Key West Weekly 24-0104 by Keys Weekly Newspapers

“If you write satire, the guilty pleasure these days is that there’s just so much material about.” — Carl Hiaasen

January 4, 2024

THE BUDDHIST MONKS ARE BACK WATCH THEM MAKE A MANDALA AT ST. PAUL’S | P. 18

MEET A PROFESSIONAL DRUG BUYER

KEYS WEEKLY GOES UNDERCOVER WITH MATT PITCHER | P. 16

TOP WRITERS TACKLE TOUGH TOPICS AT LITERARY SEMINAR | P. 4

CARL HIAASEN & ‘FLORIDA: THE STATE WE’RE IN’

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

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The season couldn’t conclude soon enough for fans of the 2-14 Carolina Panthers. Adding insult to injury was a Dec. 31 incident involving owner David Tepper, who was seen on video tossing his drink at Jacksonville Jaguars fans at the end of the game, which saw the Panthers losing 26-0. Tepper was fined $300,000 by the NFL.

Novelist and columnist Carl Hiaasen joins the upcoming Key West Literary Seminar, Jan. 11-14, to tackle the theme of ‘Florida: The State We’re In.’ See below. ELENA SEIBERT/Contributed

Publisher / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com Publishing Partner / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com Editor / Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com Digital Editor / Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com Account Executive Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Staff Writers Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com Design / Pre-Press Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com Diana Striker www.keysweekly.com Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844 Se habla español THE KEY WEST WEEKLY (ISSN 1944-0812) IS PUBLISHED WEEKLY FOR $125 PER YEAR BY WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS, INC., 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050. APPLICATION TO MAIL AT PERIODICALS POSTAGE RATES IS PENDING AT FORT LAUDERDALE FL AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. All stories, photos, and graphics are copyrighted materials. Postmaster SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050 News Deadline Monday Noon Advertising Deadline Tuesday 2 p.m.

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lorida. The Sunshine State, although some would call it a state of humid confusion, a state of permanent political parody, often a state of disbelief. Now in its 41st year, the upcoming Key West Literary Seminar, Jan. 11-14, explores the theme “Florida: The State We’re In,” and gathers about 30 of the state’s top writers — novelists, columnists, satirists, essayists and poets — to discuss and dissect the state we’re in today. “This year, we’ll turn our attention to this weird, wild, alwaysgoing-underwater bellwether of a state that (for better and for worse) we call home — Florida,” states the seminar website at kwls.org. “Florida is again at the center of the national conversation, with pressing environmental and political issues that those in the rest of the country can’t afford to ignore,” Arlo Haskell, executive director of the KWLS, told the Keys Weekly. “Throughout American history, Florida’s dynamic character and culture have produced an

incredible body of literature, and this year’s seminar is an opportunity to hear from some of our very best — writers who know exactly how we got here and, perhaps, where we are going next.” The seminar has assembled writers who know the Sunshine State better than anyone. Distinguished authors, including Carl Hiaasen, Dave Barry and Jeff Vandermeer, will guide participants on a literary trek from the Panhandle dunes to the Ocala forests and the limestone archipelago of the Florida Keys — across the swamps, concrete condos and

coral reefs that make up this beautiful, complicated, ecologically vulnerable state. “We may not solve all the problems of this crazy place, but we’ll sure have a good time talking about it,” Haskell said. “We’re expecting approximately 650 people on opening night; then with separately ticketed Saturday passes, Saturday night’s concert by Terry Allen and Sunday afternoon’s free session, I’d guess we see about 1,000 total attendees.” Established in 1983, the seminar explores a different literary theme each January. The best writers of our time join readers from all over the world for four days of readings, conversations, lectures, panel discussions and parties that add up to one of today’s smartest and most highspirited literary gatherings. For a complete schedule and individually ticketed events, visit kwls.org.

Featured writers for the 2024 Key West Literary Seminar: Dave Barry, Richard Blanco, Kate Blankenship, Judy Blume, LIly Brooks Dalton, Joy Castro, Billy Collins, Jennine Capo Crucet, P. Scott Cunningham (moderator), Sika Dagbovie-Mullins, Jack E. Davis, Tananarive Due, Patricia Engel, Jonathan Escoffery, Regis M. Fox (moderator), Brendan Greaves, Lauren Groff, Carl Hiaasen, Mitchell Kaplan, Gilbert King, Campbell McGrath, Dantiel Montiz, Craig Pittman, Rebecca Renner, Diane Roberts, Karen Russell, Eve Samples (moderator), Les Standiford, Stephen Tremaine (moderator), Jeff VanderMeer (keynote speaker), Terry Allen (musical guest). Keys Weekly’s Britt Myers and Mandy Miles recently welcomed acclaimed author Carl Hiaasen to an episode of the Florida Keys Weekly Podcast. Hiaasen has a new book out and is a featured author at the Key West Literary Seminar. Scan the QR code to hear the podcast episode.

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Marching Conchs represent Keys in New Year parade

The Key West High School Marching Conchs perform Blondie’s hit “One Way Or Another” in London’s New Year’s Day Parade on Jan. 1, 2024. LNYDP’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

he Key West High School Marching Conchs represented the Keys in London’s New Year’s Day Parade on Jan. 1, 2024, when 800,000 people lined the streets and millions watched from home. “Very few bands in the U.S. get invited and this is a unique opportunity the band has been blessed with,” Em Pucuhuaranga, 16, a KWHS junior and one of the band’s drum majors, told Keys Weekly before the trip. The band performed classic pop songs for a worldwide audience during London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival, during which the average temperature was 54 degrees. “If those Key West people from the southern tip of the United States of America aren’t feeling cold today, we know it must be pretty good,” one of the parade’s hosts said, as the Marching Conchs began playing. “The crowd is keeping them warm.” Their prepared setlist included: Blondie’s “One Way or Another,” The Police’s “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic,” the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” and Elton John’s “Your Song.” Here’s how to watch the band’s New Year’s Day performance in London. • London’s New Year’s Day Parade’s YouTube channel. At about 30 minutes into the video, the band performs Blondie’s “One Way Or Another,” but the band also appears several times before that time stamp. • The Key West High School Band’s Facebook and Instagram pages have photos and videos of the London trip. Two student videographers traveled with the band, sponsored by supporter and resident Chris Sloan, who offered to pay their way so they could cover the London trip and compile footage for a

The Key West High School Band traveled to England for London’s New Year’s Parade held Jan. 1, 2024. KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL BAND/Contributed

Members of the Key West High School Marching Conchs traveled to London, England, to perform in London’s New Year’s Day Parade. They raised nearly $400,000 to pay their way there.

forthcoming documentary. An invitation to the London parade itself is an accomplishment, the band’s director Gary Hernandez said. “Bands are only chosen through a vetting process that includes recommendations by band directors and adjudicators who themselves have had their own groups participate in the parade,” Hernandez said. After receiving an invitation from parade organizers in April, the band went to work fundraising. The Monroe County School District doesn’t have money in the budget for this type of travel, so the band members and their families hit the streets holding fundraisers. On Nov. 1, the band announced they’d made their deadline, raising nearly $400,000 to make

the overseas trip for the legendary holiday event. To collect the money needed to travel to the 2024 London parade, though, Pucuhuaranga and her bandmates didn’t just sit around posting on Facebook expecting donations to roll in. Instead, the teens and their families held car washes and yard sales, ran concession stands at football games and performed in the streets outside businesses. Pucuhuaranga said she never lost faith that they’d make it to London. “No, because of this lovely community,” she said. “I knew they would help us pull it together. They all love the band.” On Oct. 26, as the final payment deadline for the trip loomed, the Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon announced it had made a $20,000 donation to push the band to the finish line. When the resort presented the check to band members at the high school, several parents were brought to tears by the final donation that granted their children “this incredible opportunity,” Isla Bella publicist Julia Kaufmann said. Pucuhuaranga found out the trip was a done deal on Oct. 29. They were performing at Bayview Park for Fantasy Fest’s Children’s Day event when word arrived. “The Jazz Band was fundraising, of course, for London and Hernandez announced that we had made our goal,” she said. “The whole band gasped.” Then, on Dec. 30, videos and photos on social media pages showed students sightseeing and performing in London. In one video, the band plays Key West’s alma mater and fight song.

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NEW YEAR & NEW LAWS IN FLORIDA ‘Move Over’ bolstered & financial disclosures for more elected officials

Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a tax relief bill in May. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE/Contributed

lorida rang in the new year with fireworks displays and celebrations from the Panhandle to the Southernmost City. The start of 2024 also brought new laws which took effect throughout the state. Bills passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis during the 2022-23 session expanded existing laws surrounding motor vehicle safety while creating new systems for law enforcement to better understand a person’s situation before meeting them at a call. Known as the Protect Our Loved Ones Act, the legislation gives local police the ability to develop and maintain a database of people who have developmental or psychological disabilities. Law enforcement agencies nationally and locally are using voluntary registry systems which give officers and deputies relevant information on individuals with disabilities such as down syndrome, autism or Alzheimer’s. Not only does it promote safety, but it also promotes community partnerships in responding to those with special needs. It’s something the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Key West Police Department have used working alongside families with autistic children. “I always tell families that our police officers should know your kids,” said Jill Campbell, founder of Autism Society of the Florida Keys. “We live in a small town. I always encourage families to reach out to police, especially if their kids are runners or are nonverbal or whatever the struggle might be.”

Per the bill, any adult with a disability or a legal guardian of a minor with a disability can voluntarily register with a law enforcement agency. Legislation expressly permits local law enforcement agencies to provide relevant information from the registry to an officer during duty. “It’s good for the community,” Campbell said in relation to a registry. “If a neighbor calls the police and says there’s a suspicious kid in the yard, once they type in the address of that neighbor, they know the kid who lives nearby and the disability. In two seconds they can figure it out and not come guns drawn.” A Move Over Law in the state requiring motorists to give first responders, tow trucks and municipal vehicles room was bolstered by the legislature effective Jan. 1. Drivers in the state must move from the lane closest to a disabled vehicle displaying hazard lights, emergency flares or signage. In cases where a vehicle can’t move to another lane, motorists must slow to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $158. “The roadside is a dangerous place for anyone, whether it’s a first responder or a daily commuter. We hope this enhancement to the current law will save lives by reminding drivers to give extra space when passing anyone on the roadside,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA. Another law taking effect in 2024 forced local elected officials, such as city commissioners and village council members, to

disclose their financial interests. Previously, the Florida Constitution required all elected constitutional officers, statewide elected officials, county commissioners and school board members to file to the Commission on Ethics a full and public disclosure of their financial interests when net worth, assets and liabilities exceed $1,000. Last session, the Florida legislature expanded the requirement to include elected officials in local town, village and city government. The new law stated that local elected officials had until Jan. 1 to fill and send the form to the Florida Commission on Ethics. Local elected officials across Florida resigned or quit due to the new financial disclosure law, including 15 from Pinellas County, according to Fox 13. State legislators also amended several statutes related to bail, pretrial detention and pretrial release which all took effect Jan. 1. Specifically, a judge may set, reduce or alter a defendant’s bail. The new law requires the Florida Supreme Court to adopt a uniform statewide bond schedule and provides circumstances in which a person may not be released before a first appearance hearing. A back-to-school sales tax holiday passed through the legislature and took effect at the start of the new year. The tax break on school supplies, clothing, footwear and computers and related accessories goes through Sunday, Jan. 14.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

PUBLIX BACKS SPECIAL OLYMPICS Torch Run donations accepted at all stores Jan. 12-21

WELCOME BACK, WOUNDED WARRIORS

Soldier Ride returns to the Keys Jan. 5-6

Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg promotes the Special Olympics Torch Run with local athletes at the Publix in Key Plaza. CONTRIBUTED

ublix, Procter & Gamble and Special Olympics have partnered for 44 years to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams. This signature event unites Publix associates, customers and local communities in an effort to support thousands of Special Olympics athletes and their families. From Jan. 12-21, Publix customers can help support their state athletes with a donation which can be made at the register during checkout for as little as $1 or a specific desired amount. “At Publix, our mission is to be involved as responsible citizens within our communities,” said Dwaine Stevens, Publix director of community relations. “Our support of Special Olympics began 44 years ago, recognizing their impact as a means to build strong communities then, and this legacy continues today as we are proud to be an employer of choice among more than 800 Special Olympics athletes across our seven-state operating area. We offer our athletes more than just a job; we offer a fulfilling career and an extension of family. We are proud to join our communities in doing good together.” All donations made at Publix Stores in Monroe County will directly benefit local athletes residing in Monroe.

