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2www.konklife.com OCTOBER 5-11, 2017

RICHARD LYNN MANLEY

1949-2017

Richard Manley died Sunday, Sept. 24, in Key West. He was abeloved man who wore many hats during his lifetime: father, hus-band, general contractor and busi-ness owner. His life was punctuat-ed by much business success, but

the most cherished aspect of hislife was his family and two daugh-ters. Richard was born in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in agriculture. He started building fast-paced housing framing in Ohio subdivisons, and eventually arrived in Key West in 1978. He lived at Boyd’s Campground for atime and immediately beganin the construction field inKey West. He and Erik deBoer met, studied for the contractor’sexam together and formed Man-ley-deBoer General Contractors in 1980. They would remain businesspartners for 37 years.

After renovating guest houses for others, in 1987, Richard andErik bought a dilapidated build-ing and transformed it into what is now known as the Marquesa Hotel. In 1997, Richard and Erik took over the lumber business from theStrunk family, and openedManley DeBoer Lumber Compa-ny. In 2017, the two additionally opened Como Keys Propane. Richard was a generousand kind man. He never forgothis humble beginnings. His favor-ite saying was “it’s under control” and under his guidance, it was. He was a problem solver, a good listener and loved and respected

by his many friends. He is survived by the loves of his life, his daughters Alicia Manley (Ramses Betancourt), Ainsley Manley (David Robleto), his granddaughters, Chanell and Chloe Betancourt, mother WandaManley, brothers John (Sheila)and Brad (Nikki) Manley andsisters Chris (Bob) Phillips,Karen (Chuck) Kopp, andLisa Taff. His wife, PamelaWhittaker Manley, precededhim in death. There was a funeral massat St. Mary Star of the Sea inKey West on Saturday, Sept. 30.

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K E Y N E W S


No property tax increase forKey West, thanks to IrmaBY PRU SOWERSKONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

What a difference a hurricane can make. Thanks to the damage and repair costs many Key West property owners are facing post-Irma, city officials, who had been looking at a tax increase in the upcoming fiscal year of between 3-5 percent, were able to reduce that to “rollback,” meaning no tax rate increase for upcoming year. The Key West City Commission voted unanimously Sept. 15 to approve a millage rate of 2.3466,

meaning property owners will pay $2.3466 on every $1,000 of assessed value. For a home valued at $460,000, the tax bill will be $1,079,44. The 2017-18 city budget will now total $180,781,774. Commissioners had asked city officials at their last budget hearing in July to work towards the rollback rate. However, City Manager Jim Scholl was proposing a five percent tax in-crease. He agreed to try to work that back down to three percent. Then Hurricane Irma hit. And while Key West escaped catastroph-ic damage felt in the Middle Keys,

repairs to landscaping, fences and other exterior structures may add sig-nificantly to property owners’ costs. That persuaded city officials to look for new ways to reduce the municipal budget and accompanying tax rate.Budget Director Mark Finigan came up with three sources of revenue to make up most of the estimated $547,000 budget gap needed to achieve rollback. He proposed increasing fees to property owners seeking Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) approval for building construction or renovation, a move that would raise approximately

$50,000 in the next fiscal year. Fines for parking tickets will also rise $10 (excepting handicapped parking violations), generating $160,000 in new revenue. But the largest piece of the shortfall will come from the Key West Bight Management District Board, which will contribute a one-time $337,000 payment from its surplus fund. “Most of this [new revenue] was accomplished through the recognition of surplus, unreserved dollars from the Key West Bight, bringing it over. We had long discussions on the value | Continued on page 14

KEY LIME PIECIGAR FACTORY

3 LOCATIONS: 600 Duval • 921 Duval • 403 Greene

305.295.6110PointBreakCigars.com

~ FLAVORED CIGARS & CIGARELLOS ~

• Recycling pickup

Collection resumes Waste Management continues regular trash collection; recycling and yard waste collection resumes a normal pickup schedule. Sign up for weekly reminders, calendar to see collection day and report problems with waste services. Do this on computer or download the city’s app or go straight to the ReCollect app on your cell phone. nINFO KeyWestRecycles.com

• Key West Transit

Free shuttle serves Recovery Center Key West Transit began with a modified route on the Lower Keys Shuttle to enable riders to access the Disaster Recovery Center on Big Pine Key. Shuttle continues to run on its regular schedule, with a modified route onto Key Deer Boulevard. Shuttle continues to be free. Go online for shuttle times. nINFO kwtransit.com

Residential parking permits on sale Residents can purchase annual residential parking permit for Old Town. New blue stickers help ensure marked residential parking spaces are reserved for residents. Blue permits cost $10/year. Available at Monroe County Tax Assessor’s Office at Harvey Government Center. Applicants need to show proof of residency in Key West as well as a driver’s license and vehicle registration in order to obtain the residential parking permit. Old Town has 1,000 parking spaces marked residential. Eligible vehicles have exclusive rights to these spaces. Permits available to residents, real estate property owners, military personnel sta-tioned in Key West, seasonal residents who reside within the city for over four months of the year, and business vehicles affiliated with a business licensed in the city. Parking permit doesn' t affect the unmarked spaces (750) or handicapped (60) parking spaces in Old Town. Downtown workers who are not eligible for permits encouraged to explore the $25 /month permit at Park N Ride on Grinnell Street.Permits need to be renewed every October. This sticker overrides last year’s orange one. Vehicles have until October's end to replace with blue. n

o c t o b e r 5 - 1 1 , 2 0 1 7

Published Weekly

Vol. 7 No. 40


PUBLISHER/EDITOR Guy deBoer

NEWS WRITERSPru Sowers, Terry Schmida

PHOTOGRAPHERSLarry E. Blackburn, Ralph De Palma,

Sarah Sandnes

DESIGN Dawn deBoer, Julie Scorby

PIXEL WRANGLER JT Thompson

CONTRIBUTORSGuy deBoer Key News

Christina Oxenberg Local ObservationRoxanne E. Fleszar Your Financial Future

Jeff Johnson & Paula Forman Short AnswersIan Brockway Tropic SprocketsDean Walters Senior Moments

Sofia Artois Yoga JourneyTim Weaver Bonehead IslandHarry Schroeder High Notes

Diane Johnson In Review

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KONK Life is published weekly by KONK Communications Network in Key West, Fla. Editorial materials may not be reproduced without written permission from the network.

KONK Communications Network(305) 296-1630 • Key West, Florida

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L E T T E R S T O T H E E D I T O R

Relief Team n PHOTOS Page 10

BY JT THOMPSON | KEY WEST

As Harvey headed to Texas, the White House relaxed regulations and delivered troops and resources in advance of landfall . . . then assisted Texans quickly and efficiently after landfall. As Irma headed to Florida, the White House relaxed regulations and delivered troops and resources in advance of landfall . . . then assisted Floridians quickly and efficiently after landfall. As Maria headed to the Caribbean, the White House did little in advance. Nine days after landfall, federal regulations, bottlenecks, bureau-cracy and red tape resulted in an AVOIDABLE humanitarian crisis where 3.4 million Americans waited for food, fuel and drinking water that sat locked in 3,000 shipping containers; 11 days after

landfall, the mayor of San Juan tearfully begged for meaningful federal assistance or many could die—an unacceptable lack of urgency by USA to help its own citizens as they struggle to survive. We should all be ashamed. So how do Texas and Florida get immediate help, but not Puerto Rico? Could it have anything to do with . . .• TEXAS has 38 Electoral Votes (Trump won)• FLORIDA has 29 Electoral Votes (Trump won)• PUERTO RICO has ZERO Electoral Votes (Clinton won) Regardless, citizens need to pitch in to help and do what you can for Puerto Rico. With God's grace, we still have an island . . . but our brothers and sisters there have nothing. Those of us who were spared . . . must help the rest of us. n

Why is help so slow for Puerto Rico?

