3m. to unravel and sinister forces within the 1306 Newton house seem to know more than the cou- ■ “Irresistible” ple has revealed to each other, refusing to It is a small right-wing Wisconsin town $1,489,000 let them leave. R; 1h 33m. where the Democratic National Commit- Just completed, this renovation ■ “Creating a Character: The tee’s top strategist, spared no expense in creating a Gary, played by picture perfect 3bd/3ba situated in Moni Yakim Legacy” Steve Carrell, sees the peaceful Historic area referred to Moni Yakim instructed many acting his party getting as ‘’The Meadows.’’ This home greets greats at Juilliard, its ass kicked. He THE MEADOWS you with high ceilings & a wide hall NYC’s renowned finds an opportu- lined with windows & wrapped in performing arts nity to get a retired Dade County Pine. Enjoy an open floor plan & stunning open beam ceiling that school, including Marine colonel overlooks a tropical backyard setting with new heated pool, waterfall & outdoor Jessica Chastain, (Chris Cooper) to shower. The deck is a lovely place to lounge or dine & is covered by an automatic Viola Davis, Patti compete in a may- retractable awning system. Master bedroom is on the first floor with luxury ensuite LuPone and Alex oral election. The RNC sends a brilliant bath & double closets. The open staircase leads you to the 2nd story with 2 additional Sharp, to name nemesis played by Rose Byrne, and the guest bedrooms & full bathroom + storage & bonus nooks that add charm & function. a few. The docu- town becomes a political tangle for the A truly peaceful setting on a quiet one way street sure to impress! mentary “Creat- ages. From the writer and director Jon ing a Character: Stewart (“The Daily Show”), the Focus 1003 Casa Marina Ct. The Moni Yakim Features film is due for release to VOD Legacy,” directed on June 26. R; 1h 42m. $1,999,000 by Rauzar Alexander, premiered at DOC Located in the Casa Marina district, NYC last November and has just released ■ “Hamilton” this mid-century modern home to stream. It also includes interviews This may not have been an option boasts six bedrooms and four full with Laura Linney, Anthony Mackie and worth considering, or just what you were baths. Open concept living room Kevin Kline, who agree on the genius of waiting for when flows to the eat-in kitchen with the master teacher as well as his love and you spent hun- OCEAN VIEWS large island which leads out to passion in preparing for the next genera- dreds, if not thou- the rear decked patio, perfect for tion of actors. 1h 16m. sands of dollars entertaining with outdoor bar, retractable awning and room for a pool. The to see Lin-Manuel second floor, accessible via the elevator or exterior staircase boasts priceless ■ “My Spy” Miranda’s Broad- views of the Atlantic Ocean from the balcony, large living area and bedroom also Dave Bautista had his come up into the way blockbuster equipped with a full kitchen. movie and enter- sensation in NYC, tainment world or when it ven- through the WWE tured into the Universe decades town where you ago, wrestling live. But now Dis- alongside the likes ney+ is unveiling of Ric Flair and a full film of the Tony Award-winning Triple H. Fast for- musical, yes, including the performances ward past his first from the entire original cast, including silver screen per- creator Miranda, of the real live story (305) 923-5935 formance along- of one of America’s foremost found- [email protected] side Vin Diesel in ing fathers, Alexander Hamilton. Thomas wendyzintsmaster.com “Riddick” and sub- Kail, the show’s director, reportedly shot sequent performances alongside Chris three live performances from the Richard Pratt and Zoe Saldana through two vol- Rodgers Theatre back then and Disney umes of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” in has paid $75 million for the global rights. which he blossomed into the heroic, Now quickened to streaming, the presen- YOUR SOUTHERNMOST FAMILY funny, loveable and sensitive Marvel tation to subscribers benefits all who are character Drax. His latest film, “My Spy,” in love with this powerhouse musical. casts him alongside Sophie, a very preco- With or without theaters and Broadway cious 9-year-old played by Chloe Cole- shut down, you simply must not throw man. He is the hardened muscle dude, away your shot to see this, set to drop a demoted CIA operative sent to spy on July 3 on Disney+. her family. She is on to his game. His gig Sales // Property Management // Rentals // Concierge gets discovered and he finds himself on — Eric Raddatz is the Presentation Edi- the other end of her abilities to negotiate tor at Florida Weekly, film guy and host 1205 Truman Avenue tKey West, FL for spy lessons — as well as teaching him of the indie film series T.G.I.M. COMMUNITY RESOURCE

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