Wounded veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan pedal across the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys during a previous Soldier Ride. The event is staged by the Wounded Warrior Project to provide inspiration and raise funds for injured comrades recovering in American military hospitals. ANDY NEWMAN/Florida Keys News Bureau

Monroe County Tax Collector Sam Steele and Jennifer Averette of Special Olympics at the Searstown Publix in Key West.

About Special Olympics Florida Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities. More information is at www.specialolympicsflorida.org. — Contributed

he Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride takes place Friday, Jan. 5, and Saturday, Jan. 6, in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Residents and visitors are encouraged to cheer on and support the warriors while they cycle through the Florida Keys or join them for the guided community ride on Saturday in Key West. “The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is an opportunity for those who honorably serve or have served our nation to build confidence and strength from wounds incurred in service,” said Monroe County Veterans Affairs Director Cathy Crane, who is also a coordinator of the event. “We enthusiastically welcome these warriors as they ride through the Florida Keys and hope our residents and visitors will cheer them on while they ride through our communities.” Motorists should take extra time to get to their destination during the ride times. U.S. 1 will remain open for the Soldier Ride, but motorists should be patient, use caution, and note that there may be rolling lane shifts in traffic.

Friday, Jan. 5 • 8:30 a.m. The ride will start at Key Largo VFW Post 10211 with a 9:30 a.m. water stop at Coral Shores High School in Tavernier, then stopping around 10:30 a.m. at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada before heading on the Marathon. • 1:30 p.m. The ride will head south from the Marathon fire station over the Seven Mile Bridge ending at Veterans Memorial Beach on the south end of the bridge around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 • 10:30 a.m. The ride departs the U.S. Naval Air Station Key West at Boca Chica Key to Bayview Park in Key West. • Noon: Welcome ceremony at Bayview Park. • 12:45 p.m. Community Ride from Bayview Park until 2 p.m. ends at Bayview Park. The public is invited to ride with the warriors to historic Key West military sites. Patriotic bike decorations are encouraged. Suggested donation: $20. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

CELEBRATING

MILES TO GO

The recent holiday week — an entire week off with our offices closed (thanks, bosses) — just confirmed, yet again, a hypothesis I’ve held for decades: I would be SUCH a good rich person. I don’t need to work. I wouldn’t be bored. I could fill my days just fine. I would. I know it. I wouldn’t be one of those “curse of the lottery” crazies who loses their mind and ends up on some reality show about how “the lottery ruined my life.” Trust me, I had plenty of time to consider the matter last week, during a perfect Christmas holiday with my parents at the Jersey Shore, and then back in Key West — while binging like millions of others over “The Curious Case of Natalia Grace.” (What a bizarre and twisted tale.) But back to my riches. I wouldn’t change my whole life; I love my life. I’d just make it more comfortable, but not just for me, for lots of people. I’d buy a house. I’d buy my parents a place in Key West and my brother a place wherever he wanted. I’d put all my bills on autopay — because I’d know there was finally enough money in the bank each month, at the same time, to cover them all. I’d charge all purchases to a credit card, rack up miles and rewards — AND pay the entire balance every month. I wouldn’t buy loads of ridiculous and depreciating cars. I wouldn’t own a superyacht. Sure, I’d charter one for a few weeks on the Amalfi coast, but OWNING one is just stupidly expensive. Same with a plane. I’d be just as happy with the ability to book a firstclass commercial ticket anytime I wanted, for travel anywhere. Above all, I’d be grateful. Not for the lavish stupidity I could surround myself with. But for the

drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. She’s married to a saintly — and handy — fisherman, and has been stringing words together in Key West since 1998.

genuine sense of comfort that comes with financial stability. It’s a lot easier to feel rich if you’ve been broke. And I’ve been broke. Never destitute, by any stretch. I grew up in the upper middle class with the world’s most normal, supportive and loving family. I’ve always had their protection as my forever safety net, my lifeline. But I’ve never gotten a trust fund allowance every month. (What’s THAT like?) We didn’t take European vacations every summer. I worked full time, every summer, from age 14 on. And when I moved to Key West at 22, I was making $19,000 a year at a full-time newspaper job. But I paid my own rent and my own bills. I wouldn’t have some gilded palace filled with staff, golden fixtures and marble statues. But I’d have a stunning backyard pool and a really, really good mattress. See? Nothing crazy. I would never buy $800 flip flops from Louis Vuitton. I’m still mad at them for refusing, 25 years ago, to give me one of their shopping bags to carry on Rodeo Drive. (I was planning to put the boots I’d bought at the top of the street — in the “nothing over $20 store” — in the LV bag, but they didn’t know that.) I wouldn’t spend more than $200 on a purse and I would still scorn anyone who spent thousands of dollars on some hot pink designer Balenciaga bag. I’ll never understand that. It’s a purse. It holds your phone, wallet and tampons. I wouldn’t suddenly grow fond of caviar and champagne. But I’d splurge on High Noons over White Claws, regardless of which was on sale. Oh, and I’d travel. Hell, yeah, I’d travel. Anywhere and everywhere. But not to the stupid celebrity, look-at-me places. I’d still use Uber. I would tip really, really well. And I’d have a hell of a good time. I just need the chance to prove it. Perhaps the local news industry isn’t the best proving ground, but we’ll see. Anything can happen.

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

RED BARN GALA, ‘LIFE’S A DRAG,’ SET FOR JAN. 14

Plus, ‘The Women of Country Music’ runs Jan. 17-20

FRINGE THEATER PRESENTS ‘FIVE LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE’ Comedy runs Jan. 10-20 at The Key West Armory

Drag queen QMitch will emcee the Red Barn’s annual gala ‘Life’s a Drag’ on Jan. 14 at the Oldest House Museum & Gardens. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

he statement, “Life’s a drag,” would be considered a bummer — anywhere other than Key West, where it’s simply life as usual. The drag shows that line Duval Street provide some of Key West’s most popular entertainment. The drag queens and kings who perform nightly are the heart and soul of the tiny island, whether entertaining, supporting community projects or appearing at charitable events. The Red Barn Theatre will embrace and honor this entertainment by selecting “Life’s A Drag!” as the theme for its annual fundraiser this year. The Barn’s party will take place on Sunday, Jan. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Tickets are $150 and include food, drink and entertainment. The always-popular QMitch will emcee a drag show produced by Elle Taylor and featuring performances by Epiphany, Jessica Deveraux, Queen Mother and Elle, and there are hints that a special star performer is also dropping in. There will be an open bar, a huge buffet catered by Destination Catering, a wine tasting provided by Breakthru Beverage, and a silent auction put together by Susie’s Estate Sales. The world-famous Bourbon Street Pub Red Shoe from the New Year’s celebration will also be there, and guests of the gala will have the opportunity to have their picture taken in the shoe.

The cast of ‘Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche’ includes, from left, Caroline Taylor, Diane May, Jessica Newman, Samantha Laskey and Donna Stabile. The show runs Jan. 10-20 at the Key West Armory. CONTRIBUTED

Singer Christine Mild returns Jan. 17-20 to perform ‘This One’s for the Girls: The Women of Country Music.’ CONTRIBUTED

Attendees are encouraged to display their best costuming in line with the theme. Up next: ‘This One’s for the Girls’ Popular vocalist Christine Mild returns to the Red Barn Jan. 17-20 to perform her new show, “This One’s for the Girls: The Women of Country Music.” Known for her interpretation of Patsy Cline, Mild delivers the hits of the most iconic female singers in the history of country music. She’ll be accompanied by pianist/arranger Jim Rice, bassist Gary Rivenson and drummer Gary McDonald. Tickets are available at redbarntheatre.com, the box office at 319 Duval St. or by calling 305296-9911. — Contributed

ringe Theater kicks off 2024 with a bang — and the over-the-top antics of “Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche,” a play by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood. The absurd comedy runs Jan. 10-20 at the Key West Armory, 600 White St. “We wanted to begin 2024 with something upbeat and unexpected. When audience members check in, they’ll become a part of the storyline and a part of the fun,” said Fringe’s managing artistic director, Rebecca Tomlinson. It is 1956 on the morning of the Annual Quiche Breakfast held by the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein. But the day will not go according to plan.

“Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche,” winner of the 2012 NYC International Fringe Festival, is directed by Glenda Donovan and stars Caroline Taylor, Diane May, Jessica Newman, Samantha Laskey and Donna Stabile. Fringe’s scenic design team includes Don Lynch, Kendall Cameron, Aramis Ikatu and Rebecca Tomlinson. Art direction and stage management is by Jim Argoudelis and Fringe’s construction crew includes Charlie Bengel, Jerry Caputo, Ray West and Jim Beyl. The show runs 70 minutes without intermission. Tickets are available at keystix.com or by calling 305-295-7676. Seating is limited. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

DRAG QUEEN DROPS INTO 2024

ew Year’s Eve revelers in Key West marked 2024’s arrival by watching the “drop” of a super-sized red highheel shoe carrying female impersonator Christopher Peterson -- the shoe’s new “passenger” who succeeded drag queen Sushi, a veteran of 25 previous drops. Thousands of people gathered outside the Bourbon Street Pub complex for the island city’s lighthearted take on New York City’s ball drop in Times Square. Peterson is renowned for his longstanding one-man cabaret show, in which he portrays Marilyn Monroe, Cher, Joan Rivers and Lady Gaga.

Another only-in-Key-West spectacle unfolds on New Year’s Eve. Female impersonator Christopher Peterson drops into 2024 at the stroke of midnight, riding in the giant high-heeled shoe to the crowd below. Prior to the countdown, Bourbon Street Pub hosted a stellar lineup of performers on one of the biggest parties of the year. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

CHRISTOPHER PETERSON FILLS THE SHOE VACATED BY SUSHI AFTER 25 YEARS

Dressed in a self-designed gown, he presided over the night’s festivities and entertainment — all while perched in the giant ruby slipper, suspended high above the crowd from the complex’s second-story balcony, and appearing regularly on CNN’s New Year’s Eve broadcast. Key West businesses also hosted several other “drops,” including that of a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys; and a “pirate wench” who descended from atop a tall ship’s mast at Schooner Wharf Bar. Activities elsewhere in the Keys included waterfront fireworks, beach parties and galas to greet 2024. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

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Matt Pitcher says he was blowing through about $25,000 a week while posing as a wealthy businessman. “I was happy to spend the FBI's money,” he jokes. He spent every day including holidays and Christmas with the man to the far right, known as “Sam” in the “Politically Incorrect” podcast. Sam was connected to the Greek mob who controlled all the bars and nightclubs in Charlotte and he had to be paid off before anyone could open a new establishment. The girls hung around in exchange for free drugs, drinks and small amounts of cash. CONTRIBUTED

JASON KOLER jason@keysweekly.com

‘NO MAN … I AM NOT A COP’ Former MCSO detective opens up about undercover work att Pitcher made countless deals for small amounts of cocaine in places like Jack-in-the-Box and Burger King, so he was eager to have dinner with a friendly stripper at an upscale restaurant to learn how he could access larger, more profitable amounts

of drugs. He preferred the “dinner and drinks” method of scoring narcotics to other practices like following a heroin dealer on a goose chase around Charlotte or the nerve-wracking street exchanges for crack. And he now professes that while prowling concert parking lots for vans full of psychedelic mushrooms or large quantities of LSD was just as much fun as checking the clubs for ecstasy, he was partial to the low-key exchanges where the chances of getting robbed, “made,” or killed were slim. “I have bought nearly every single drug you can buy,” he chuckled matter-of-factly from his home in Marathon. A former youth minister, college football player and failed actor, Pitcher spent a decade working street crimes, narcotics and vice for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). His affable nature and thespian training would later take him deep undercover on two major cases that are now the subject of a popular podcast and will soon be featured on an upcoming episode of A&E’s “Undercover: Caught on Tape.” “Politically Incorrect” is Pitcher’s first installment on the “Small Town Dicks” podcast and covers a year-long undercover operation that follows him posing as a wealthy businessman looking to enter the drug trade – only to be led directly to the mayor’s office.