C I T Y • H U R R I C A N E I R M A


BY PRU SOWERSKONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

Some say the worst times bring out the best in people. Looking at the myriad volunteer efforts that have sprung up post-Hurricane Irma, that certainly seems to be true. With local, federal and county officials continuing their herculean recovery efforts in Key West and throughout Monroe County, there are still gaps that are springing up. Indi-viduals overwhelmed by the damage to their homes and yards, non-Keys residents with supplies to donate, people just needing transportation to the grocery store. Once again, social media has jumped to the forefront of volunteer efforts. A new page on Facebook calls itself Evacuees of the Keys. Adminis-trator Carolyn Guarini, a Key West resident who works at the Key West Theater, took to her cell phone to pull together a web page and a group of people looking for places to help. “I need teams of volunteers for cleanup efforts in the Middle Keys. We have compiled our list of folks needing help with cleaning their properties and homes, with the Mar-athon and Lower Keys Association of Realtor’s list. We are now at 107 properties asking for help. If you want to help, put a group together and contact us, we can team you up with a house to help,” Guarini wrote on the Evacuees Facebook page on Sept. 27. In just 17 days, she and her team had attracted 20,000 people to the website, evacueesofthekeys.org, raised $10,000 and began flying supplies into the Marathon airport. One simple, small post on the Evacuees website by Mindy Kaufman

on Sept. 26 asked for volunteers to help clean her friends’ yard in Sum-merland Key. The friends turned out to be Diane and Ron Neault. Their home was pushed over by the storm surge and the roof almost destroyed. The Neaults are living in their trailer while they attempt to rebuilt but the yard debris was too much for the 80-year-old Ron to handle. The day after the Evacuees of the Keys posting, a team of eight people showed up at his house. “I couldn’t believe what they moved. It would have taken heavy machinery to do it. They put me about a week ahead,” he said. “It was just amazing. I knew a few young ladies were coming. Then a couple of guys showed up. Then a couple more. They were like ants.” The Key West chapter of Women’s March Florida Keys also jumped in. Natalia Duke, one of the organizers of the local chapter, reached out to her members via email, giving two possi-ble dates for volunteers to carpool up to Big Pine Key and help where they could. She has heard about people who need help either through word of mouth or via the Keys Vineyard Community Church in Big Pine Key, which has been matching volunteers with people who need help. While cleanup and debris removal is on top of the list of priorities, sometimes the help needed is something simpler, she said. “Some people just want a hug or an ear, someone to listen to them,” Duke said. “I went to see one man in a wheelchair, sitting in a few inches of water still in his house. He just wanted to chat.” Alyson Crean, Key West Commu-nications Manager, said she’s received

numerous calls from people offering to help. She directs them to Monroe's Emergency Operations Center for co-ordination “so 12 groups don’t show up at one place and zero at another,” she said. But just walking around town, Crean sees all kinds of people helping in all kinds of ways. “We don’t even know who they are. Someone is on a corner handing out water. We have so much help, it’s amazing,” she said. But many volunteers aren’t both-ering with the organizational efforts of county officials. Duke said some-times the Keys Vineyard Community Church hands her boxes of cleaning

supplies and asks her to knock on doors to see who could use them. She sees the volunteer efforts as an instinctive outgrowth of the primary mission of Women’s March Florida Keys, which formed to fight for wom-en’s rights after Donald Trump’s was elected president. “It’s a natural extension to be offering our voice, our hand,” she said. “Everyone is going in with mini-groups of five to 10 people. It’s really beautiful.” Another unsung volunteer is for-mer Key West resident Surrey We-strupp. Currently splitting her| Continued on page 14

C I T Y N E W S

Volunteers jump in with both feet to help with hurricane recovery


C O U N T Y • H U R R I C A N E I R M A

• FEMA trailers

Delivered to Keys for the displaced The first FEMA travel trailers were delivered recenty to Naval Air Sta-tion Key West. They are for eligible residents approved by FEMA through individual assistance. To date, FEMA has approved 84 travel trailers for Monroe County survivors who have lost their homes or their homes are too damaged to live in. Hurley, who has been leading the Recovery operation for Monroe County Emergency Management fol-lowing Hurricane Irma, said the goal is to place the trailers on pads in the near future. They become livable as soon as they are hooked up to electric and water/sewer.

These trailers could be put on approved private property sites or at six larger sites for multiple trail-ers that have been approved by the Army Corps of Engineers and have been sent to FEMA for that agency’s approval. nINFO keysrecovery.org

• National Guard

Interior storm damage assist With the county's Emergency Management, the National Guard is recenly began a free, short-term program in which Guard members remove interior storm damage from residents’ homes as part of first step to make homes livable again. With homeowners’ consent, the National Guard removes damaged

and moldy drywall, flooring, car-peting, ceilings, doors, insulation, fixtures, kitchen cabinets, destroyed appliances and other unsalvageable contents and bring them curbside. They also do limited sanitizing to prevent mold from returning. This is the first of 17 steps required in FEMA program called STEP (Shel-tering and Temporary Essential Pow-er). Program funds necessary anmea-sures to help restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences that could regain power through necessary and essential repairs. STEP helps residents safely shel-ter-in-place in their homes pending more permanent repairs. For the National Guard to help with the removal of interior storm damage, follow these steps:· Sign release for “Right of Entry.”· Releases available on website andat the the Disaster Recovery Center at the Big Pine Community Park,

31009 Atlantis Road; Winn Dixie at Big Pine Key; Comfort Station in front of former Habitat ReStore on Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key; Big Pine Key, Cudjoe Key and Sugarloaf fire stations.· Forms can be returned to the place they were picked up or email [email protected] Once fillrf out (Right of Entry release), contacted by a county or National Guard representative. If home meets the guidelines, then an appointment set up for work to be done. This program is limited, so do not delay signing up. If rent, contact landlord/proper-ty homeowner to see if homeowner wants to be included in this program. Owner of rental home signs the release for Right of Entry before work could be done on unit. n

INFOkeysrecovery.org

Monroe approves emergency ordinances, resolutions Monroe County Board of County Commis-sioners approved an emergency ordinance to provide a temporary exemption from paying the 4-cent tourist development tax and the 1-cent tourist impact tax (bed taxes) only for rental residential properties that qualify and rent to residents who have been displaced by Hurricane

Irma. This ordinance would be in effect for six months. The county commission also passed several planning and environmental, building and code compliance items that deal with the emergency state of Monroe County due to the damage and debris caused by Hurricane Irma. These passed resolutions include:· Allowing the placement of temporary emergency housing at mobile home parks for the temporary occupancy by residents displaced by Hurricane Irma for a duration of up to 180 days.· Waiving building permit fees for emergency per-mits for 180 days as necessary to facilitate recov-

ery from impacts associated with Hurricane Irma.· Exempting the removal of hazardous vegetation from the permitting requirements for 60 days as necessary to facilitate recovery from impacts asso-ciated with Hurricane Irma.· Exempting the removal of nuisance exotic vegetation from the permitting requirements to facilitate recovery from impacts associated with Hurricane Irma. The county commission also approved releas-ing emergency Tourist Development Council funds of up to $1 million for marketing and up to $1 million for capital projects due to the impacts of Hurricane Irma. n


I N H E A L T H

• Robert Loeffler, M.D.