The show was so popular the producers brought Pitcher back to discuss his infiltration of an eco-terrorist group determined to blow up the 2012 Democratic National Convention. A third pod was released just a couple months ago and delves into Pitcher’s investigation of a gruesome 2018 rape and murder of a Marathon prostitute whose body was found near Vaca Cut – the perpetrator of which received the death penalty earlier this year. Pitcher admits he was hesitant when producers for “Small Town Dicks” reached out and asked him to share a story of how a drug deal evolved into a high-level political corruption case complete with organized crime syndicates, celebrities and a six-figure expense account funded by the FBI. “For years I didn’t share those stories with anyone except my wife,” he said. Today he credits a medically-forced retirement and the podcasts for helping him deal with the PTSD resulting from his time in law enforcement. Most of the time his laughs are easy and his jokes are relentless, but his face can lose color quickly and his words are chosen more carefully when

describing some of the horrific scenes from his career with the CMPD and eventually the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. He’s dealt with it all, from rapes, murders, beatings, shoot-outs and executions to outright torture and human trafficking. Pitcher relocated to Marathon from Charlotte in 2015. “I left because if I stayed in Charlotte I would be in danger,” he said. “They did not want me there.” “They” included members of international crime organizations and high-ranking members of the CMPD who were “on the take” with any number of the criminal factions operating in Charlotte. Pitcher knew it was time to leave. The years of working street crimes undercover had taken a toll on not only his wife and young son, but on his psyche. Assigned to one of the most crimeridden districts in the Charlotte-metro area, his first few years of police work revolved around chasing street-level drug dealers by car, bike or foot and he found himself scuffling with perpetrators on a daily basis. “I was literally fighting crime with my bare hands,” he said. “Basically every single night you were in foot chases and regularly in fights. Tons of murders there all the time. Shootings all the time – more times than I care to know.” A standout defensive back in high school who earned a spot on Wingate University’s football roster, he employed his speed and tackling tactics in his police work, and his foot chase success rate earned him the nickname “The Running Man.” But his most valuable skill set, and one that saved his life on more than one occasion, was his ability to gain a person’s trust.

Mugshot of Matt “Pence,” who spent a year with extremists plotting to blow-up the Democratic National convention in Charlotte. His main contact “Billy,” became his mentor and showed him how to make bombs, handle a firearm and professed an extreme hatred of police. According to Matt, “Billy is doing great.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

ENTER ARTWORK NOW FOR JURIED EXHIBITION

Key West Museum of Art & History presents ‘Shadow & Light’ show

Matt “Pence” pictured with the eco-terrorist group about an hour before his planned arrest for burglarizing the Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte. The extremists were well-funded, but preferred to live in squalor. Pitcher says he didn’t wash for an entire month while working the case. His cover was blown after the case, but he doesn’t fear retaliation from the group.

The street-level drug-dealersturned-informants would share tons of info – same for the honest old ladies Listen to Matt’s cases on the stoops of the ghetto. He could Small Town Dicks (wherever you get your podmake a serial-killing rapist apologize casts) for wasting his time and could get anyone from politicians, drug dealers, “Politically Incorrect” strippers, terrorists and mob bosses 05/31/2022 and various other unhinged individu“Deep Cover” als to develop a quick affinity for his 12/16/2022 company. “Charlie Bear” Growing up in Pennsylvania, 11/10/2023 Pitcher’s childhood helped mold him into a genuinely relatable person. Have a question for Matt? Battling a learning disability and He will be featured on a bullies in elementary school and special edition of the Keys working as a youth minister on sumWeekly podcast coming this mer breaks from college gave Pitcher February. Send your questions to jason@ a unique perspective. He developed keysweekly.com and put “Una real bond with the community he dercover” in the subject line. served – specifically “David 3,” or the ghetto to which he was assigned. On any given day or night, Pitcher could be involved in a gang shootout or shoot the breeze with the old ladies who hung out on the stoops of the projects. “I really miss the projects,” he said. “Those ladies told the truth and had the best stories. It was generally just a great time and I enjoyed it.” In regard to the street-level dealers, “they are trying to make a buck, whether it’s legal or not,” he added. “You have to look at it from their side. It was never personal. I have a job to do and I am going to do mine. You have yours. As long as you don’t try to kill me or anything like that, no harm, no foul.” And even though he spent the better part of 15 years working heinous crimes, chasing some depraved criminals in the most deplorable settings, Pitcher never once used his service pistol. “I am actually very thankful I never had to use my weapon,” he said. While his hands are visibly broken from the fights and certain songs take him immediately back to the clubs or streets, Pitcher is now enjoying the later part of his life where he can celebrate his teenage son’s accomplishments and be home every night to enjoy dinner with Reeta, his wife of nearly 20 years. “During that time, we had completely different lives,” he said of his years undercover. “We had very little communication and she learned to live without me. She was a rockstar who kept the family together.”

The Key West Art & Historical Society invites Florida Keys artists to apply for its juried exhibition, ‘Shadow & Light.’ Art applications can be found at kwahs.org/ exhibits. Entries close Jan. 22, with the exhibition slated to open on Feb. 23. CONTRIBUTED

he Key West Art & Historical Society announces a call for entries for its new juried exhibit, which opens Feb. 23 at the Key West Museum of Art & History. “Shadow & Light” is open to all artists living and creating in the Florida Keys. The new exhibit encourages artists to immerse themselves in the outdoors, where natural light interacts with everyday objects, and turn those observations into visual expressions that evoke contemplation, wonder and introspection. Juried by KWAHS curator Cori Convertito, Martha Resk from the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, Emma Starr of The Armory Studios, and Elena Devers of The Studios of Key West, the submission platform opened Dec. 1 and closes Jan. 22. An opening reception for the artists and public will take place Feb. 23. The show runs through April 16. The society’s goal with this exhibit is to invite artists to create artwork that expresses ideas about the natural world and to venture into the intricate interplay between the elemental forces of nature and the ever-changing light of the Florida Keys. The museum is seeking submissions of original artwork that captures the essence of “Shadow & Light” in the broadest sense that include a range of medi-

ums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, encaustic, pencil, sculpture and mixed media. “In art, shadow and light are fundamental to expressing threedimensional form. When applied the correct way, shadow and light effects make a powerful storytelling tool,” Convertito said. “We seek artwork that represents the dynamics between these two simple, yet powerful, components. The exhibit is open to all visual artists throughout the Florida Keys working in any fine art or fine craft medium or technique, in two or three dimensions, representational, abstract, or non-representational.” The submission fee for artists is $25, which will offset the cost of the opening reception. Only one submission is allowed per artist. All mediums and themes will be considered but work must have been completed within the last three years and cannot have been displayed previously at the museum. Artist notification is Feb. 9 with delivery dates Feb. 13-15. Society policies strictly prohibit the sale of any artwork during the exhibit. Visit kwahs.org/shadow-light for entry details and to submit your work. For more information, contact Convertito at 305-295-6616 x507 or cconvertito@kwahs.org. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

T IBETAN BUDDHIS T MONK S BACK IN KE Y WE S T

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

Sacred Arts Tour is on through Jan. 6

group of Tibetan Buddhist monks arrived in Key West just before New Year’s Day to spread a message of peace – and create an intricately detailed, spiritual work of art from millions of grains of sand. And after a painstaking week’s worth of work on the sand mandala, they will sweep it up, like dust from a living room floor, and toss it into the ocean. This ancient ritual is a sacred lesson from Buddhism. “It’s about impermanence,” said Lucy Paige, a Keys artist and member of the Tara Mandala Key West Buddhist Sangha, which organizes the monks’ visit and public events. “You create something and then let it go. It’s OK. We have to learn that life lesson to let things go.” The sand mandala is under construction this week at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 410 Duval St., where the monks are living this week. The church serves as the monks’ home base and is open to the public during the day to watch the Drepung Gomang monks place fine grains of colorful sands into a design while seated on the church floor near the altar. It’s just one part of the week-long monks’ Sacred Arts Tour, which last visited Key West in January 2020. The monks are holding workshops, giving daily dharma talks and blessings, and hosting events that include traditional chants and rituals, like the Snow Lion Dance which features traditional costumes. They’re holding a daily market at St. Paul’s where they sell handmade items, such as shawls and Tibetan singing bowls. While most events are free, the monks accept donations which go to support their monastery and pay for materials used in workshops in Key West, such as teaching the sand mandala process. The monks are from a monastery in India, where 2,000 monks live in exile. “They’re refugee monks; they’re not allowed to live in Tibet,” Paige said. Over the last several years, different monks from that community have toured the U.S., with stops in Key West. The group currently in Key West will next head to St. Petersburg, Florida. This is the Drepung Gomang monks’ fourth time in Key West. “It’s always exciting to have them visit our community,” said Janet Loveland, another Tara Mandala member who has been photographing the monks’ visit. “After the semi-seclusion of the pandemic years, the event seems even more special. Their happiness, joy and sincere commitment toward world peace is inspiring. It’s a joy to be in their presence – always smiling.” St. Paul’s is open daily through Saturday Jan. 6, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., for the public to view the sand mandala, and the monks’ market is open daily.

The Drepung Gomang monks’ Sacred Arts Tour returned to Key West on Dec. 31, 2023, for a week-long festival which runs through Saturday, Jan. 6. JANET LOVELAND/contributed

Tibetan monks work on an intricate sand mandala, made from colorful fine sands, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 410 Duval St.

One of the Drepung Gomang monks visiting Key West takes part in a traditional ritual during a public event at St. Paul’s Church.

Highlights of the week’s events include: • Thursday, Jan. 4, St. Paul’s Church Noon-1:30 p.m., Organ Concert/Sacred Sounds of the Monks. Free to Public • Friday, Jan. 5, St. Paul’s Church 4:30-6 p.m. Tibetan Cultural Event Featuring the Snow Lion Dance, Yak Dance and Good Luck Dance with traditional chants, featuring Tibetan sounds and traditional costumes. Free to the public. • Saturday, Jan. 6 at the St. Paul’s Church Sanctuary 2-3 p.m. Closing Ceremonies and Dissolution of Sand Mandala of World Peace will start at St. Paul’s Church. The completed sand mandala will be swept up into a pile, symbolizing that life is transient and impermanent. There will be a procession to Simonton Street Beach to drop the sand into the ocean, to go to the far parts of the world. Then the monks will give their final blessings. “We’re really happy to be able to practice interreligious hospitality live and in real time,” said the Rev. Donna Mote, the rector of St. Paul’s since 2021. “It’s a peaceful and powerful thing to see them and make the symbolic gesture and bow, just connect with them in that way.”

Most of the monks visiting don’t speak English, but Mote said that doesn’t stop them from communicating with locals who don’t speak Mandarin or Tibetan languages. “That underscores that most of human communication is non-verbal,” Mote said. “You can get a long way on smiles.” Watching the monks work on the sand mandala is a meditation, Mote said. “Work is prayer and prayer is work,” Mote said, of the ritual. “We need to interact with people from other traditions. Interacting with Buddhists makes me a better Christian. It’s mutually beneficial.” “We’re the perfect Christians to host Tibetan Buddhists,” said Mote, who has a doctorate from Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion. “We’re all about the incense and the bells, the altars.” Mote said the monks may draw in people who have no interest in church or organized religion, and they are just as welcome as devout Christians. “There are people who avoid Christian places for a lot of good reasons,” Mote said. “It’s not incumbent to believe the stuff we believe. We’re happy to share. It’s not our clubhouse, it’s a community asset.”

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024 A Bonaparte’s gull seen recently off Key West. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

y friends Matt and Tara were in town, and we’d been out on the boat most of the afternoon. I’d talked them into a little bit of an expedition partly because I wanted to show them some of the MARK backcountry, and partly because my dog, June, who HEDDEN is not a brave dog, had never ... is a photograbeen out on the boat, and pher, writer, and semi-professional she really likes Matt and birdwatcher. He Tara. I thought maybe she’d has lived in Key be a little more adventurous West for more with people she liked. than 25 years and Sure, June had gone into may no longer non-violent resistance mode be employable in the real world. He at the dock and I’d had to is also executive carry her onto the boat like a director of the 65-pound sack of potatoes. Florida Keys AuduBut once we headed out, she bon Society. slowly started to get comfortable. On the way back, after we ran through Fleming Key Cut, passed the big hangar on Sigsbee, and began to putter through the no wake zone, she even stood with her front paws up on the bow, like a real boat dog. (I was so proud.) We didn’t see the gulls until we were halfway back to the entrance of Garrison Bight. The first word that came to mind when we saw them was “dainty” — not an adjective usually applied to the genus. Gulls are some of the best fliers out there. They wheel and glide across the sky with the greatest of ease. They can drop in on unsuspecting people and steal their French fries or ice cream cones with a stealthy alacrity rarely seen in the natural world. Arguably they should be considered graceful, but grace to me requires a little showmanship, a little elan, and gulls are generally a little too git-r-dun for that, a little too function-over-form. They make it look so effortless you kind of can’t even appreciate it. Their fondness for garbage doesn’t help, though it does show how adaptable they are. Except for these gulls. They were looping around low on the water, landing softly without the hint of a splash, bobbing for a moment, taking off again, then looping around in an unhurried, close-cropped circle before splashing again. They were mostly white, except for the bill and the large, boldface, large-dot periods behind each eye, looking almost like a second eye on each side of their head. Gulls are notoriously difficult to identify. This is partly because there are so many similar-looking species, with some even hybridizing, straining the notion of biological species. Also, they take three to four years to reach adulthood, leading to many different plumage patterns.

BONAPARTE’S GULLS, LAUGHING GULLS AND OVERALL GULL ABILITY These two particular gulls were easy, though. There are three species of small gulls in North America which, in winter plumage, have black spot-like shapes on the sides of their head, but only on Bonaparte’s gulls are they so clearly defined. The species is also the only one of the three that gets spotted in Key West every couple of winters. When we saw them I throttled the boat to a drift, grabbed my camera from the dry bag and started to take pictures. Bonaparte’s gulls are, at least for the time being, named after Charles Lucien Bonaparte, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, who had to live in exile from France after the emperor’s defeat at Waterloo, something that would later inspire at least one great ABBA song. Charles only lived in the United States for about nine years and wasn’t much of a field guy, but was a whiz at avian nomenclature and classification. The species is one of the gull species we know the least about, largely because they breed in the remote boggy spaces of Canada and Alaska that are not easily accessible to humans. They are the third smallest gull species in the world and the only gull species that almost always nests in trees, either as single pairs or in very small colonies. They also almost always eschew garbage dumps and parking lots. I’ve known Tara for close to 30 years now, and Matt since our freshman year of high school, where, as I recall, we had at least one science class together, in which neither of us particularly distinguished ourselves, largely because neither of us was particularly interested. Which is kind of funny, because Matt wrestles largely technical projects for a living and has become a pretty serious home brewer, which requires a lot of chemistry knowledge. And I’ve

become a pretty serious birdwatcher, which requires a somewhat solid grasp of a lot of biological concepts. I suppose it comes down to finding the right motivation. For years Matt has been brewing beers with names like “Boozy Bourbon Ale” and “Discernibly Turbid,” flavoring them with things like spruce sprigs and Jolly Ranchers, entering contests (where he does quite well) and serving them to friends under the moniker of Laughing Gull Brewing. And for nearly as many years I’ve been trying to get him to change the moniker because, well, laughing gulls are kind of a**holes. (I’d describe them as louche, but their disreputability far outpaces their rakish appeal.) I was trying to make the case again that laughing gulls were an unworthy namesake for his damn fine beers while I was taking pictures and generally marveling at the Bonaparte’s gulls, when both Tara and Matt pointed out that we were drifting across the channel into the path of some slowly oncoming boats. And perhaps I should be paying a little more attention to the whole steering thing. Which kind of threw a big cold bucket on my argument. At least for the moment. We headed back to the dock after that. I got a text the next day from my friend Ellen Westbrook, telling me she’d seen two Bonaparte’s gulls flying around the moat at Fort Zach, and I figured it was the same birds we saw. Except when I took the boat out again that afternoon, the two Bonaparte’s gulls that I saw were bobbing in the water of Garrison Bight. So if you’re inclined to go looking, there’s a chance that the Bonapartes are still around. If you do see them, and if you happen to run into my friend Matt afterward, maybe extol their superiority to the stupid laughing gull.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

DO THE DAMN THING Happy New Year to all of my dear readers. is an astrologer, wanderer, barWhile our tender and year ended on advocate for a reflective, queer justice. He and perhaps is a loquacious regressive, Gemini with a cozy Cancer note, we were rising. Find him at all given a light hearthandheraldkick in the astrology.com pants when Mercury stationed direct on New Year’s Day. Mercury is slowly getting its groove on in the sign of Sagittarius, so it’s high time to put into action all the ideas you’ve conjured in your daydreams. It’s time to let our minds be led by inspiration rather than logic to show us where the fire burns. Today, Mars enters the sign of Capricorn, where he is treated as a highly-esteemed guest. This is a perfect transit for all of us who are ready to do the thing this new year — start a workout routine, air your grievances, set a goal and start moving in that direction. With Mars in Capricorn for the next month and a half, the barriers and frustrations that can promote inaction will fall to the wayside. This New Year starts with a real hop-to-it, put-yourbest-foot-forward, laziness-bedamned energy, so brush the holiday dust off and get moving. Here are your horoscopes for Mars entering Capricorn. Read for your rising and sun signs.

CHRIS McNULTY

CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 While you may have been feeling a reflective hemming and hawing the past few weeks that reached a crescendo over New Year’s, now the fire in your belly is getting plenty of oxygen. You are the center of the action right now, Capricorn, so grab that baton and get running. Take the bull by the horn and make the brash decisions. Be mindful about the

ease into anger you might feel right now, but otherwise take the lead with your physicality and your charisma. AQUARIUS Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Your boost of energy is not so much “out there” as it is “in here.” It is the perfect time to dive headfirst into your introspection with verve. Mars is all about action, so how can you make your inner journey move? You can move pen on paper, you can move your body intentionally, you can move brush on canvas, you can move your sanctuary around. Use your alone time to get real active. PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 You are sparking this year off with a blast of sociability. Parties, get-togethers, socials, meetings, Zoom calls – get ready to hop around the gathering spaces for a while. In order to really use this time productively, talk about your goals and spy the people who want to help you achieve them. Use their energy to move you forward. ARIES March 21 - April 19 Since you are a Mars-ruled sign, Mars gaining dignity is especially powerful for you. You should be feeling a radical boost of fire in your soul. Particularly, you are receiving a gift of courage and action at work and in your publicfacing persona. You are a proud and confident warrior, getting things done with the speed of striking a match. Take the lead in a very overt manner. TAURUS April 20 - May 20 Choose your own adventure, Taurus. Mars is activating your house of advanced learning and foreign lands, and it’s time for you

to take off on the grand new thing you’ve been waiting on. If your familiar world is feeling a little too humdrum, take the hint and buy the ticket. Another iteration of this transit is a foray into a deep study of religion or spirituality. The overall message here: leap into something new without wringing your hands. GEMINI May 21 - June 21 You gotta know when to hold ’em and so forth, but right now it’s definitely time to go all in. Invest in people, projects, or stocks because the return is hot. Don’t just go around throwing your money or energy into things willy-nilly, however, because the return will come if the project is something that stirs your interest. Listen to the fire in your belly and it will tell you where to drop your chips. CANCER June 22 - July 22 Your partner is going to start your engine, Cancer. Ideally, they inspire you to get on your feet and chase your dreams. However, there’s a chance that the combustion you’ll experience is conflict. But, if you can listen to their messages with compassionate ears, you can use this energy productively. Let your partner carry the torch and light your candle from it. LEO July 23 - Aug. 22 The beginning of this new year is the time for you to get really busy changing up your old routines or starting up brand new ones. How are you going to maintain your mental and physical health? What do you need to sacrifice to achieve your goals? You know the answers to these questions, so get started because this is the best time to charge forward.

VIRGO Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 Express yourself, don’t repress yourself. For the next month and a half, you will feel your creative juices flowing and your expressive fires burning. If you’re a musician or an artist, you’re stepping into a highly creative period. If you’re not a creator by trade, it is high time to discover your medium. Let this be your miracle month and see what you produce. LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Get ready for your homestead to be a place of high activity. Your family or housemates might rile you up, you might start renovating or moving furniture around, or you may discover some new activity regarding your parents. Throw yourself into these activities because you will only discover more energy by accepting the flow than fighting it. SCORPIO Oct. 24 - Nov. 21 I hope you’re drinking plenty of water because you’re going to be using your voice aplenty in the coming weeks. There’s going to be a lot of talking, a lot of typing, a lot of communicating at a record pace. Pick up the pace, but don’t get winded. Just because someone reaches out doesn’t mean they need an instant response. SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 Get ready for the money to start flowing. Whether it flows out or flows in is up to you. Either income is coming your way or you will spend a lot and surround yourself with shiny, new things. Neither option is good or bad, but be sure to direct your financial movement in a way that serves you and your well-being most directly. Abundance comes in many forms, and abundance is the goal.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

BENEFITTING SMILE MAKERS DENTAL FUND

First Fridays on Fleming Fle

Ann h t 0 2 u e

ming s

t, key w

est

Join us for First Fridays on Fleming! A monthly 'shop local' evening stroll along historic Fleming Street on the 1st Friday of every month from 6-9pm.

JAN 5th • FEB 2nd • MAR 1st • APR 5th • MAY 3rd / 2024 Enjoy special events, trunk shows, book signings, art openings, libations & more at Fleming Street’s favorite locally-owned businesses. From the Fab 500 Block to Grinnell Street!

JANUARY 21 2024

KEY WEST GOLF CLUB

For more details visit: fabflemingkw.com / @fabfleming_kw

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AVAILABLE IN KEY WEST AVOID THE LONG DRIVE TO MIAMI AND HAVE ALL YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS MET RIGHT HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS. Dr. Christina Smith DDS is now accepting new patients and is thrilled to be part of the 7-time Bubba Award-winning Doc Guzman’s office.

2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West 305.294.9914 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen’s Assoc.

Jan. 13

11 am 7 pm

& 14

11 am 5 pm

Amazing Seafood, Live Music All Day, Vendors, Kid’s Stuff, Beer & Wine, Fundraiser

Bayview Park, Key West www.FloridaKeysSeafoodFestival.com

SAME OR NEXT DAY PRIMARY CARE APPOINTMENTS AND WALK-INS

To make an appointment visit MSMC.COM or call 305.674.CARE

FRESH AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE

MARC is once again overwhelmed by the generosity and support of this incredible community for our annual Tabletop Christmas tree and wreath auction presented by First Horizon Foundation and our annual Christmas tree lot.

WE WISH YOU ALL A PROSPEROUS 2024 Raul Caner, MD

Kellee Reed, DO, FACOEP, FACEP

& LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE PLANT STORE AND UPPER KEYS BAZAAR!

Christina Kemp Sawyer, MD

2505 Flagler Ave. Key West, FL 33040 3720 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

Key West

1401 Seminary Street Key West, 305.296.9556 info@marchouse.org www.marchouse.org

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 TH 2024 Higgs Beach, Key West

SUPPORT THE KWHS’S TRACK & FIELD TEAM

SPECTATORS CAN WATCH OLYMPIC CALIBER ATHLETES AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONS COMPETE ALONGSIDE AMATEURS FROM 12 TO 80 YEARS OLD. Athletes expected to compete include KAT STEFANIDI, a 2016 Olympic gold medalist and 2017 world champion; TRAY OATES, first alternate for the 2016 Olympic team; ANICKA NEWELL, a 2016 and 2020 Canadian Olympian and 2018 Canadian national champion; and SCOTT HOUSTON, the 2019 U.S. national indoor champion.

FIRST FLIGHTS ARE AT 9 AM AND OPENING CEREMONIES AT 11 AM

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING

FRENCH CARIBBEAN 20% OFF FOR LOCALS DAILY 5-6:30PM WITH LOCAL ID

BOOK THROUGH OPENTABLE, YELP OR CALL 305.294.0230 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 5-10PM

1029 SOUTHARD (CORNER OF FRANCES) | WWW.CAFESOLE.COM

WHEN LOCAL BUSINESSES ADVERTISE THEY WORK WITH LOCAL FACES

Upper Keys Weekly JILL MIRANDA BAKER 305.304.0052

Marathon Weekly PATTI CHILDRESS 305.731.9628

TAKE ME HOME? FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

he Keys Weekly family loves animals as much as our friends at the Florida Keys SPCA do, and we’re honored each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for adoption at the organization’s Key West campus. From cats and dogs to Guinea

pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people. The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC. Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Key West Weekly STEPHANIE MITCHELL 305.304.5778

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LOCAL MEDIA

FRESH NEW MENU SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER

Kashi is an almost-9-year-old fabulous feline. As if being naturally glam wasn’t enough, this girl is also one of the friendliest and sweetest cats at our Key West campus. This girl has it all — and she’s willing to share.

At 53 pounds, Tater is certainly bigger than a small fry. This 4-year-old boy is looking to be your everything — no matter which tuber you name him after, though he told us he’s partial to sunchoke.

Babs the Bunny is still at our Key West campus. She’s had it up to here with mahjong and has turned to sudoku to pass the time while she eagerly awaits a home of her own.

WHERE DUVAL MEETS THE ATLANTIC! 1405 Duval Street, Key West | 305.295.6550 southernmostbeachresort.com | #somolife

Bryce is a 5-month-old kitten looking for her forever home. When she’s not busy playing or snuggling, Bryce keeps herself busy studying astrophysics and engaging the other kittens in heated debates regarding the presence of aliens.