Orthopedic surgeon returns Lower Keys Medical Center and Keys Medical Group welcomed back Robert Loeffler, M.D., to orthopedics and sports medicine program. Dr. Loeffler is scheduled to begin seeing patients Oct. 9. A board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Loeffler has specialized certifications in sports medicine and arthroscopy. He has practiced in the Keys since 2002. Prior to that, he maintained a practice in Denver, Colorado, where he also served as an associate professor at the University of Colorado Health Science Center and the director of the sports medicine di-vision for the University of Colorado and the University of Denver. Dr. Loeffler left Key West in March 2017 to continue his interna-tional humanitarian aid work with Doctors Without Borders, serving in the Middle East. “I have committed to come back to the Keys and look forward to resuming my practice and to working with Dr. Bensen,” said Dr. Loeffler. Christopher Bensen, M.D., joined Keys Medical Group—Orthopedics in April 2017. “We respect and applaud Dr. Loeffler’s commitment to Doctors Without Borders and his continuing commitment to the residents of the Keys,” said David Clay, CEO at Low-er Keys Medical Center. Dr. Loeffler welcomes new and re-turning patients. Appointments may be requested, (305) 295-3477. n

•Andrew Packard, M.D.

Gastroenterologist joins staff Gastroenterologist R. Andrew Packard, M.D., has joined the medical staff of Lower Keys Medical Center. Dr. Packard and wife Gina have been frequent visitors to the Keys. They relocated to Key West full-time in August from Hudson, N.Y., where Dr. Packard served as a staff gastro-enterologist at Columbia Memorial Hospital. A Yale-educated physician, Dr. Packard completed his Fellowship at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, TX. He has dual board-certifications by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and in the subspecialty of Gastroenterology. Dr. Packard is a nationally-published author and researcher who created the term “Weight Health” as a public health initiative. Dr. Packard has joined the practice of Keys Medical Group where he will treat a multitude of GI conditions in-cluding inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease and cancers of the GI tract. He brings decades of experience in endoscopic investigations, includ-ing specialization in biliary work, which allows him to assist surgeons in locating stones in the bile duct to help prevent complications before and after gallbladder surgery.

“We welcome Dr. Packard and his family to our hospital family and to our community,” said David Clay, CEO at Lower Keys Medical Center.n

Keys Medical Group in the Professional Building, 1111 12th St., Suite 201, Key West. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most insurance plans accepted.

Keys Medical Group update Keys Medical Group’s two primary care physicians are caring for patients in temporary locations due to weather damage to their offices. For current locations or to leave a message to schedule an appointment:

• Dr. Norman “Rocky” Tingle, (305) 294-1706 • Dr. Pasquale Dell’Api,(305) 872-3735

INFOLower Keys Medical Center(305) 294-5531

OneBlood toPuerto Rico OneBlood, the local notprofit blood center serving Florida and the majority of the Southeast, has sent several shipments of blood to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria and plans to send more in the coming days and weeks. Wide-spread destruction, flooding, the lack of electricity and the displace-ment of millions of people on the island is making blood collections in Puerto Rico extremely difficult.As a result, the hospitals are in need of help from the mainland to help ensure a ready blood supply for their patients. To find a donor center or Big Red Bus, go online.nINFOoneblood.org

8www.konklife.com • OCTOBER 5-11, 2017

C O U N T Y • H U R R I C A N E I R M AC O M M U N I T Y

• Hurricane survivors

Assessment, floodplain regs As Hurricane Irma survivors in Monroe County continue rebuild-ing their lives, property owners face many challenges. The county is focused on public safety as its foremost mission. Recovery and rebuilding community will focus on making homes and businesses more resilient. Newer structures built to current code and elevated were far less damaged by Hurricane Irma. County Inspection teams cur-rently access properties with “sub-stantial damage” as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program. It’s common to think substantial damage merely describes a structure that has sustained a large amount of damage by a flood or other disaster. In reality, substantial damage is a specific term. It applies to a dam-aged structure in a Special Flood Hazard Area, or floodplain, for which the cost of repairs is 50 percent or more of the structure’s adjusted market value before the disaster occurred. It’s important to know the percentage of structural damage because that information helps property owners decide whether to repair or replace a damaged dwell-ing, and whether additional work will be needed to comply with local codes and ordinances, such as ele-vating a house in a floodplain. A community building official or floodplain manager makes the deci-sion regarding whether a structure is substantially damaged. If disagree with a decision about substantial damage, submit a complete cost es-timate for the repair of all damages sustained by home that is prepared and signed by a licensed general contractor.

Contractor required to sign an affidavit indicating the cost estimate submitted includes all damages to your home, not just structural. All communities in Monroe participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and are required to have floodplain regulations and make substantial damage determi-nations. Flood Damage Prevention Ordinances must be in place for res-idents of a community to purchase subsidized flood insurance through National Flood Insurance Program/NFIP. To calculate substantial damage, local officials may make a visual inspection of a house, taking notes of the impacts to the structure itself and, when possible, to the interior. These notes, coupled with other information such as property valua-tions and estimated costs to repair, are used to calculate the percentage of flood damage to the structure. With the vast impacts of Hur-ricane Irma, Local officials, FEMA staff, State Floodplain Management Staff, and FEMA contractors will begin making inspections in the Keys shortly and will continue visual inspections throughout the coming weeks and months. Once a determination on the percentage of damage is made, local officials hen share that information with the property owners. If a building in a floodplain is deter-mined by the local official to be substantially damaged, it must be brought into compliance with local floodplain management regulations, current building codes and land development regulations. Owners who decide to rebuild may need to elevate their structures, or change them in some other way to comply with those local floodplain regula-tions to avoid future flood losses. Owners of non-residential struc-tures may need to flood proof their buildings.

ALL property owners should check with local building officials to determine if permits for repair are required BEFORE beginning work. County Building Official, Rick Griffin, has exempted permit requirements up until Nov. 11 for work that would eliminate immi-nent danger to life or to prevent further property damage caused by Hurricane Irma. n

INFO keysrecovery.org

• Emergency Management

Hurricane Irma updateDog parkThe dog park is open at Monroe County’s Higgs Beach. For now, the entrance is through the gated antenna site off of White Street. Visitors will need to stay within the barricaded areas. The Atlantic Boulevard entrance and the rest of Higgs Beach remain closed at this time.

Disaster Recovery CenterA new FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened at Fire Station #20 in Islamorada, next to Founders Park. Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ComcastComcast reports: add more crews into the Keys to restore service; restored 500 more customers.