Meko is a 7-month-old kitten who is secure enough in herself to celebrate her adorable white mustache. She’s young, beautiful and the only thing she’s missing is a home.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN JOIN A 1-HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

MARITIME WARES TO ‘ANCHOR’ BIG PINE NAUTICAL EXPO JAN. 13-14 Weekend marketplace combines more than 100 vendors

For the final cleanup of 2023 the Ploggers met at the corner of White and Eaton streets. In one hour, 45 volunteers collected 301 pounds of trash, 36 pounds of recycling and two gallons of cigarette butts. The city of Key West and Keep Key West Beautiful would like to thank every volunteer and business host that made this possible in 2023. We look forward to carrying this project on for years to come. We hope the collection numbers go down, not because we are not going out and doing our cleanups, but because people will be more responsible and dispose of trash properly. CONTRIBUTED

ne hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island. Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers. A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean. The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management

Volunteers Butts Trash Recycling

trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way. Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference. It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help. — Contributed

2023

2022

1,765 171 gallons 9,242 lbs 1,097 lbs

1,014 97.5 gallons 6,321 lbs 638 lbs

All manner of marine gear will be on display at the Nautical Expo next weekend. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed

oaters, anglers, divers, snorkelers, kayakers, paddleboarders and others who enjoy the Florida Keys marine environment can find gear for their on-the-water adventures Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 13-14, at the Big Pine & Lower Keys Nautical Expo. Now in its 20th year, the maritime marketplace will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, MM 31 oceanside on Big Pine Key. Visitors can browse merchandise including boating supplies, dive and snorkel equipment, a wide variety of fishing gear, paddling paraphernalia and other nautical wares from more than 100 vendors.

Attendees also can find items to enhance a coastal lifestyle, including “salty” home and office décor, colorful island-style clothing, jewelry and other items created by Keys artisans. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Live music will be provided by local and regional entertainers. Florida Keys nonprofit organizations will have a presence as well, sharing displays with visitors. Proceeds from the Nautical Expo will benefit the programs of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. More information is at lowerkeyschamber.com/ chamber-events/ or 305872-2411. — Contributed

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

MORE HISTORY TO EXPLORE IN 2024 Introducing a new book, podcast and museum “Florida Keys Spectacular” podcast debuts Thursday, Jan. 4. CONTRIBUTED

eading this, you didn’t see the small smile that turned up the corners of my mouth as I FLORIDA wrote it. Mostly, KEYS I’m smiling beHISTORY cause of what WITH I see materialBRAD izing just down BERTELLI the road. 2024 has spectacular An author, speaker, Florida things in store; Keys historian hard work pays and Honorary off; I love what Conch. His latest I do. book, “Florida The new Keys History with Brad Bertelli, year will see Volume 1,” shares Volume 3 of the fascinating “Florida Keys glimpses into History with the rich and Brad Bertelli” sometimes surprising book series histories of the venture out Florida Keys. from my computer screen and onto a bookshelf near you. One of the stories, “A Conch Tale,” is a particular favorite. Only in the Florida Keys can you tell a story about fritters, a culture and the creation of a brand new micronation, if not an alternative state of mind, and relate it to Strombus gigas, the elegantly housed queen conch. The new year will also reveal two new and exciting platforms showcasing local history. One will be an increased presence at Robbie’s of Islamorada. Over the last

two months, I have been spending every Thursday sitting between two 18th-century cannons and chatting about history with whoever stops by to join me. In the not-too-distant future, those hours will expand. I stare at a small, empty, halfbuilt structure at Robbie’s every time I tend the bar out at the property’s little beach. I pitched an idea about how to use the structure, and now, before too long, it will have some finishing work done to it. When it does, and I have had a little time to play curator with the space, I will create one of the smallest museums in Florida — and certainly the smallest museum in the Keys. Though the space occupies a modest footprint, big stories will be shared — and it won’t be just one story told over and over, but a series of rotating exhibits exploring a vast array of local history to keep the space fresh for everyone (including me). More immediately, I am now co-hosting a new podcast dedicated to the Florida Keys and its tremendous history. It launches Thursday, Jan. 4. My partner on this venture is Cathy Salustri, an author, speaker, owner of the Gulfport newspaper The Gabber, and host of the podcast “The Florida Spectacular” — which happens to be the title of her forthcoming book from the University Press of Florida. We met years ago when I was still curating the Keys History & Discovery Center in Islamorada. While I rarely leave the island

chain, Cathy and her husband, Barry, travel down with their small pack of dogs twice a year — hopefully. When they visited over Thanksgiving, Barry and she did a little backwater fishing (where she caught her first bonefish) with Capt. Rich Hastings. Hastings operates out of the marina at Robbie’s, and after the morning’s fishing, Cathy sat down with me during my office hours, which are held about 30 feet from Rich’s boat slip every Thursday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. A nice group had gathered when she walked up, and I added another plastic bar stool to the circle. It was Thanksgiving Day. We sipped our drinks and shared stories, and my only regret is not sharing the story about how Pigeon Key was once said to have been used as a natural corral on which to raise turkeys. Over the years, we have developed a solid friendship, and when she asked if I’d be interested in doing a podcast, I didn’t even take a breath before answering. We both love history, the quirky and over-the-top stories the Sunshine State has to tell — and we both love the Keys. When I dig into the history of Florida and all the bodies of water lapping at its shores, I come from a Keys perspective. When Cathy approaches a Keys’ subject, her viewpoint is often generated from a mainland point-of-view. The two perspectives can create interesting points (and counterpoints) and make for a lively conversation. At some point, the topic of pirates and piracy in the Keys will be dis-

cussed, and it will be a particularly spicy episode — and it should be a ton of fun to record. At one point in our conversation, Cathy brought up the podcast idea. “Yes,” I said without hesitation. “The Florida Keys Spectacular” is an offshoot of Cathy’s amazing “The Florida Spectacular” podcast — where I have been a guest on several episodes. “The Florida Keys Spectacular” is one of the reasons the smile I talked about in sentences one and two formed in the first place. We will offer 30- to 40-minute episodes of excellent island histories and stories twice a month. To find “The Florida Keys Spectacular,” just search for “The Florida Spectacular,” where you can “take a weekly trip across Florida with authors Cathy Salustri and Rick Kilby and discover a side of Florida you never knew existed. From the scallops in Panhandle bays to the Hemingway cats in Key West, every week’s a Florida adventure. Twice each month, Florida Keys historian Brad Bertelli joins Cathy for premium episodes available to subscribers focused exclusively on the Keys.” “The Florida Keys Spectacular” will require a modest subscription fee. For about the price of a cup of coffee, you can enjoy two great podcasts every month (and support local history). To listen to the podcast and subscribe, follow the link to floridaspectacular. buzzsprout.com.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

SHIRLEY SINGLETON

MARATHON GARDEN CLUB

2024 Season WANT TO HELP OUR KEYS COMMUNITY? FIND OUT HOW AT VOLUNTEERKEYS.COM

January 7 - Amernet String Quartet Beethoven • Schulhoff • Dvořák

IN PARADISE FOR GOOD

VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK

St. Paul’s Church• 4pm $20 at door • all students FREE keywestimpromptu.org

SHELF HELP

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

RESUSCITATION RESOLUTION

Brynn Morey, center, UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County coordinator, poses with her newly trained CPR class. CONTRIBUTED

Learn the life-saving CPR technique in 2024

or many people the re-launch of the HBO series “Sex and the City” titled “And Just Like That” was greatly anticipated. Fans, like me, BRYNN waited years for MOREY this. However, I have never been is the University of able to get the Florida, IFAS first episode of the Monroe County Extension series out of my coordinator mind. Stay with me for those of you who never watched the show. You see, the beloved couple, Carrie and Mr. Big, whom millions had followed for many years, experienced a great tragedy. After a ride on his Peloton bike, Mr. Big, AKA John, Carrie’s soulmate, experiences cardiac arrest. When Carrie arrives home, she runs to hold him while he struggles and takes his last breath. This is the part that sticks in my mind: why didn’t she give him CPR? Did she not know CPR? As a CPR instructor for more than seven years, it got me thinking how many people don’t know this life-saving skill. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. The primary goal of CPR is to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. Often, someone

experiencing a cardiac emergency requires assistance immediately, as death can result quickly. While some people may experience warning signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness before a cardiac emergency, others may not show any noticeable symptoms and appear quite healthy. Cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health. Cardiac arrest is caused when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. The heart stops beating properly. Cardiac arrest may be reversed if CPR is performed, and a defibrillator shocks the heart and restores a normal heart rhythm within a few minutes. Prompt and effective CPR can be a critical factor in the survival of the individual. Timing is the key. The average emergency medical services response time from the moment a 911 call is placed to arrival to the victim is 8 to 9 minutes. This is why learning CPR can be so critical. Performing CPR, which continues to circulate oxygen in the blood throughout the victim’s body, can greatly increase their survival chances while waiting for EMS to arrive. Think of it as if you are on the front lines of an emergency. The person experiencing the emergency could be a family member, a neighbor, a friend or a stranger in the grocery store; you are their best chance for their survival, which is a very powerful thing. With the new year upon us, many of us are thinking about the future.

A trainee participates in a CPR class.

Should we focus on our health, career or relationships? Some of us are making resolutions or deciding not to make resolutions simply because we don’t want to break them. Regardless of what is on your mind for 2024, I encourage you to consider becoming certified in CPR. There is no way of knowing if or when someone may need your help someday. I cannot think of a better skill to add to your back pocket than the skill of possibly being able to save someone’s son, daughter, mother, friend, family member or stranger’s life. Research organizations in your community that offer CPR classes, they are often very affordable, and it only takes about half a day to learn this skill. Monroe County Extension Services offers CPR courses to the public throughout the Keys. A simple phone call to our office is all it takes: 305-292-4501.

taff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection. What: “Assistant to the Villain” by Hannah Nicole Maehrer Why: It wasn’t until I finished the book that I thought to check the release date for the sequel. There was no time; I was drawn into the story swiftly and completely. It’s a medievallite, magical world, featuring office culture, very slow burn romance, excellent banter, and hilarious turns of phrase. And it pairs a not-completely-evil villain with an assistant not to be underestimated. On the scale of moral grayness, he’s a charcoal and she’s a new dime, with a shiny personality to match. Now for the terrible news: the next book will not be available until September 2024. Join me in suffering while we wait! Where: This is available as an e-book and e-audiobook from the Monroe County Public Library system. How: You can request books online by logging in to your account keyslibraries.org and get eBooks and eAudiobooks 24/7 at estuff.keyslibraries.org. If you don’t have a card, you can visit your local branch or register online to get one. Questions? info@keyslibraries.org Recommended by: Faith Price, Big Pine Key Library branch manager See previous recommendations at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 3-5PM ALWAYS A LOCAL DISCOUNT WITH LOCAL ID

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February 24th & 25th

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

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to all our loyal Locals and Snowbirds for making this such a wonderful season! It is so great that we can finally get back to looking and feeling BEAUTIFUL! a hair salon for women + men at southernmost nail bar • 3229 flagler avenue• 305-731-6557

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY RETURNS HOME TO KEY WEST

HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY-SATURDAY 4PM-6PM ROOSTICA WOOD-FIRE PIZZERIA 5620 MACDONALD AV. KEY WEST | 305.296.4999

SCAN THE QR CODE TO READ ALL ABOUT IT

FIRST CONCERT OF THE 26TH SEASON

BRAHMS | MONTGOMERY BACH | PRICE Featuring Awadagin Pratt, piano South Florida Symphony’s 26th Key West Season opens with timeless classics, three SFSO premieres, and glassceiling shattering female composers, as famed pianist Awadagin Pratt joins for Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 4 and composerJessie Montgomery’s GRAMMY-nominated Rounds. Plus, Florence Price’s Andante Moderato and Brahms’ sweeping Symphony No. 1.

SATURDAY, JAN. 20 | 7:30 PM FRESH SEAFOOD, STRONG DRINKS, PANORAMIC WATERFRONT VIEWS, OUTDOOR DINING AND PLENTY OF LOCAL CHARACTERS. HOGFISH BAR & GRILL 6810 FRONT ST. STOCK ISLAND 305-293-4041

TUCKED AWAY IN SAFE HARBOR, STOCK ISLAND, THE HOGFISH BAR & GRILL IS A TRUE “LOCALS” SPOT

Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys

TICKETS ON SALE FROM $25! KEYSTIX.COM | 305.295.7676

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

NEW EXTENDED HOURS! MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 11- 4 THURSDAY - SATURDAY 11- 6 Voted BEST LOCAL RETAILER by the Key West People’s Choice Awards 2023 & mentioned in Forbes magazine!

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KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

ITALY, PARIS & THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE. THREE NOVELS FILLED WITH LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP BEYOND THE KITCHEN.