Tarps• Sept. 30 distributed until supplies run out—Fausto’s, 522 Fleming St.• Oct. 3 distributed—Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea. n


• Key West Burlesque:

'Taking if Off to See the Wizard:A Parody'n Oct. 20-27

Somewhere over the rainbow a simple Key West girl is once swept up into the magical world of Oz; where she finds that even her wildest dreams and fantasies really do come true... "Taking it Off to See the Wizard: A Parody" is a big, bawdy production of one of the worlds most beloved stories. All of your favorite characters from this epic tale are brought to life by a bevy of beauties in this captivat-ing parody. Songstress extraordinary, Shelly Watson as the good witch hosts the classic adventure down the yellow brick road. LongTime Key West performer, Moana Amour is joined by special guests Aurora Natrix and miss Jenna Beth who take it off on their way to meet the wonderful wizard! The always-outstanding Key West Burlesque performers parody the ensemble cast of the cherished tale including the lollipop guild, the speaking trees, and flying monkeys. "Taking it Off to See the Wizard: A Parody" comes to life for eight nights at the Waterfront Playhouse on Oct. 20-27. Doors open 7:30 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. In addition to regular seating ($55-$75), a limited number of stage seats available at $100. Audience members who choose these seats will be in the middle of the action and participate in the show. To purchase tickets, go online. n

INFO waterfrontplayhouse.orgkeywestburlesque.com

After Irma,Florida Keys reopened After the Florida Keys were im-pacted by Hurricane Irma Sept. 10, local government officials said the is-land chain reopens to visitors, Oct. 1. While Key Largo and Key West were least impacted by the Category 4 storm, not all lodging, including RV resorts and other tourism facilities throughout the Keys, are operating on a normal basis. Potential visitors should call ahead to ensure hotels and their favorite attractions are open. Some hotels are accommodating displaced residents under a Federal Emergency Management Agency program. In addition, recovery efforts are ongoing, especially in the Lower Keys and parts of Marathon where many residences and businesses were hardest hit by the storm.

Motorists should use extreme caution when navigating these regions and stay off side roads to avoid hin-dering restoration activities. Through-out the Keys there are significant debris piles that are being picked up by cleanup contractors. The decision to open the Keys to visitors was based on winding up some of the most immediate infrastructure repairs, officials said. Almost all power and water have been restored from Key Largo through Marathon as well as throughout Stock Island and Key West. Cellular service is working well, but restoration of Comcast cable television and internet is lagging behind other utilities. Bridges on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway passed inspections and several roadbed breaches were repaired. Hospitals have reopened in the Upper Keys and Key West. “We know we have a long way to go before the Keys fully recover,” said Monroe County Mayor George Neugent. “But because tourism is our

top economic engine and many of our residents’ livelihoods depend on it, we also know that we need to begin asking visitors to return.” Key West International Airport has reopened and commercial service has resumed, as has general aviation. Florida Keys Marathon International Airport is processing general aviation and charter flights again. The Port of Key West has reopened to cruise ships. Some special events have been postponed or canceled. Others—Key Largo’s Humphrey Bogart Film Fest, Oct. 18-22; Marathon’s Stone Crab Eating Contest, Oct. 21; Key West’s Fantasy Fest, Oct. 20-29—are to take place as planned. n

INFO keysrecover.orgfla-keys.com


I N C O M M U N I T Y • H U R R I C A N E I R M A

• Marathon

Emergency permittingonlyThe Marathon office reopens to only review building permit applications and conduct in-spection activities for emergency permitting at this time. Be aware the building is still utilized as the Emergency Operations Center; parking limited. Be patient. n


• Anne McKee auction

Call to artists!n Through Nov. 10

Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys, Inc., puts out its Call to Artists for the 2018 Fine Art Auction on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at the Studios of Key West. Submission period for artwork opened Oct. 1 and closes Nov. 10. To submit an online application and accompanying photo(s) via the online entry form, go online. Art-ists notified of acceptance no later than Dec. 1. Due to space and time limitations, only able to accept 50 entries. Anne McKee Artists Fund of the Florida Keys, Inc., in its sole

discretion, determines whether or not art submitted accepted for auction. Art auction raises money for project-based grants to Keys visual, literary and performing artists. Under guidance of auctioneer Tom Luna, attendees bid on original paintings, sculpture, photography, fiber art, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry. Each participating artist receives 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of his or her work, while the McKee Fund receives the remainder to award to other Keys artists for se-lect projects. Founded by longtime Key West resident Anne McKee, the nonprofit fund awarded more than $275,000 since 1994. nINFOmckeefund.org


I N C O M M U N I T Y • H U R R I C A N E I R M A

B U S I N E S S L A W 1 0 1

BY ALBERT L. KELLEY, Esq.KONK LIFE COLUMNIST

One of the most commonly asked questions in the Keys these days is whether tenants must pay rent for the time they evacuated or for the time their units are damaged. Evacuation: For those tenants who heeded mandatory evacuation order, there is no rent set-off. Although or-dered by the state to vacate home and business, the evacuation order does not affect your contractual responsi-bilities. You are still obligated to pay your entire month’s rent. (Residences may be entitled to rent assistance from FEMA, and businesses may seek SBA loans, but these do not offset or delay the rent obligation.) Damage/Residential Leases: The first question is whether there is a written lease or not. As a general rule, written leases take priority over the statutes. As every written lease is different, it is incumbent upon the landlords and tenants to read their leases carefully to ensure they are complied with. If there is no written lease, the statutes control. Florida has a specific statute that addresses what happens when a residential property is damaged by a casualty. Florida Statute 83.63 states that if the property is damaged to the point it is no longer habitable, the tenant may move out immediately, terminate their lease and have no further rent obligation. If only part of property is rendered uninhabitable, then the tenant must immediately move out of that section of the property and their rent will be reduced by the amount of the unit that is uninhabitable.

If, however, property is damaged but still habitable, the tenant remains responsible for the full rent amount. So if a tree falls and caves in the living room roof, the tenant can move out and not pay rent. But if the tree only caves in the carport roof, the tenant will likely be responsible for the full rent. The question is whether the house or apartment can be lived in. As long as it can be lived in, the tenant still must pay rent. The related question is how long does the landlord have to repair the property? Under the statutes, land-lords responsible for ensuring that the property complies with building codes. This means after the hurricane passes, the landlord must start tak-ing reasonable steps to correct any deficiencies. This does not mean they need to restore the building the next day or even restore it to the condition it was in prior to the storm. They just need to bring it to code within a reasonable time. If they fail to make necessary repairs in a reasonable time, the tenant can provide the landlord with a seven day notice that they intend on terminating the lease. | Continued page 16

Al Kelley is a Florida business law attor-ney in Key West and taught business law, personnel law and labor law at St. Leo University. He is the author of “Basics of Business Law” “Basics of Florida’s Small Claims Court” and “Basics of Florida’s Landlord/Tenant Law” (Absolutely Amazing e-Books).This article is being offered as a public service and is not intended to provide specific legal advice. Any questions about legal issues, should confer with a licensed Florida attorney.