RECIPE FOR SECOND CHANCES By Ali Rosen Stella Park is an associate editor at a fancy gourmet magazine. She has a passion for food and two fabulous best friends, one of whom is getting married. Samuel Gordon is the groom’s friend and Stella’s “one that got away.” Years ago, Stella and Sam had a whirlwind romance that ended badly. Although it feels like a lifetime ago, Stella has also never forgotten the pain of her sister’s divorce and the promise she made to protect her heart at all costs. It has been nine years and Stella never felt that special spark again. And there is Sam – a guest at the wedding in the beautiful Italian countryside – looking more handsome than ever. Every look from Sam turns her stomach upside down. Dancing, eating and drinking their way through this romantic venue is simply too much to resist. Maybe she should keep trying this one particular recipe until it comes out just right. Mouthwatering cuisine and a huge Indian/Italian KAREN wedding with all the NEWFIELD traditional trimmings First and foremost is a rollercoaster of fun a reader, she and laughter. This debut has reviewed hundreds of books author is also a wellon her blog www. known cookbook writer readingandeating. and TV personality. com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

RECIPE FOR A CHARMED LIFE By Rachel Linden Running her own kitchen in Paris was always Georgia’s dream. As a little girl, desperately lonely after her mother disappeared, Georgia loved to cook and followed Julia Child religiously. At 18, she could not get away from the dusty old ranch fast enough and headed straight to culinary school. Now, after 12 years in Paris, the opportunity has arrived. But when Georgia finds her boyfriend/boss Etienne in the walk-in fridge with the new pastry chef, her dreams go up in flames. Angry and heartbroken, she senses her unique gift of taste has disappeared. The owner assures Georgia she may still run the kitchen one day, but must get her “spark” back. When Georgia receives a cryptic message to visit her long-lost mother in the San Juan Islands, she knows this may be her chance to finally get some answers. She arrives on a magical island. Greeted by her mother Star and a local oyster farmer named Cole (who looks like a supermodel), it is immediately clear that she came to the right place. Georgia follows what she already knows – faith, hope, love and luck – in making the recipe for a charmed life.

RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS By Jane Lovering Desperate to find a match, Seren is signed up for another useless app called Yorkshire Dating. Her tenacious brother Andrew is only trying to help, but it feels like since he got married he is laser-focused on his sister doing the same. Seren’s brother, who raised her after their parents passed away, acts more like a worried father. Seren has a passion for cooking and works at an elder care day center, where she entices the patrons with comfort food, delicious baked treats and serious rounds of Scrabble. Her world has become very small, and that is just the way she likes it. Seren has never been able to overcome the severe anxiety she experiences with new things and crowded places. Determined to force Seren into a hobby, Andrew arranges for her to assist at a dog training group. That is when Kez, a fluffy and adventurous collie, changes her life. At the same time, her new colleague Ned is slowly bringing Seren out of her shell. Scattered with recipes for life and love, and set in the English countryside, this is a heartwarming read you don’t want to miss.

#WORTHWATCHING: Tannie Maria writes recipes for her local newspaper. When her popular column begins to solve a murder, she cannot resist putting all the ingredients together. This South African series is a dark comedy mystery with all the trimmings. “Recipe for Love and Murder” can be seen on Acorn and Hoopla.

KEY WEST WEEKLY / JANUARY 4, 2024

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JANUARY 4, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

JAN. 4

THE SCOREBOARD

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Team

Sport

Opponent

Date

Result

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Archimedean

12/20

W, 57-50

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Silver Palms

12/20

T, 2-2

Coral Shores

Girls Soccer

LaSalle

12/20

L, 6-0

Key West

Boys Soccer

Westland Hialeah

12/21

W, 5-2

Coral Shores

Girls Basketball

Key West

12/21

W, 35-31

Key West

Boys Basketball

Coral Shores

12/21

W, 60-53

Key West

Boys Basketball

Keys Gate

12/22

W, 49-44

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

Ransom Everglades

12/22

L, 63-54

Key West

Boys Basketball

Whitman-Hanson, MA

12/28

L, 63-35

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Whitman-Hanson, MA

12/29

L, 71-50

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

THIS WEEK

Xavier

GRANT

Senior, Marathon Basketball

JAN. 4

Date

School

Sport

Opponent

Start Time

1/4

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Key West

8 p.m.

1/5

Coral Shores

Boys Wrestling

@ John Raich Tourney

TBD

1/5

Marathon & Key West

Boys Basketball

@ Key West Tournament

TBD

1/5

Key West

Wrestling

Somerset 1A Scuﬄe

3 p.m.

1/6

Key West

Wrestling

Somerset 1A Scuﬄe

9:30 a.m.

1/6

Coral Shores

Boys Wrestling

@ John Raich Tourney

TBD

1/6

Marathon & Key West

Boys Basketball

@ Key West Tournament

TBD

1/8

Coral Shores

Boys Basketball

@ Keys Gate

7:30 p.m.

1/9

Marathon

Boys Basketball

Palmer

5:30 p.m.

1/9

Key West

Boys Soccer

@ St. Thomas Aquinas

3 p.m.

1/9

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

@ South Homestead

3:30 p.m.

1/9

Marathon

Boys & Girls Soccer

@ Florida Christian 4 & 6 p.m.

1/10

Key West

Boys Basketball

Somerset Academy

7:30 p.m.

1/10

All Keys Teams

Girls Weightlifting

@ Marathon

4 p.m.

1/10

Marathon

Girls & Boys Basketball

@ Keys Gate

4 & 7:30 p.m.

1/10

Coral Shores

Girl Soccer

@ Gulliver

3:30 p.m.

1/10

Coral Shores

Boys Soccer

Ransom Everglades

4 p.m.

ON THE COVER In the first Keys Weekly Sports Wrap of 2024, we celebrate the athletes up and down the island chain who closed out 2023 on a strong note. Congratulations to our 2023 All-Keys Volleyball and Cross Country Teams, including MVPs Vance Bursa, top, Caylaa Makimaa, left, and Brooke Mandozzi. Photos by Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden and Doug Finger.

Xavier is a strong point guard who gets our oﬀense clicking. His numbers are two and three times what he had all last season and we still have two-thirds of the season to go.” — Jim Murphy, Fins head coach

133 44 points

rebounds

Marathon’s basketball team is quickly becoming the little engine that could. Almost always the underdogs, the Fins have been willing themselves into contention with grit and scrappy play. Helping to lead the way is senior point guard Xavier Grant. Grant helps put a spark into the Dolphins’ offense and plays relentless defense as well. “Xavier excels at attacking the basket and confusing defenses. He is a strong senior leader for our team,” said coach Jim Murphy. So far this season, Grant has scored 133 points, earned 26 assists and pulled down 44 rebounds, and he is just getting started. For his determination, strong leadership and fierce style of play, Marathon’s Xavier Grant is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week. Photo by: BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / JANUARY 4, 2024 SPORTS WRITER

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locallyowned publication providing prep sports coverage from Key Largo to Key West. Together with our writers and photographers, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of the world of Keys sports with photography that allows our readers to immerse themselves in game action.

TRACY MCDONALD fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second-generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.

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Brooke Mandozzi

SENIOR CORAL SHORES

Brooke Mandozzi led Coral Shores in multiple areas of the game including hit percentage (.254) kills (153), digs (254), serve receipt rating (1.71), serve rating (2.63) and blocks (20). She was first for the ’Canes in every statistical area with the exception of total serve receives (228) and serving aces (52), in which she was second. Mandozzi was consistent in her gameplay and relentless in her willingness to do whatever it took for her team to win. She is described as highly coachable and has the uncanny ability to always come alive in key moments for the ’Canes. Mandozzi has worked hard to polish her skills, and when the intangibles, including her positive energy and infectious enthusiasm, are added in, she becomes the sort of player a team leans on for support and looks to for leadership.

Sofia Jans

JUNIOR CORAL SHORES

Sofia Jans led Coral Shores in serve receives with 273 and was second for the ’Canes in digs (185). Jans was also the top-ranked ’Canes player other than setters in assists with 26. Her coaches rank her work ethic and willingness to be coached as the qualities which help set her apart from other athletes.

Grace Leffler

JUNIOR CORAL SHORES

Grace Leffler’s off-season work paid off for the Hurricanes this fall. The junior was second for her team in hit percentage (.189), kills (85) and blocks (19). Like Jans, her coaches noted Leffler’s work ethic and coachability as her greatest assets.

JANUARY 4, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

THE 2023 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS VOLLEYBALL TEAM 8

Ivy Tiedemann

SOPHOMORE CORAL SHORES

Ivy Tiedemann amassed 231 assists and 53 aces, which ranked number 1 for Coral Shores this season. The sophomore setter also earned a serve rating of 2.43, a hit percentage of .113 and racked up 113 digs for the ’Canes. Tiedemann is described as a fierce competitor, helping to lead in all aspects of the Coral Shores defense.

Iona Holmquist

SENIOR CORAL SHORES

Iona Holmquist was a jack of all trades for Coral Shores. The senior amassed solid stats including 52 kills, 66 serve receives, 74 digs, 7 blocks and a 0.94 hit percentage which ranked third for the ’Canes. Her coaches were grateful for her willingness to change positions, including trying several she had never played, when injuries plagued the team midseason.

Hurricanes’ winning record, Key West’s stiff competition highlight 2023

oral Shores proved to be a force to be reckoned with in 3A District 16 volleyball action this past fall. The ’Canes earned a winning 15-10 record, including a perfect regular-season record of 6-0 in district matches. Ranked third in the district brackets, Coral Shores knocked out Marathon, then the second-seeded team to earn a spot at the championship match. The Lady ’Canes brought home the runner-up trophy this season, and despite graduating several key players, the underclassmen earned plenty of playing time to season them for a strong campaign again in 2024. Key West went 8-18 on the season, often playing larger schools in a series of tournaments to help elevate their level of play. The tactic helped the Lady Conchs knock out Killian in the first round of district playoffs but they were eliminated themselves by Gulliver, the eventual state champions. The team’s off-season dedication to improving via club play may just give the Conchs the extra boost they need to topple the giant next season and claim their own title. Marathon struggled on the court this season, but still managed to win a pair of games. Their 2-16 record did not truly reflect numerous close matches and some fantastic individual performances.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger, Bert Budde (@bertbudde) & contributed images.

Jordan MacDonald JUNIOR MARATHON

Jordan MacDonald stepped in for the Fins as setter and instantly upped the level of play for Marathon. The junior used her agility and speed to keep her team in the game for multiple matches this season. Her coach is excited to see what MacDonald has in store for her senior season.

Elena Eubank

JUNIOR MARATHON

Elena Eubank is one of Marathon’s top athletes and it was apparent in her play for the Fins. The hard-hitting junior was willing to sacrifice herself for plays, amassing big digs and kills for Marathon all season long. Her jump serve is difficult to return and she is unwilling to give up, regardless of the odds or score.

Jasmine Keomaniboth

SOPHOMORE MARATHON

Jasmine Keomaniboth used her speed and flexibility to benefit her team. The outside hitter was relatively new to the sport but was quick to learn and is described as coachable with a lot of athletic intelligence. Sadly, Keomaniboth moved out of state and will not return to the Fins, but her hard play and willingness to put in extra hours of practice helped set a precedent of excellence for players to follow.

Annie Scepkova

SENIOR KEY WEST

Key West’s deadliest middle hitter amassed 112 kills and 56 blocks at the net this season for the Conchs. Of those blocks, 31 were solo. With a hit percentage of .269, Scepkova was beyond effective defensively. She also earned 32 aces at the line this season, making her a threat offensively as well.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / JANUARY 4, 2024

Elsie Warwick SENIOR KEY WEST

The Conchs’ libero served as captain this season and added a spark of energy with her dynamic play style. Warwick hustled for 194 digs and earned 48 kills on the court this year, making her a strong asset for Key West’s defense.

Reese Haggard JUNIOR KEY WEST

Conch setter Reese Haggard can be described as a true playmaker on the court. She is unrelenting, often going after balls which have no business remaining in play. Haggard was credited with 182 assists and 69 digs this season.

Vicky Pavlik

HURRICANES’ MANDOZZI CONTINUES VOLLEYBALL CAREER

SENIOR KEY WEST

Pavlik’s selfless style of play led to 199 assists this season for the Conchs. The senior setter scrambled for 72 digs to keep the play alive for Key West. Offensively, Pavlik earned 19 aces with her strong serving.

Bridgette Sweeney SENIOR KEY WEST

Sweeney amassed impressive stats for any player, let alone one who has been battling an injury which resulted in less playing time. The outside hitter has impeccable form, which she combined with her strength to rack up 83 kills, 12 blocks and 18 aces this season.