How hurricanes and evacuations affect rent

KEY WEST ARTIST RALLIES RELIEF TEAMTHE MIDDLE KEYS n Story Page 16

It took cleanup team two days to move debris, once someone else's home, to the street from property of Big Pine homeowner Doug McLean. Christie Fifer Key West Artist Rallies Relief Teams for Middle Keys

Commercial lobsterman Doug McLean discovered Planet Earth beneath his feet on his Big Pine Key property for the first time since Hurricane Irma.Christie Fifer photo

Cleanup team (left to right) Sharon Brady, Aaron Buchewicz, Me-lissa Trader, Maria Gonzalez, Mark “Grubby” Grohol, Christie Fifer, Cindy Vincent, Kate Fago and Willie Benjamin. Doug McLean photo


I N T H E A R T S

• Frangipani Gallery

First Friday Art Stroll to hostn Oct. 6 Frangipani Gallery, open most days 12-5 p.m. in October, is hosting First Friday Art Stroll 6-8 p.m. Oct. 6, 1102 Duval St. Fundraiser: Aids Help for Bucky for King and features KT Timberlake's tiaras. Not just for royalty, every woman needs at least one tiara, so stop by for some wine and celebrate the king and queen season. And a reminder, artists are Keys' locals and some have lost their homes. Support local artists. If we are not open, just call for an appointment (305) 849-1581. n

• Smallest Parade

Call to artists!n Deadline: Oct. 10 In search of 45 remarkable artists/crafters/modelers who will create whimsical mini-floats for The Small-est Parade in the Universe, Oct. 26, benefiting MARC, which sustained severe damages in Irma. $2,250 cash prizes. Float is sold—you get half and MARC gets half. Application deadline Oct 10. n INFO thesmallestparadeintheuniverse.com

• Special Olympics 'Invitational'n Oct. 13-15

Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County celebrates its sixth annual Standup Paddle Invitational, Oct. 13-15. This event helped launch stand up paddle (SUP) as a sanctioned sport for Special Olympics Florida andcreates new opportunities for athletes, including being selected to compete in the 2018 USA Games in Seattle, Washington, next summer. Special Olympics athletes meet at Smathers Beach for annual weekend events to celebrate SUP. “We are happy to announce Key West is open for business and ready to greet participants despite unwelcome visit from Hurricane Irma,” said Ruth Holland of Special Olympics Florida. “We have moved the main event from Higgs Beach to Smathers Beach, but most events remain the same.” Over the three-day weekend, 100 Special Olympics athletes nationwide are expected to take part in events. Started in 2012, SUP invitational has helped grow the sport of stand up paddle into a national sport for Special Olympics. SUP will even be included in next year’s 2018 USAGames in Seattle, Wash. Attendees have the opportunity to meet some of the USA Games SUP athletes during the weekend and get autographs. Sue Cooper, owner of Lazy Dog Adventures, has been a part of Special Olympics SUP since 2012. She has been integral to supporting and growing the local team in Monroe, along with developing the sport for state championships. As the Special Olympics Florida State SUP Games officiate, she will be the event race director for paddle eventsthroughout the weekend. Dreu Murin, voice of Special Olympics Nevada and event promo-

tion advisor, will be the MC for the weekend of the SUP Invitational. Events for non-paddlers include:• Friday night, Oct. 13, Special Olympics Florida–Monroe County opens with Athletes Reception at Lucy’s Bar and Restaurant, 320 Grinnell St. Participants gather to meet new people, renew friend-ships, pick up race packets,and/or register for events.• Saturday, Oct. 14, Smathers Beach, 2601 S. Roosevelt, meet with race director Sue Cooper for a coach’s meeting/discussionabout the direction of SUP in Special Olympics. Annual Luau Dinner Dance followed by Special Olympics-style dance party.• Sunday, Oct. 15, Race Day, paddleboard race with a beach run obstacle course designed and offi-

ciated by Sue Cooper of Lazy Dog Adventures followed by adapted races for Special Olympics athletes. Proceeds sponsor the Special Olympics' SUP racers, benefiting Special Olympics Florida–Monroe County. n

• Marathon

Community theater takes major hit The 2017-18 season of Marathon Community Theatre will be modified until repairs made to the building af-ter Hurricane Irma. Currently, MCT plans a Christmas Variety Show in December and serves a welcome relief from the devastation. Spring musical also planned. Season tickets can be refunded, [email protected] nINFO (305) 731-7929

I N C O M M U N I T Y


S H O R T A N S W E R SBY J E F F J O H N S O N n P A U L A F O R M A N

Communal property Dear Short Answers: My new boyfriend and I were at a restaurant and it started to rain really hard. When we left, he simply grabbed an um-brella from the pile of umbrellas that were by the door. Since we hadn’t brought an umbrella with us, he was basically stealing one. When I asked him about this, he claimed that people do this all the time and that there are always “extra” umbrel-las that people have forgotten so there isn’t really a problem. Plus, he claimed that he had forgotten umbrellas all over the place, so he was basically just taking back something he had forgotten at another restaurant. I was at a loss for words. Is this acceptable rationale for taking an umbrella? Erica Dear Erica: No, this is NOT acceptable behavior. It is stealing.

Family matters Dear Short Answers: Shortly before my moth-er died, I sat with her to go over all the details of her will and last wishes. To make sure that I got everything right, I tape recorded our conversa-tion. Nobody questioned her decisions, and the disbursement of her possessions went smoothly. Recently, my sister asked me if she could have a copy of the tape recording—not to “confirm” the details, just to have a reminder of my mother’s voice. Unfortunately, what I didn’t tell my sister is that my mother spent most of the time saying mean, spiteful things about people in the family. Some of her remarks are really horrible (although probably true). I don’t want the family’s last recollection of our mother to be this rant. Would it be wrong to tell my sister that I “lost” the recording? Wouldn’t that be better than stirring up all this ill feelings when nothing can be done about it? Sister Dear Sister: Tell her you destroyed it. And maybe you should.

Smoking around Dear Short Answers: What do you do if you think your boyfriend is sneaking a cigarette after swearing that he has quit? Megan Dear Megan: There isn’t a person on the planet who doesn’t know that cigarette smoking is a killer, including your BF since he no longer smokes in public. Hopefully, the inconvenience of sneaking around will detract from whatever benefit he derives from it. There is not much you can do.

Getting even Dear Short Answers: I am a new widow, and my married friends insist on paying for me when we go out to dinner. I am uncomfortable with this and have said so—to no avail. What do you suggest? Want to be Fair Dear Fair: There are ways to compensate your friends. First, try paying for the whole group now and then. Or bring a nice bottle of spirits when you visit, or a book you think they might like, or send flowers from time to time. It doesn’t have to be a dollar for dollar equivalency. Although your friends are showing their affection with their gesture, we are confident that they will appreciate yours as well. n

B U S I N E S S K E Y W E S T

Send questions Konk [email protected] or go to shortanswers.net—a psychologist and sociologist will answer. A selection of the best questions will be printed every week in Konk Life.

P A U L A F O R M A N andJ E F F J O H N S O N


T H E F L O R I D A K E Y S • H U R R I C A N E I R M A

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Seeks buoys lost after IrmaHurricane Irma’s churning seas damaged and displaced buoys that mark areas with specific regulations, assist with navigation and provide information. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary asks boaters to report damaged or missing line, missing buoys and found buoys: (305) 852-7717, Key Largo to Marathon; (305) 809-4727, Marathon to Key West and Dry Tortugas. Yellow, 30-inch diameter buoys mark zones such as Sanctuary Preservation Areas, Ecological Reserves and Special-use Research Only areas. Spar buoys are cylindrical, tall and white with orange markings for Wildlife Management Areas and sites on the Shipwreck Trail. The nearly 500 mooring buoys in the sanctuary are 18 inches in diameter with a blue stripe. They provide an alternative to anchoring, which can break and damage the coral reef. Anchoring is prohibited on coral in waters less than 40 feet and when the bottom is visible. Contact Gena Parsons, (305) 809-4694. n

Spar buoy (left)—tall, white spar buoys with orange markings for Wildlife Management Areas and sites on the Shipwreck Trail in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Marker buoy (left) —yellow marker buoys denote zones with special regs in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. • Mooring buoy (right)—Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary provides 500 mooring buoys to prevent boats from anchoring along the coral reef tract. NOAA photos


I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y

NO PROPERTY TAX INCREASE| Continued from far left

“Your real exposure will come six months down the road when you start to feel the effects of the economic impact,” Finigan said. “It’s the things you don’t control like your revenue sources, your sales tax, your business tax receipts. If this really slows down the economy, then it’s going to slow us down a little bit. We’ll start to feel the effects when we start to put the budget together for next year.” n

VOLUNTEERS JUMP IN| Continued from page 5

time between West Palm Beach and Nashville, Tenn., Westrupp starting organizing clean-up teams from her Nashville base and sending them to homes in the Lower Keys to cover roofs, repair homes, clean up debris and help stock kitchens with gro-ceries. Working with friend Maggie Whitcomb in Big Torch Key, they put together a volunteer group that has flown supplies into Summerland Key. “My intention was to help family and friends in Key West. When I real-ized they were not in such bad shape, I then found that the Lower Keys had been hit pretty hard. It was just a matter of how to organize it and put it into play,” Westrupp said about the ad hoc volunteer group. “We all ended up working pretty well together.” These examples of One Human Family are traveling far past the Florida Keys. Scott Moyer, a Michigan resident who vacations in Key West, called it “awe-inspiring. “With all the hate-filled news going on these days and the constant disrespecting of each other’s views, I find coming to this site and reading these posts hopeful and inspiring. Like I said when I first joined a couple of weeks ago, there is a spirit in the Keys like no other. Not to sound too corny, but for me at least, you all are keeping my hope alive for humanity,” Moyer wrote on Evacuees Facebook page. n

A S T R O L O G I C A L L Y

Y O U R S

Aries Compromise is not a word that you swallow easily, it is im-portant that you consider the prob-lems that can and most probably will occur, if you do not take this notion seriously. There is much to gain, or lose.

Taurus You must understand this; life is to be shared with others, you do not own them. If you insist on being overbearing, demanding, or having your own way, at their expense, expect the ending to be brutal.

Gemini You will not allow anyone to dominate, control, manipu-late, nor threaten you financially, emotionally, or verbally, retaliating in your own way, the ending will be final. It won’t even be personal, it’s just business, as far as you’re concerned.

Cancer Confusion clears away once you make the decision to do what is best for you. You have tried to talk it out, the result, a threat to your security, and irra-tional demands, that cannot be resolved. The future looks bright.

Leo There is a threat to the things that you value the most in the whole world, making you angry, acting negatively, not doing well being on the defensive. There is no room left for tenderness. They will not win.

Virgo You may negotiate if they will come clean, stop trying to play two sides toward the middle. If they do not concede, you will lose all patience, have no mercy in the process. The duplicity must stop!

Libra I have nothing to say, it won’t matter to you anyway. You have already made up your minds, and are frankly driving me mad, and blind. What do think you will

find up ahead when you are so stubborn.

Scorpio It is better to go with the flow, instead of worrying about the future, try enjoying the ride. It will be much more relaxing, magnetiz-ing the right situations and people into your life at the right time.

Sagittarius Detach from your feelings. You need to make some serious decisions and take cal-culated actions in your personal business. Be cautious of the peo-ple you talk to, as well as what you give away.

Capricorn Be careful of your wording in intimate situations, they can be misconstrued, or used against you in ways that are hurtful to the people that you love, specifically children, or new romances.

Aquarius Time to get serious about your conversations, it may take some real strategic work, as well as some strenuous mental aerobics, to get exactly what you are trying to say across. It is im-portant that you do your best. Pisces Partnerships are not over, there is way too much invested, just to let go and walk away. You must do whatever it takes, to in-sure the stability of what you have built together. No holds barred strategy is necessary. n

[email protected] appointments

NO PROPERTY| Continued from page 3

of doing that,” Finigan told commis-sioners. Commissioner Richard Payne said property owners are already suffering from Irma clean-up costs. And he ex-pects that some homeowners will see the value of their properties reduced due to Irma. “I just don’t think we should be hitting them with any [tax] increase over last year due to the damages many of them are suffering and will suffer for a long time,” he said. “Fences, all the stuff that was damaged, you don’t collect on your insurance. So that’s out of pocket expense,” added Mayor Craig Cates. “So, I agree with leaving [the tax rate] where it’s at.” The Bight Board payment will bring that body’s reserve fund “a bit below” the $6.5 million it likes to keep for emergencies, according to Doug Bradshaw, port and marina services director. But the shortfall should be able to be made up in the next fiscal year from fees the city charges commercial and recreational boat owners to use city-owned mari-nas and piers. “I don’t think it [$337,000 pay-ment to the city] is going to affect us. So, I think we should be good,” Bradshaw said. But while the city is trying to help storm-damaged property owners by not raising their taxes, it is likely to face its own financial storm reck-oning down the road, according to Finigan. Key West has its own storm damage and debris removal to pay for. While it expects to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency (FEMA) for the bulk of those costs, the city could still take a significant financial hit. Lost parking lot revenue for September and possi-bly lasting into October is one deficit city officials expect to see. But there are likely to be others.| Continued on far right


• 18pt

24pthdern 12pt

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INFO 0

HDER| Continued from page 3

American MadeFrom Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) "American Made" stars Tom Cruise as Barry Seal, a gifted pilot who flew into shady territory in the 1970s and 1980s. The film empha-sizes Cruise's happy go lucky persona and is testimony to his staying power after all these years. As his early film "Risky Business" (1983), this movie does a fine job in capturing his easy charm and the reckless yet confident type that he embodies so well. Barry Seal (Cruise) is an excellent airline pilot. But there is one problem: he's bored. During a flight, Seal takes the autopilot off and flies the plane by himself, taking it to a sudden drop, just for the sake of some spontaneity. On the ground, the sleepy Seal goes to the airport bar. There, he is engaged in conversation by Agent Shaeffer (Domhnall Gleeson) who tells him that he works for the CIA and that he better be careful with his illegal Cuban cigars, but would he like a job working for the US government in a covert operation, taking pictures of Communist efforts. Seal agrees. It sounds like fun. The pilot goes to Colombia where he meets the drug dealers Ochoa (Alejandro Edda) and Pablo Escobar (Mauicio Mejia).

They give him an offer. Would he be interested in delivering cocaine? Barry agrees. Soon he is shuttling photos to Shaeffer and taking drugs to Louisiana and the money pours in. If Seal is worried he doesn't show it. He parties down with Ochoa in great hedonistic gusto. But then the pilot gets word that all is not easy. He gets his wife Lucy (Sarah Wright) to move the two kids to Arkansas. Once there, they are hassled by Lucy's shifty, weasel-like brother (Caleb Landry Jones) who is resisting employment. Though Jones is seldom out of his zone in playing numerous seedy characters, he is always fun to watch and he commands the screen. Cruise for his part has never been more natural in his acting. This is one of his best roles. Though there have been an infinite number of films on the '70s drug trade, there is an unassuming spirit and a zany feeling of anarchy hinted upon by the homemade look of the film, as if shot on VHS video.

It also does not pull any punches, clearly showing the hypocrisy of the drug war with a neon-tinted Ronnie and Nancy sugar-dusted for Prime-time TV. "American Made" is a worthy ad-dition to the canon of true story films about the druggy 70's. It has a great sense of dark fun, thanks in no small part to Tom Cruise, still Risky after all these years. n

Write Ian at ianfree1@yahoo

Working to help

• Florida Keys Emergency Relief Fund: 100% of funds distributed for repairs, rent, housing, transportation, medical care. Donate. • Hurricane Irma Relief Assistance applications now being accepted for Keys' nonprofits.• Community Assessment: Keys' nonprofits and businesses invited to complete a Community Assessment to identify what elements of the community most affected and where help is needed. Return one assessment per organization or business.• Resources: Go online for list of available funds, resources and other infor on community assistance. n

T R O P I C S P R O C K E T S

I A N B R O C K W A Y

Tropic Cinema Schedule for 10/6-10/12

Blade Runner (CARPER)R 2:43

(1:20) 5:45 8:50

American Made (TAYLOR)R 1:55

(1:30) 4:00 6:25 8:40Except Monday, (1:30) 4:00 8:40

Kingsman: The Golden Circle

R 2:21(1:00) 3:40 6:20 9:00

Except Wednesday (1:00) 3:40 9:00

mother! R 2:01

(1:10) 3:30 5:55 8:30

Tropic Cinema Four Screens in Old Town.

Rated Best Cinema in Florida. www.TropicCinema.com

KWBG moved to Duval StreetOffice/visitors center moved to new location. Delayed due to storm—opened Oct. 2 at new address of 808 Duval St. n


I N T H E C O M M U N I T Y

L O C A LO B S E R V A T I O N

The law of motion

Great news for Key West. Only a handful of houses crumbled. All the trees fell. But that’s no big deal, they grow back fast. This is the jungle after all. A few islands to the East were decimated, and this will affect the demographics of low income housing options. Big storm, small structural damage to blessed Key West, but with many unpredictablelong-term ripples from this occurrence still to reveal them-selves. A change of guard for those who pass through, stay a while, and blow out of town, for one reason or another. I am grateful the Green Parrot suffered no damage. Any place in town that took a hit can be glue-gunned back together. Carpenters from all over are pitched in, ham-mering and plastering, while the big job of clearing streets is in the hands of Florida’s well trained first responders. The peace is maintained by the peaceful types who stayed. Strong tough people who are helping any way they can. Key West Island Bookstore opened this past Monday. With minimal trade, consider buying gift certificates as presents for yourself friends. The first four to send me an IM shall receive a gift certificate for $25.

Luckily Key West will be ready for visitors soon. Most of the musicians and buskers are off the island and driving around America looking for gigs and tips. Tje Newton Sisters, celebri-ties from the Conch Republic, are in New Orleans and have already set themselves up with a performance. I call them The Panthers because never have I seen such sylph femininity, and they can sing! Found them on Frenchmen Street. Nicely done-, Panthers! I wallowed in the magic that is Mia Borders on acoustic, accompanied by Jesse Morrow on double bass. Ms. Border’s voice is sublime! She keeps it soft, and rolls it out at will. She controls that sound with a tight leash, coz other-wise it would engulf one. I am having a wonderful adventure following whims and drifts. My house was demolished by Irma. Hello, New Orleans. n

www.miaborders.com

CHRISTINAO X E N B E R GLEIGH VOGEL photo

• Key West Artists

Rallies relief n More! PHOTOS Page 10

“I don't know how long it takes to build a house, but it only takes two days to remove the shattered remains of what appeared to be an entire one that landed in Doug McLean’s front yard,” said Christie Fifer, a Key West artist and former high school teacher who has been leading an assorted team of Key West volunteers in efforts to literally excavate homes and properties from beneath mountains of hurricane debris on Big Pine Key following Hurricane Irma. Fifer and friends are one visiting team working with Keys Vineyard Community Church, 100 County Road, Big Pine Key, serving as a relief organization base camp and distribution center. Teams needed to assist with relief efforts for some time to come. In a recent Facebook post, Fifer wrote: “I witnessed complete and utter destruction on Big Pine Key. I spent most of the day with a chain saw in my hand. Moved piles of branches and palms, threw out heaps of moldy furniture, wet carpeting, and the soggy contents of people's lives. This is a dif-ferent planet. These are people trying to dig their way back into or out of houses. Every instance was shocking. It was a day overwrought with emo-tion. Contribute funds, labor or both: Keys Vineyard Community Church, (305) 872-3404. n

'Best of America' In the aftermath of Irma, at a time when told a nation divided, we witnessed some of the very best of America. Neighbor helping neighbor, those who traveled across the country to help a stranger, there is no shortage of those who deserve thanks. To say thanks to Floridians and to the states that offered assistance after

Hurricane Irma, the Florida House put together a video. n

Rep. Ray Rodrigues, Florida House of Representatives Majority Leader,(850) 488-1993

INFO Watch the video:https://youtu.be/WrRz6uSFHq0

BUSINESS| Continued from page 10

What is a reasonable time? That is a question for the courts based on the circumstances. Commercial Leases: Commercial leases should be in writing. While the statutes control residential leases, there are no similar statutes for unwritten commercial leases. As a general rule, if commercial lease is a triple net lease, the tenant is not only responsible for all rent, but also the cost of all repairs. This can sometimes include structural costs. If the lease is not triple net, the repair and maintenance clause needs to spell out who must pay for which repairs. Can a tenant withhold rent if the property is not repaired? There is no residential statute allowing the with-holding of rent, however for commer-cial leases, a tenant may withhold rent only if there is a written lease that places the maintenance obligation on the landlord, if the premises are wholly untenantable and landlord does not make the repairs within 20 days of receipt of the notice that the tenant intends to withhold rent. (Once the repairs are done, tenant must bring full rent amount current.) Many leases also contain a force majeur or Act of God clause to specify what the parties obligations are after a hurricane passes. Key West commercial leases allow additional time for any obligation delayed by an Act of God, except the payment of rent—in general. This means that the tenant may still have to pay the full rent within the time required by the lease, or be subject to eviction. n



Tragedy Averted / Old Town Fire at 715 & 717 Duval StreetPHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN

To all (13 number of photos), go to http://konklife.zenfolio.com/p874530869

2505 Flagler Avenue, Key West, FL 33040 • 305-295-6790www.keywestmedicalcenter.com

We participate with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Medicare, Tricare and many other PPO plans. We are here to work with you!

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— SERVICES OFFERED —X-Rays, Ultrasounds and other diagnostic tests,

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Now Also Offering Botox, Xeomen, Radiesse, Voluma, and Juvederm, FDA approved fillers & lip enhanement, as well as

Kybella, the new under-the-jaw treatment.

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Mammography of Key West• Screening and Diagnostic Mammography

with Ultrasound.

• Dexa (Bone Density) of both hips and lower spine

Call 305-395-1292

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(305) 292-3309

OPEN 24 HOURS – Gas & Car WashCredit Card Only at Night

JOIN TONY’S CLEAN CAR CLUB!Buy 5 Car Washes*, Get 1 FREE

(*Show Receipts)

After Irma Monkey Shines at Bobby’s Monkey BarPHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN





King & Queen Aqua Idol 26 SeptemberPHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN




A Welcome Back Cork & Stogie Birthday PartyPHOTOS BY LARRY BLACKBURN


There are views .

. . and then there is the magnificent panorama visible from the balcony of 2601 South Roosevelt Blvd, apartment 401A, in the Key West by the Sea condominium complex.

This fourth-floor, two-bedroom, one-bath condominium offers sweeping views of Smathers Beach from both its sizable balcony, but also from the living room and kitchen areas.

With nearly 1,000 square feet

of living space, this unit is truly a dream home!

The bright and airy kitchen features plenty of counter space for

food preparation, cabinet space for food storage, and a breakfast bar, for that quick meal on the go, or easy service during a dinner party.

The living room is a roomy, open-concept affair, with tile flooring, and the aforementioned splendid view of the beach and boulevard below. It’s a perfect place for entertaining guests, or relaxing after a day at the office.

Over to the bedrooms, the large master suite also offers plenty of natural light, a sweeping vista of the beach and

surrounding area, as well as two double-door closets.

The guest bedroom is also good-

A great condo with a viewat Key West by the Sea

The view is magnificent at this prime unit at Key West by the Sea.

KONK Life Real Estate • www.konklife.com • OCTOBER 2017

by TERRY SCHMIDAKONK LIFE REAL ESTATE WRITER

LARRY BLACKBURN | PHOTOGRAPHER

Key West by the Sea is one of the island’s premiere condominium complexes.

The spacious living room has sweeping views of South Roosevelt Boulevard on two sides.

Key West by the Sea boasts two swimming pools, tennis courts, and more.

Another shot of the living room.

sized and contains a secondary entrance, for guests to come and go at their leisure.

A new clothes washer and dryer round out the room.

Separating the two bedrooms is a tastefully appointed full bathroom, with soaking tub.

Owners at Key West by the sea have complete access to all the

amenities at this prestigious, and well-regarded address.

The complex offers two swimming pools, tennis courts, a car wash, coin laundry facilities,

assigned parking spaces, and a ground-floor party room available for use by appointment.

Punch-key and card gates, and


Continued on next page.

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Even the kitchen offers spectacular views.

The sizable master bedroom.

surveillance cameras provide ample security. The gorgeous grounds offer a quiet and green respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The building was originally

constructed as the Bachelor Officers Quarters for the U.S. Navy during the 1960s, and so is well-constructed and hurricane resistant.

A great condo with a view at Key West by the SeaContinued


3

A view of the living room from the kitchen.

Accordion storm shutters ensure that the owners’ investment will remain secure. An electricity generator keeps the lights on when the city’s grid has failed.

Besides the obvious allure of the beach, the neighborhood is conveniently located in the middle of town, halfway between the

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A great condo with a view at Key West by the SeaContinued

The guest bedroom has a separate entrance.

dazzling restaurants and nightlife of Old Town, and the shopping and other attractions of New Town.

The front gates of Key West by the Sea are less than a 10 minute drive to the entrance to the island.

The opportunity to purchase a top-floor, water-view condo in this storied complex doesn’t come along very often.

Don’t let this one slip away!

This superb unit is being offered for just $675,000.

For more information, or to schedule a listing, call Listing Agent Patricia McGrath-Julien, of Century 21 Schwartz, at 781-249-6623, or

email [email protected] view the listing, visit

http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/mainmenu.cgi?cmd=url+other/run_public_link.html&public_link_tech_id=1aqrehzl0dge&s=6& id=1&san=93291&cid=1

Konk Life welcomes subjects for other articles about Keys homes currently for sale. Contact Guy deBoer at (305) 296-1630, (305) 766-5832, email [email protected], or contact Sarah Sandnes at (305) 731-3223, email [email protected].

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MEET THE REALTORSPat McGrath is living the dream, working on a beach in Key Westby TERRY SCHMIDAKONK LIFE REAL ESTATE WRITER

For some time now, Key West real estate broker Pat McGrath has sat in the booth outside the Key West By the Sea condominium complex, working hard to find her clients the perfect property.

Originally from New England, McGrath began her working life as an academic, teaching high school calculus, algebra and geometry in Avon, Mass.

But after many years spent watching her AP Calculus students go on to attend to Harvard,

Yale and MIT, eventually earning five times the income she pulled in instructing them, McGrath decided to try her hand at a new career, in real estate.

For a year, she kept her teaching job, while earning her chops selling properties, but before long found the temptation to go all into real estate, too great. And so, 25 years ago, McGrath made the leap to become a full-time real estate agent.

“I worked in Scituate, Cohasset, and finally in Hingham, Mass., for a privately owned company, Jack Conway & Co., Inc.,” McGrath said. “I achieved much success, being No. 2 consistently in sales and listings over my 25 years with them, I managed several offices for a period of time, and did training for the company.”

In 1984, McGrath bought numerous weeks at the Galleon Resort, figuring that the Southernmost City was the warmest, safest place to vacation with her three young children, during school vacation weeks.

Taken with the town, McGrath then purchased a condo at Key West by the Sea, and acquired her Florida Real Estate Broker’s license, intending to eventually begin a real estate career here.

For 12 years, McGrath and her husband lived the snowbird life, dividing their time – and McGrath’s real estate work - between Key West, and another home in Scituate Harbor, Mass.

Four years ago, however, the balmy draw of the Keys became too great to ignore, and McGrath and her husband sold their northern home, to live full-time at Key West By The Sea.

“I was already a Broker-salesperson for Century 21 Schwartz on Simonton Street,”McGrath said. “At the same time, the real estate ‘booth’ in front of Key West by the Sea came up for rent, and my principal, Jimmy Lane jumped on it. And here I am! I love my job. I love to meet new people, and help them find their dream homes. I am definately a people person, and am a good listener . . . key to matching buyers with sellers.”

The booth has become a prime spot for listing and selling not only KWBTS, but many single family homes, and condos along the beach.

“I’m here almost every day of the week, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” McGrath said. “The only exception is if I’m listing or showing homes. In that case, my number is posted. Just give me a call, and I’ll get to you immediately.”

Pat McGrath can be reached at 781-249-6623, or by email at [email protected].


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Featured Homes – Viewed by Appointment

Map # Address #BR/BA Listing Agent Phone Number 816 South St., #4, Key West 1BR/1BA Michael Spirnak, Richard Padron and Associates, Inc. 305-896-6833

1430 Thompson St., Key West 2BR/1BA Michael Spirnak, Richard Padron and Associates, Inc. 305-896-6833 + 1BR/1BA 718/720 Caroline St., Key West 2BR/2BA Frank Kirwin, Preferred Properties Key West 305-304-5253 + 2BR/2BA 305-294-3040 Little Sandy Keys 3 Islands Cindy Kaye, Century 21 Schwartz Realty 305-731-5000

618 Catholic Ln., Key West 2BR/2BA Jon Seibert, Century 21 Schwartz Realty 305-433-0552 Janine Seibert, Century 21 Schwartz Realty 305-433-1911 3612 Northside Dr., Key West 3BR/2BA Jon Seibert, Century 21 Schwartz Realty 305-433-0552 Janine Seibert, Century 21 Schwartz Realty 305-433-1911 53 Barry Ave., Little Torch Key 2BR/2BA ChelleBe Blades, Realty Executives Key West 305-394-4750 305-501-4229 24 Jade Dr., #3, Key West 2BR/2BA The Taporowski Team, Florida Keys Real Estate Co. 305-292-1922

3930 S. Roosevelt Blvd., #309S, Key West 2BR/2BA The Taporowski Team, Florida Keys Real Estate Co. 305-292-1922

3709 Pearlman Ter., Key West 3BR/2.5BA Bascom Grooms, Bascom Grooms Real Estate 305-304-7444

1611 Josephine St., #1 & #2, Key West 2BR/2.5BA Derek Epperly, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 305-923-4833 Knight & Gardner Realty 17225 Green Turtle Ln., E., Sugarloaf Key 3BR/2BA Derek Epperly, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 305-923-4833 Knight & Gardner Realty

Featured Home Locations

Key Haven

Stock Island

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Sugarloaf Key

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Little Torch Key

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610

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115 Big CoppittKey

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