Top: Coral Shores volleyball standout Brooke Mandozzi celebrates her decision to continue her career at North Carolina Wesleyan with family, coaches and staff. CONTRIBUTED Right: Mandozzi led the Hurricanes with a .254 hit percentage, 153 kills and 254 digs last season. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly

JANUARY 4, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

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Standout chooses North Carolina Wesleyan

rooke Mandozzi, a four-year standout in volleyball, basketball and track at Coral Shores, will continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level. Joined by family and coaches, Mandozzi recently signed her letter of intent to play at North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount. Mandozzi helped lead the ’Canes volleyball program to an unprecedented three consecutive district championship games and a district title in 2021. She earned backto-back team MVP awards. She selected the Battling Bishops from a long list of collegiate suitors vying for her in both volleyball and basketball. She led the Lady ’Canes in almost every statistical category with a .254 hit percentage, 153 kills, 254 digs, 20 blocks, 52 aces and a 2.63 serve rating last season. She is also a three-time all-county selection in basketball and was team MVP her junior season, averaging 19.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game. She currently leads the Hurricanes in all three categories. As to her decision to continue her volleyball career, Mandozzi said she knew North Carolina Wesleyan was the right place for her studies and advancement in the sport. “Coach Vicky (Gentile — NCW head volleyball coach), the school provost, the players and all the people I met were so welcoming. I have always loved North Carolina,” Mandozzi said. "I want to thank all of my coaches while I was at Coral Shores and all of my teammates, especially Crystal Guttierez, who I played with the longest at Coral Shores.” Hurricanes head volleyball coach Sam Ovalle said North Carolina Wesleyan is getting a great player, person and competitor. “I told her that I am really going to miss having her here, but that I can't wait to make a trip to North Carolina to watch her play in college,” he said. Jarrod Mandozzi, Brooke’s dad and Hurricanes girls basketball head coach, said she took a lot of thought in figuring out the best fit. “I'm really excited for Brooke and I'm really proud of her decision,” he said. — Contributed

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KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / JANUARY 4, 2024

1 2

JANUARY 4, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

CONCHS, FINS FALL VICTIM TO NOR’EASTER Whitman-Hanson Regional makes trip from Cape Cod to pick up two road wins

6 7 3 4

fter a weeklong break for the holidays, Key West and Marathon got back into hoops action, playing the Panthers of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School out of Massachusetts. Key West hosted the Panthers on Dec. 28, falling 63-35 to the long-distance travelers. James Osborne had the team high with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and a block. Josue Thanus added a dozen points, 6 rebounds, a steal and a block and Kameron Roberts scored 5 with 5 rebounds and a pair of steals. The loss evened the Conchs’ record to 4-4 heading into the second half of regular season play. Up next for Key West is Marathon on Thursday, Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. for the beginning of a home tournament which spans Jan. 4-6. After picking up a win against Key West, the Whitman-Hanson Panthers played at Marathon, defeating the Fins 71-50. Marathon’s Adrian Cruz had the hot hand for the Fins with 20 points. Daeshawn Holmes earned a double-double with 10 points and a dozen rebounds. Xavier Grant put in 11 with 3 rebounds. The Fins stand at 3-8 as they head into the Key West tournament beginning Jan. 4. Coral Shores starts its regular-season second half on Jan. 8 at district opponent Keys Gate. The ’Canes’ current record is an even 6-6.

1. Adrian Cruz sinks a shot late in the second half of the Whitman-Hanson Regional game on Dec. 29. 2. Adrian Cruz (2) and Yaniel Garcia (12) look on as Marathon center Josh Koler (23) defends Marathon’s hoop. 3. Daeshawn Holmes (3) goes up for a shot under heavy pressure. 4. Xavier Grant defends against a Panther player. 5. Adrian Cruz (2) takes it to the hoop while Carlos Lezcano (10) sets a screen. 6. Carlos Lezcano (10) puts one back, picking up the and-one off a Panther foul. 7. Xavier Grant (11) focuses on his next route. Photos by TRACY McDONALD/Keys Weekly

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / JANUARY 4, 2024

Naima Thomas

Laira Anaya

Kai Guth

Thomas hit a PR when her team needed it the most this season, running a 21:44 at districts to help the Lady Conchs make their goal of qualifying for regionals as a team. Her hard work and dedication not only improved her times this year, but helped shave off time from her teammates as she proved to be a steady and hard-working training partner for Makimaa and the rest of the Conchs. With one more season to go, Thomas has everything it takes to be the next Key West state qualifier.

Key West’s Laira Anaya trained hard this season, and her times fell as the season wore on. Anaya peaked at precisely the right moment when she clocked a 22:26 at regionals. The speedy junior is described as hard-working and positive, two traits necessary for success in a long-distance runner, and those traits should prove fruitful in 2024 as Key West unloads a talented trio of seniors onto the course.

Hurricane harrier Kai Guth shouldered the responsibility of helping to lead a very young team this season. The talented junior qualified as an individual for the regional meet – the only Coral Shores athlete to do so. Her 24:49 finish at districts was fast enough to earn a solo bid to regionals, where she dropped over half a minute to finish in 24:17. Her team contributions do not end on the course, however; Guth’s leadership and willingness to help her team in all facets, including developing the younger runners and securing sponsorships for the team, were just a few of the qualities her coaches said make her an outstanding asset to the ’Canes.

JUNIOR KEY WEST MVP

Caylaa Makimaa JUNIOR KEY WEST

Key West junior Caylaa Makimaa had two goals this season: to qualify for states and to break the 20-minute barrier. Makimaa did both at regionals, finishing 12th overall in a blazing 19:53, which earned her a solo bid to the state championships in Tallahassee. Makimaa made those goals clear to her coach, Keara McGraw, who said, “I knew both were possible for her, and told her states was going to require a sub-20 so those goals go hand in hand.” The speedy junior dedicated herself to this season, and her efforts proved worthwhile when she became just the second Conch to break 20 minutes and the third to earn a bib for the state meet. Her undaunted work ethic, exuberant personality and positive attitude have made her a strong leader for her team and have paved the way for a stellar senior season in 2024.

JUNIOR KEY WEST

Mikkel Ross

SENIOR MARATHON Marathon senior Mikkel Ross refuses to be outworked by anyone, a personality trait which has elevated her in every sport. The five-time state qualifier in cross country ran a season-best 22:05 early in the season and kept her pace fairly steady all season long. She led the Fins for much of 2023 and used many years of varsity experience to help take the team to states for the fifth consecutive season.

JUNIOR CORAL SHORES

JANUARY 4, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

Ella Dunn

Jakub Bursa

JUNIOR MARATHON Junior Ella Dunn is, perhaps, the most easily-identified runner in race photos – she is the one smiling and waving. Dunn helped lead her team with her positivity and tireless energy, going the extra mile when it counted the most. Dunn gradually dropped her times to become the Fins’ top runner, earning a 22:12 seasonbest at regionals to help Marathon earn their fifth consecutive trip to states. Dunn clocked in at 22:46 on the challenging Tallahassee course and still has one more season to go.

Rain Banks

SENIOR MARATHON MVP

Vance Bursa

JUNIOR MARATHON

Vance Bursa has been Marathon’s top runner the past two seasons, giving the Fins the advantage of a sub-17 athlete and making it possible to earn a spot at the start line of the state championships this fall. Bursa’s top time this season came at regionals, where he finished in 16:20, which was fast enough for third place overall. He was second in the district and won numerous races outright all season long. Bursa is the sort of runner who has a chance to win every single race he starts, regardless of the odds, and those around him describe him as one of the most kind-hearted people they’ve ever met, despite being such a fierce competitor. With a strong senior campaign, Bursa has the potential to break the school record and medal at the state championships in 2024.

SENIOR MARATHON

Banks has been a fixture on Marathon’s cross country team since the sixth grade, qualifying for states first in the eighth grade and repeating that feat four more times since. Banks cracked 23 minutes this season at the Fast Times Meet in October and ran 24:00 at states. Her long legacy of leadership will be sorely missed next season.

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Mark Hedden and contributed images.

The oldest of Marathon’s Bursa brothers, senior Jakub’s speed and maturity have helped the Fins thrive the past three seasons. His regional 18:04 performance set a PR for him this season, and he carried a heavy load for the team, placing second most of the season. Bursa’s consistency and positive attitude have helped lead his team to their ninth consecutive state appearance.

Antonin Bursa

8TH GRADE MARATHON When all is said and done the youngest Bursa brother may just outrun them all. After chasing his older brothers since he could walk, Tony Bursa has come into his own. Bursa finished in fifth place at the FHSAA 1A race and has not even begun high school. He set a new PR at regionals this season, blazing to the finish line in just 17:21. Coach Jim Murphy believes he has what it takes to break Marathon’s 5K record, and with three state appearances under his belt already, Bursa has the unique opportunity to toe the line in Tally an unprecedented seven times for the Fins.

THE KEYS WEEKLY 2023 ALL-KEYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM Fast times and young teams make Keys distance running a mainstay

ey West’s boys and girls had great success this season, sending runners into the postseason medal hunt from both teams. The girls team qualified for regionals as a team, while two boys made the cut as individuals. One runner made the state championships, which has not happened for Key West since 2019. Both teams return numerous talented runners, and the Lady Conchs are stocked with competitive juniors, giving way to early excitement for next season. Marathon’s boys and girls made their prowess as the Keys’ distance powerhouse undeniable this fall. The girls made their fifth appearance at the state championships and the gentlemen made it their ninth. Though both teams lose several of their top athletes, Marathon’s roster runs deep and a young, talented squad of runners are already working to extend the school’s state-qualifying streaks. Coral Shores had very young teams in both boys and girls cross country this year. The boys return all but two athletes next year while the girls team returns every single runner, including their lone regional qualifier, giving a lot of hope for the future of ’Canes cross country.

Mason Buxton

SENIOR MARATHON Fins senior Mason Buxton has been a team fixture since middle school. After clocking an 18:21 PR at the regional meet this season, Buxton made it to his fifth state championship race, the only male Marathon runner to do so. He shouldered his role as Marathon’s fourth or fifth man with maturity and a strong work ethic, making him a solid training partner for his teammates. A talented runner on a team of talented runners, his times would often beat out the rest of the Keys pack.

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / JANUARY 4, 2024

Colbin Hill

SENIOR KEY WEST Key West senior Colbin Hill had a stellar final season, improving his times over the course of the year. Hill was the Conchs’ top runner the past two seasons, with his prep career culminating in a 17:26 PR at the FHSAA Region 4 2A championships, for which he individually qualified. He brought maturity, leadership, and a relentless training schedule to his team.

Jerven Louis

Nathaniel Shugarman

JUNIOR KEY WEST

SOPHOMORE CORAL SHORES

Conchs junior Jerven Louis showed a steady improvement throughout the season, peaking at precisely the right moment. Louis didn’t just PR at districts; he crushed his previous best by nearly a minute, breaking the 20-minute mark for the first time and finishing in 19:37. The following week at regionals, which he qualified for individually, he did it again, completing the course in 19:13. The hard-working junior is quickly making a name for himself on courses across South Florida.

Just a sophomore, Coral Shores’ Nathaniel Shugarman improved by nearly one-and-a-half minutes this season. Shugarman became the ’Canes’ top male runner, finishing in 20:48 at districts and narrowly missing an individual spot at regionals. The speedy sophomore should continue to shave off time and could make a deep run into the postseason in 2024.

JANUARY 4, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES •

305.743.0844

LEGAL NOTICES

BOAT SLIP FOR RENT

EMPLOYMENT

HOUSING FOR RENT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI Notice is here by given that on January 8th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul Company of Miami, Will be offering for sale under the Judicial Lien Process, By Public Auction, the following storage units. The Terms of the sale will be cash only. U-Haul Company does reserve the right to refuse any bids. The sales will Begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue day by day until all units are sold. The names of whose units will be sold are as follows: 103530 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 Yanet Pere – 1678 $529.85 Sean Ciccarone – 1569 $505.90 Oscar Lopez – 1752 $809.48 Wayne Mosley – 1110 $719.85 Publish: December 28, 2023 and January 4, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

February 2, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application. Publish: January 4, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call “711”. NOTICE: It shall be the responsibility of each Respondent or other person addressing the Board to have an interpreter if the party is not able to understand or speak the English language. Rick Griffin, Building Official/ Board Secretary Maria Partington, Senior Coordinator – CEB Board Monroe County Building Department Publish: January 4, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: December 28, 2023. Personal Representative: Rebecca Ford Hayden 85261 Old Highway Islamorada, Florida 33036 Attorney for Personal Representatives: URBAN J. W. PATTERSON, ESQ. Email: ujwplaw@gmail.com Secondary Email: ujwplawfirm@yahoo.com Florida Bar No. 382035 Urban J. W. Patterson, P.A. P.O. Box 783 Islamorada, Florida 33036 Telephone: 305-664-5065 Publish: December 28, 2023 and January 4, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Privatebay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002

pay at a private club, opportunities to advance. Flexible mor ning/af ter noon/ evening hours Tuesday–Sunday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ m a rat h o nya c htc l u b. c o m

LONG TERM Key Largo 2BR/2BA Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $ 3 7 5 0 / m o n t h 786-258-3127

DISTRICT II ADVISORY COMMITTEE (DAC II) (From the City Limits of Key West to the West End of the Seven Mile Bridge) of the MONROE COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL has an opening for an “At Large” representative - Any resident who is not directly involved in a tourism business and who shall represent the general public and shall live or work within the tax collection district for which they are applying. (The operative word within this description is directly. This word means someone who is not in business, nor whose business or economic activity are dependent upon tourists.) Any person wishing to participate on the District II Advisory Committee of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council within the district so noted above, may request an application by emailing sydney@fla-keys. com. Completed applications should be emailed to sydney@fla-keys.com or may be sent via U.S. mail to the address below: Department DAC Monroe County Tourist Development Council 1201 White Street, Suite 102 Key West, FL 33040 The deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. on Friday

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING: MONROE COUNTY CONTRACTORS EXAMINING BOARD MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA Notice is Hereby Given To Whom it may concern, that on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 the Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (CEB) will hold a scheduled meeting at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Second Floor, BOCC Room, Marathon, Florida scheduled to commence at 9:30 A.M. This meeting is to hear the following: any person(s) to come before the board; any reports from Monroe County Assistant Attorney; any reports from Monroe County Building Official; any reports from Staff. The Monroe County Contractors Examining Board (“CEB”) will review Certificate of Competency Trade applications and the Industry Input Section. All public participation in this meeting may be conducted via Communication Media Technology (“CMT”) using Zoom Webinar platform, during the scheduled meeting. Meeting Agenda and Zoom Webinar information is available 7 days prior to meeting date on the Monroe County Web Calendar and the Contractors Examining Board webpage: www. monroecounty-fl.gov PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE SECTION 286.0105, be advised that, if a person decides to appeal the decision made by the Contractors’ Examining Board with respect to any matter considered at today’s hearing, that person will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special recommendations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator's Office, by

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2023-CP-122-P IN RE: ESTATE OF STANLEY SAMUEL HAYDEN, JR. Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of STANLEY SAMUEL HAYDEN, JR., deceased, whose date of death was August 26, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88820 Overseas Highway, Plantation Key, FL 33070. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION

AUTOS WANTED

Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today COMMERCIAL

SPACE FOR RENT New warehouses for rent in the Upper Keys. 4 units avail., 600 sq ft each, 20 ft. high ceilings, ½ bath in each unit. $2,500.00/month. 3059 2 4 - 0 5 9 3 EMPLOYMENT

AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not. $CASH 305-332-0483

BAHAMAS BEACH Family Retreat Needs Retired Caretaker Couple. Call or text 3054 3 9 - 9 9 9 1

AUTOS FOR SALE

Hiring: Lead Gutter Installer - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED – valid Driver’s License - must be comfortable with heights - located in Tavernier. To apply, please call or text Jay 305-587-1581.

1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. 954-445-6647 2009 Toyota Rav4 166k miles - excellent running condition. Located in Marathon. $5,500 305-393-3230 SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK! 2008 Acura TL. Recent rebuilt A/C. Brand new battery. Runs wells $2,995. Located in Key Largo. Call 305-451-8410 or 305-852-3471. SOLD IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK! Place your AUTO FOR SALE ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

SUDOKU SOLUTION

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time bartender for event nights. $12/hr plus guaranteed gratuity, employee meal provided, private club environment. Variety of afternoon/ evening hours available Tuesday – Sunday. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ m a rat h o nya c htc l u b. c o m .

Looking for happy personality with good customer service skills to complete staff in fun Keys Gift Shop in Marathon. Part time to start. Call 305 731 6947 for appointment. City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Administrative Asst. Fire Department and Right of Way Technician. Full Benefits. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us Marathon Auto Air looking for Shop Help - full or part-time. Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon. 305-289-9884 Boat rental company in Marathon needs an Outboard Mechanic. Some general marina work, and boat experience a plus. Call 305-481-7006 Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a part-time line cook. Responsible for food and kitchen prep. Competitive

The Housing Authority Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: PT Receptionist, Assistant Director of Housing-Key West, Occupancy & Admissions AssistantKey West, Protective Service Aide, Housing Manager-Middle Keys, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker) and Grounds Caretaker. To apply, please contact Human Resources at: martinezm@kwha.org or 305-296-5621 Applications are available at the Administrative Office located at 1400 Kennedy Dr., Key West, FL 33040 or online at www. kwha.org - EOE & Drug Free Work Place. This opportunity is covered under Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968. Habitat ReStore in Marathon is seeking a Retail Manager. Send resume to admin@ habitatmiddlekeys. org. Retail experience necessary. EOE & Drug Free Workplace. Starting Salary $50,000. No benefits currently. HIRED IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!! Place your Help Wanted ad here for $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305743-0844 today! HOBBIES/COLLECT.

P R I V A T E C O L L E C T O R WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578

Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, fully furnished in Marathon. Available now. $2,000/month includes electric, water, sewer, cable, internet. No Pets. 305-610-8002 2 Bedroom 1 Bath house in Marathon. Tile & carpet floors, new appliances, gated property. No pets. 305-610-8002 Place your Housing For Rent ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844. HOUSING WANTED

M a t u r e professional female seeks empty or furnished living space in Key West. Need Washer/Dryer, Private Bath & Kitchen. 202-531-9878 RV LOT FOR RENT

Large RV Waterfront Lot with Dockage for rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1950/ month plus utilities. F/L/S 305-731-5042 Large RV Lot for Rent in Marathon. Full hook up. $1600/ month plus utilities. F/L/S 305-731-5042 VACATION RENTAL

Key West House For Rent 28 day minimum. Recently renovated. 2 Units: 3BR/3BA or 2BR/2.5BA. 1 block to Schooner Wharf @ Historic Seaport. Starting $ 2 1 4 / n i g h t . SweetCarolineSeaport. c o m 3BR/2.5BA for rent in Key Largo - on the water with dockage available. Jan/Feb/ March 954-445-6647 YARD SALES

Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!

KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP / JANUARY 4, 2024

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • •305.743.0844 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE KEYS W E E K L Y NE WSPAPERS! WISHING YOU GOOD HEALTH AND MUCH HAPPINESS THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR!

PAPA JOE’S WATERFRONT in Islamorada is in final stages of construction and looking forward to an end-of-January opening!!

SUNSET GRILLE IS HIRING

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC We are hiring a heavy diesel mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, etc. Monday-Friday with some overtime available.

• Bussers • Hosts • Line Cooks • Waitstaff • Bartenders • Dishwashers • Bar Backs

Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 129 Toppino Industrial Dr, Key West – ask for Cheryl 305-296-5606 extension 126

Apply in person at Sunset Grille & Raw Bar, 7 Knight’s Key Blvd, Marathon

WE ARE HIRING! Plant Store/Nursery Associate (PT) Sat–Tues 9AM–5 PM Position requires a min. of high school completion and 1 yr. exp. Must be knowledgeable in tropical plants and have good social/business skills, above average computer skills (knowledge of POS a plus). Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. Direct Care Staff /Driver at Adult Day Training Program KW (FT&PT) Mon-Fri Position is available at our Adult Day program. This position provided direct care service and support to our clients in the day program. This position requires the minimum of high school completion or GED. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. Pre-employment training online and in person required. Direct Care Staff – Group Homes (PT) Mon-Wed 3PM-11PM Position requires a min. of high school completion and 1 yr. exp or 1 yr. college. FL DL w/clean driving record required. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. References and background screening required. MARC | 1401 Seminary St, Key West | www.marchouse.org

Come join our family! EOE

Now accepting applications via email for the following positions: Admin/Office-Manager Assistant General Manager Restaurant/Floor Manager(s) Beverage/Bar Manager Sous Chef(s) Kitchen Manager/Supervisor(s) We are now beginning to assemble our management team. If you’re interested in any of these listed employment opportunities, please email your resume to FrankS@PapaJoesWaterfront.com Please be sure to attach your resume, contact info, & position(s) of interest. Please No calls, No walk-ins at this time. Thank you.

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR The Advocate DUI Program is hiring for part time positions. DUI instructors and evaluators - 2 days a week, Bachelors or Masters degree in substance abuse field required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Office located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS LOCATION: MARATHON

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for Distribution System Operators to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transmission systems. We provide on the job training for qualified applicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $48,909.19. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement. Apply online at www.fkaa.com/212/opportunities EEO, VPE, ADA, DFW

$$$ OFFICE ASSISTANT $$$

DYNASTY MARINE ASSOCIATES, MARATHON, FL Duties to include invoice and inventory entry, creating and filing paperwork for international shipments, scheduling inspections needed for international shipments, customer communication and tracking, creating and maintaining customer accounts and some customer service. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. This position requires high attention to detail and the ability to multitask. Competitive compensation plus benefits. Benefits package including vacation, sick days, holidays and 401K PSP retirement plan. Please send cover letter and resume to sales@dynastymarine.net for consideration. No phone calls please. dynastymarine.net

EXPERIENCED ELECTRICIANS AND HELPERS NEEDED Experience is required. Must have a valid driver’s license. We offer 401K, medical insurance, paid holidays and paid vacation. Positions available in Key West and Marathon. 305-292-3369

HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC We are hiring a heavy diesel mechanic with experience working on John Deere, Caterpillar, Kubota, etc. Monday-Friday with some overtime available. Please apply at Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 129 Toppino Industrial Dr, Key West – ask for Cheryl 305-296-5606 extension 126

MARATHON GARBAGE SERVICE We are now hiring for the following positions:

Diesel Mechanic Truck Helpers CDL Drivers Applicants must apply in person to be considered. 4290 Overseas Hwy, Marathon

JANUARY 4, 2024 / KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC && LEGAL NOTICES • • 305.743.0844 • CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC LEGAL NOTICES 305.743.0844 OPENINGS AVAILABLE TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL - Customer Service Coordinator - Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Medical Technologist, Laboratory - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Radiology, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Ultrasound, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - MH Multiplace Hyperbaric Tech - Pool Group Exercise Instructor - Pool Physical Therapist - Registered Nurse, $25k Sign-on Bonus*

MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - Cook, Dietary, $5k Sign-on Bonus* - Emergency Department Team Coordinator - Environmental Tech, $5k Sign-on Bonus* - Manager Food Service - Medical Technologist, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Multi-Modality Imaging Tech, Radiology, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Patient Care Manager, Emergency Department, $20k Sign-on Bonus* - Patient Experience Advocate - Pharmacy Tech, $4k Sign-on Bonus* - Phlebotomist, Laboratory - Pool Physical Therapist - Registered Nurse, Oncology-Outpatient, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, $15k Sign-on Bonus* - Security Officer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. *Sign-on bonuses are available only for select full-time positions based on candidate experience.

APPLY AND LEARN MORE careers.baptisthealth.net or call 786-243-8507

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

IS HIRING!

D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers

Network Administrator

Ensure the stable operation of the computer networks. This includes planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all network hardware, software, and communication links.

Pool & Landscape Technician Experienced in landscaping, hardscape install, irrigation and lighting systems. Competitive compensation plus benefits.

Construction Foreman

Coordination and participation in the day-to-day on site construction process, to the highest quality standards.

The Guidance/Care Center, Inc. a division of

“Uplifting the human spirit since 1973”

THE GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc.

IS HIRING!

Volunteer Resources Administrative Assistant

GCC offers excellent benefits for full-time employment, but we realize some would prefer part-time to enjoy the Florida Keys lifestyle more. All positions can be considered for full or part-time unless notated. Apply at westcare.com and enter your availability.

Facilities Maintenance Apprentice

KEY LARGO

(Full-Time, Permanent) (Full-Time, Permanent)

Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)

Staff Photographer

(Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)

Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)

Advocate (PT) Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist Prevention Specialist Advocate Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) Behavioral Health Counselor (Child) Case Manager (Adult)

MARATHON

Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE

Admission Specialist Care Coordinator (PT) Driver (CDL) Behavioral Health Therapist (Child, Adult) RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (also Per Diem) Peer Support Specialist *Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT) *Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER

*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.

Teaching... Learning... Caring

Background and drug screen req. COMPETITIVE PAY! EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS!!! Check out all available positions at: www.westcare.com (search by zip code) EEOC/DFWP

Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays. Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities

58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL