“I feel like songwriting is an experiment in empathy.” — Zooey Deschanel
May 2, 2024
IT TAKES AN ARMY CONCH REPUBLIC ARMY SETS UP CAMP AT THE PERRY MARINA | P. 4
WHAT’S GOING ON WITH GROUPER? THE LATEST WITH THE SPINNING FISH & NEW GROUPER RULES | P. 32
WEST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES MUSIC MAKERS | P. 10
TREATING EVERY GAME L IKE HIS FIRST. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO WEARS THE NAVITIMER.
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The Key West Songwriters Festival will feature 227 acts May 1-5. Visit keywestsongwritersfestival.com for a complete schedule.
Nashville singer-songwriter
Payton Taylor is in town this week for her seventh Key West Songwriters Festival, which runs through May 5. See page 10. CONTRIBUTED
Every once in a while, the stars align, chance encounters occur and good things fall into place. Such was the case when Yvette Mira-Talbott, president of the Key West Rotary Club, ran into Capt. Brian Vest, who launched the Conch Republic Marine Army in the devastating wake of Hurricane Irma in 2019. What started with an earnest Facebook post offering to help clean up the debris-filled canals and coastlines around Big Pine has become an army of several hundred volunteers removing tons – yes, tons – of trash, debris, appliances and plastics from the nearshore waters around the Middle and Lower Keys on a near-weekly basis.
Mira-Talbott invited Vest to speak at a recent Rotary Club meeting. Scott Mayer, a Rotarian and local boat broker, was there, and when someone asked Vest what the organization needed, Mayer started thinking.
“Brian told the Rotary crowd that he wanted to set up operations down here in Key West, but his biggest problem was finding a slip for a Conch Republic Marine Army boat,” Mayer told the Keys Weekly on April 30. “He said he couldn’t even get a marina to call him back. I started thinking, ‘Holy shit, here’s a guy who has made it his mission to clean the marine environment with volunteers in boats and kayaks. Maybe I could help.’”
Mayer has been friends with Mitch Walsh, general manager of the Perry Marina, for years, since Walsh was a dockhand and dockmaster at the marina, which has 288 slips.
“His career has certainly grown, and within five minutes of my conversation with him about the Conch Re-
public Marine Army, Mitch said, ‘Done. It’s a no-brainer. And if it’s something that you, Rotary, the sheriff and Capt. Dave Dipre of FWC all support, then this is absolutely a good thing,’” Mayer recalled.
Within a week, the Perry Marina had arranged to donate a slip and shoreside utilities for the CRMA’s 30-foot boat, a donation that Mayer estimated is worth about $35,000 a year.
And as part of the partnership, CRMA has agreed to help the Perry Marina clean the water around the property, which fills with sargassum and trash during the summer winds.
“Everyone and everything just came together so perfectly,” Mayer said. “This is what I love about Rotary and about Key West. And I told Brian that he’ll have zero trouble finding volunteers from Key West for the cleanups around here.”
Since 2019, those volunteers have come from near and far to help, either physically or financially.
“We do not back down, nor do we quit,” Vest said in the beginning, when Irma’s wounds were still raw and its damage still daunting. “When we see neighbors who need assistance, we help. Unconditionally. And so an army was created. An army of people,
both from within the (Conch) Republic and outside our borders, have come together to restore what Irma took away, and to make everyone’s lives a little better.”
That commitment — and the army itself — have only grown stronger.
“Fifty-four miles done, only 900 more to go,” Vest said during a cleanup last month off Marathon.
The CRMA in February partnered with Isla Bella Resort in Marathon, where one of its boats now takes locals and visitors on conservation cleanup trips.
And the latest vessel to enter this military’s service will be stationed on Stock Island, thanks to the generosity of the Perry Marina and the support of the Key West Rotary.
“Key West is in huge need of an ocean cleanup and this is the best launching pad there is,” the CRMA posted recently on its Facebook page. “It’s a game changer, now we need donations to help staff on the boat. Key West and surrounding islands are buried in trash. Let’s get serious about cleaning up 50 years of neglect. It starts now, and we’re not stopping. Join us; we need you.”
Visit conchrepublicmarinearmy.org for more information.
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
If only all battles could be fought with lighthearted hilarity, and hangovers as the only wounds. The 42nd annual Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic took place April 26 in Key West Harbor and was, as always, a highlight of the irreverent 10-day Conch Republic Independence Celebration.
Each year the harbor battle pits the Conch Republic military fleet, led by the schooner Wolf, against their U.S. foes in the forms of Coast Guard vessels, manned by good-spirited Coasties.
The battle includes a water-cannon war between the Coast Guard ships, the Wolf and a fleet of private privateer vessels fighting on behalf of the Conch Republic. Crowds line Mallory Square to watch the action, while cannons boom and swashbuckling swords are made from loaves of Cuban bread.
Each year, the Coast Guard valiantly surrenders to the Conch Republic forces and the party resumes on shore, where enemies are once again friends.
The offbeat 10-day festival commemorates the Florida Keys’ symbolic secession from the United States and reinvention as the independent Conch Republic.
The republic, whose motto is “We seceded where others failed,” was born following a 1982 U.S. Border Patrol blockade of the island chain. In protest, citizens organized the secession, declared war on the mother country, surrendered 60 seconds later and demanded $1 billion in foreign aid. The anniversary of the secession is marked each year with a roster of animated events.
Hilarious hijinks on the water highlight 10-day festival
The Fishermen’s Community Hospital campus has expanded.
Our new 10,000-square-foot Medical Arts Building will bring multiple services under one roof:
• Primary care
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Oncology infusion for Baptist Health Cancer Care patients
• Physician offices for orthopedics, general surgery and gastroenterology
At Baptist Health, we’ve got the Middle Keys covered — from emergency care and surgery, to wellness appointments and cancer care. Welcome to expert, compassionate care, all on one campus.
Dr. Christopher Forsee, DMD is seamlessly taking the reins from the iconic “Barefoot Dentist,” Dr. Troxel, where the laid-back vibe extends even to the choice of footwear. Dr. Forsee delivers personalized comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs. Whether it's routine maintenance or advanced procedures, trust Dr. Forsee to rejuvenate your smile with meticulous precision and compassionate care.
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
As of May 1, most abortions in Florida are banned beyond six weeks of pregnancy — before many women know they are pregnant.
But voters in Florida have the option to restore access to abortion up until the time of viability, when a fetus can survive outside the mother’s womb, with a ballot initiative known as Amendment 4, which will appear on the state’s general election ballots on Nov. 5.
The current six-week ban, which has been labeled “extreme” by abortion-rights groups, women’s groups and Democratic Florida lawmakers, went into effect after the state Supreme Court on April 1 upheld Florida’s prior ban on abortions beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy.
The court ruled that people’s rights to privacy, which are guaranteed in the state constitution, did not extend to abortions. On the same day, the same high court approved the language for Amendment 4, allowing voters to decide the state’s abortion laws.
“The six-week ban is an insult to women and a direct attack on our fundamental and reproductive healthcare rights. I trust women to be able to make their own decisions in life and decide what is best for themselves,” Florida State Sen. Linda Stewart, a Democrat, said in April 2023, when Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the six-week ban with little fanfare late at night. “Just over a year after reducing the number of weeks to obtain an abortion to 15, the legislature has once again decided to take up the issue of women’s bodily autonomy by looking to reduce the already limiting time constraint to a mere six weeks.”
Floridians are still required to wait 24 hours between two
separate doctor appointments before getting an abortion. The bill also prohibits medications that will induce an abortion from being prescribed via telehealth appointments, and requires in-person consultation with doctors.
“Many women may not be able to confirm their pregnancy until week four, and now the state of Florida expects them to get appointments with two doctors and make this kind of a major decision in just a couple of weeks? Many people may have irregular menstrual cycles and might not be aware they have missed a period. This entire piece of legislation is ludicrous, unrealistic, and a major overreach by Florida’s government into our everyday lives, and in essence this bill is a complete ban on abortion,” Stewart said last year.
The ban does include exceptions to save the mother’s life and for cases of rape and incest, but with restrictions.
Other abortion-rights advocates pointed to the broader damage Florida’s new ban could have on surrounding Southern states, many of which have banned abortion almost entirely. Women in those states often viewed Florida as an option where they could come for an abortion. But that’s no longer the case, even for women who can afford to travel for an abortion.
Those who oppose abortion and support the six-week ban called it a win.
Florida State Sen. Erin Grall, a Republican who sponsored the six-week ban, said, “We live in a time where the consequences of our actions are an afterthought and convenience has been a substitution for responsibility. This is unacceptable when it comes to the protection of the most vulnerable.”
Our Hospital Key West (OHKW) is a citizens advocacy group composed of Key West residents. Its advisers, members and supporters come from all walks of life, including physicians, nurses, hospital administrators, past and present Lower Keys Medical Center employees, attorneys, city and county workers, business owners, hospitality workers, retirees and many other backgrounds. Our mission is to seek the best possible levels of care at our public hospital.
In five years, on April 30, 2029, the existing lease of our public hospital, Lower Keys Medical Center, to Community Health Systems Inc., expires with no provision for automatic extension or renewal. As a public hospital, Lower Keys Medical Center is governed by the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District, a Florida state governing entity, through its local board of commissioners who are appointed by the governor.
In late 2023 the hospital district board and the existing hospital operator, Community Health Systems Inc., ascertained preemptively that Community Health Systems Inc. desires to renew its lease with the hospital district board.
Given that the hospital district and its board, and current hospital operator, Community Health Systems Inc., have preemptively ascertained that
CHS desires to renew their lease, OHKW, our advisors and supporters are asking the hospital district board members to formally invite additional leading South Florida hospital operators to submit detailed letters of interest, perhaps inclusive of, but not limited to, plans for levels of care/specialties, initial investments and continued reinvestment of operating income into the facility/personnel, financial integrity and any additional commitments they’re willing to formalize to attain consideration for the next lease term of our public hospital.
It is OHKW’s position that only through an objective comparison between Community Health Systems’ offering details to renew its lease, along with a comparison of other leading South Florida hospital operators offering details in order to become the successor lessee/hospital operator in 2029, can the public’s best interest be served.
OHKW is asking the public to attend the hospital district board meeting to voice their sentiments. The meeting takes place Wednesday, May 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave., Key West, on the second floor. Visit OHKW.org for more information.
Sincerely,
Our Hospital Key West Citizens advocacy group
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
The buzz that surrounds the annual Key West Songwriters Festival isn’t limited to our 2- by 4-mile island, where locals and visitors pore over schedules and make plans to see as many musicians as possible in the five festival days.
“Oh, it’s not just people in Key West who are talking about it. The buzz in Nashville starts every spring, with people everywhere asking, ‘Are you going to Key West this year? What days are you in Key West?’ The Key West Songwriters Festival has quite the reputation in the best possible way,” said Nashville singer-songwriter Payton Taylor, who is here this week for her seventh songwriters festival.
“I was only 20 the first time I came down for songwriters,” she recalled, laughing at the informal “education” that the Key West music scene provided a young girl who had grown up in South Jersey, but convinced her parents to move to Nashville when she was 15 and intent on building a music career.
“Now it’s a family tradition to come to Key West every spring,” she said, speaking with the Keys Weekly on April 29 from the backseat of a minivan next to her grandmother, Arlene Iannacone, while her mom, Denise Coccia, drove, and her sister, Taryn, rode shotgun.
Taylor will perform at the Lighthouse Inn and Hard Rock Cafe this week, and, like most other musicians and fans, will catch as many other sets as possible.
“I co-write a lot of songs in Nashville, which I describe as a lot like speed dating — you bleed your heart out for a few hours with people you barely know and hope a good song comes out of it,” she said. “And the Key West Songwriters Festival provides a lot of opportunity to meet people and make plans to write together. Sometimes you’ll get back to Nashville and have these random Google cal-
Nashville singer-songwriter Payton Taylor is participating this week in her seventh Key West Songwriters Festival. CONTRIBUTED
endar dates in your phone,” with only a foggy memory of the person you’re supposed to write with, she said.
“But really, there’s a lot of cool connections to be made and they all lead back to Nashville,” said Taylor, who got a golden ticket to appear on American Idol when she was simply auditioning as an accompanist to her sister, Taryn.
Her performance was featured on “Good Morning America,” Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, Taste of Country, and Sounds Like Nashville.
She credits her grandfather’s country music albums for her “old soul” style. She and her family made the move to Nashville in 2013, when Taylor was 15.
She has also opened for Charlie Daniels and was invited to the Grand Ole Opry stage by William Michael Morgan.
See Payton Taylor live in Key West at the Lighthouse Hotel on Friday, May 3 at 4 p.m. and at the Hard Rock Cafe on Saturday, May 4 at noon. Check out her music at PaytonTaylor.com.
And for a complete festival schedule, visit keywestsongwritersfestival.com.
MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com
Michael Olanoff has seen it all.
Sex, drugs, blackout drunks, brides, grooms, bitter divorcees, exhausted workers and sunburned tourists who can’t remember their name, much less their hotel.
Michael ‘Oly’ Olanoff. CONTRIBUTED
A Key West cab driver for 27 years, “Oly” has watched unimaginable drama unfold in the backseat of his cab. But at 4 a.m. on April 20, a different kind of drama nearly ended his life.
A 19-year-old drunk driver was doing 70 mph on North Roosevelt Boulevard when he crossed the center line and hit Olanoff’s cab, which was going 40 mph, head-on.
Olanoff’s ankle was crushed when the engine came toward the driver’s seat, the bone broken through the skin. His shoe filled with blood and he fought to remain conscious as he climbed out the passenger door.
The other driver, who would blow a 0.20 — twice the legal limit — walked away uninjured from his crushed Camaro, said Olanoff, who can’t walk or drive for at least four to six months.
“I’m so lucky to be alive; there’s no doubt about it,” he told the Keys Weekly on April 30, 10 days after the crash. “I feel like Keith Richards. I beat bladder cancer last year, and this is my first serious accident in 27 years of driving a cab overnight in Key West. I’m so fortunate.
“But I’m really worried about my financial situation,” he said, adding that the other driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover his medical costs, which include surgery and physical therapy.
Other cabbies had warned their fellow drivers of the Camaro’s erratic driving that night, Olanoff said. And they had seen the car parked for hours at a local bar, where he presumably was underage and overserved, said Olanoff, who is pursuing legal options. But that could take months, or years.
So once again, the Key West community is stepping up to help one of its own.
Longtime locals Paul Menta and Steve Eierman have launched a GoFundMe account to help Olanoff and his wife of 30 years, Betty, with medical, legal and living expenses while his livelihood is on hiatus.
“Some people just drive a cab to earn money, but for Oly it’s about helping, getting people where they need to go, making sure tourists get to the right place and learning something about everyone he meets,” Menta wrote in the GoFundMe description. “Whether they’ve had one too many drinks, gotten lost or were just having problems, Oly gives friendly advice and has been known to drive around for a long time to find somebody’s house or hotel. He’s a very kind-hearted man. … People depend on him, and he’s part of what makes this community and Key West so special. He is part of that Key West soul we all think is gone, but it’s alive and well in people like him.
“This man has given a lot and never asked for anything in return. We’re hoping the karma of his last 30 years and what he’s done for people will result in some funds to help him make it through this tough time.
“When we reach our goal we’ll all know we’ve helped one of our own who has helped so many (even if they don’t always remember it).”
Scan the QR code to go to the GoFundMe page to help Michael ‘Oly’ Olanoff.
mandy@keysweekly.com
The U.S. military retired the Coast Guard Cutter Ingham more than three decades ago, but the decorated ship’s radio room came back to life last weekend, its computer screens blinking with color-coded blocks of numbers and letters. Two experienced radiomen, both now in their 80s, donned headphones and manned the computers and radio dials, sending out calls and making contacts with people, by voice or Morse code, all over the world — New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, France, all 50 states and more. This was a “party,” an amateur, or ham, radio party, In their jargon, it was the FQP Florida QSO Party, and it took place over two days on April 27 and 28. Local Ham radio operators in the Ingham’s radio room tried to make contact with as many people as they could in as many farflung places as possible.
“I’ve met so many people all over the world through the amateur radio world,” said Dick Stein, 77, who has had his amateur radio license for 62 years.
Amateur radio earned the nickname “ham” in the early 20th century, before the government had designated specific frequencies for amateur operators, military and police and commercial operations. When amateur radio operators would use several frequencies, it would jam them for others, prompting the military and commercial users to dub them “ham” as in ham-fisted, or inexpert. The formerly pejorative term stuck and is now considered a badge of honor. Ham radio lets users communicate across town, across the globe and even with astronauts at the International Space Station, all without internet using radio.
“I just got France, and I got Japan earlier today,” George Wagner said from the Ingham’s radio room the afternoon of April 29.
By then, reported Tom Small, who was manning the other radio, the QSO Party had made more than 1,300 contacts with other users around the world. Some contacts were brief, with users exchanging “signal checks” in the jargon of amateur radio, using call signs assigned to each licensed operator as well as to each station.
Top: Members of the Florida Keys Amateur Radio Club give a donation to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham, the Coast Guard’s most decorated ship, now a floating museum at Truman Waterfront. From left, Amateur Radio operators Bob Sauter, Tom Small, Dick Stein, Ingham director Bill Verge and radio operator George Wagner. Bottom: Ham radio operator Tom Small mans the radio communications during a radio contest April 29 aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ingham. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly
Others were longer chats between the Key West users who knew many of the contacts. Stein’s callsign, for example, is K2ZR and the Ingham’s radio room is NR4DL. The letters and numbers roll off the operators’ tongues as easily as their first language.
Ham radio also has been crucial during natural disasters and other events that disable normal telecommunications.
“In times of disaster, when regular communications fail, hams can help emergency communications efforts and work with public service agencies,” states the website for the National Association for Amateur Radio. The Amateur Radio Service kept New York City agencies in touch with each other after their command center was destroyed during the 9/11 tragedy. Ham radio also came to the rescue during Hurricane Katrina, where all other communications failed, the website states.
Bill Verge, a former Coast Guardsman and city commissioner who now runs the Ingham as the Coast Guard’s most decorated ship as a floating museum at Truman Waterfront, told the Keys Weekly that the Ingham’s radio capabilities and signal are strong enough to let local governments use the Ingham as an alternative emergency operations center during hurricanes.
“This ship’s not going anywhere,” Verge said. “And our broadcast ability has a really strong signal that would enable communications.”
FACTS FROM THE TAX COLLECTOR
monroetaxcollector.com
305.295.5000
• To avoid the tax certificate sale, property taxes must be received in our o ce and paid with certified funds by 4:45 pm on May 31. Credit cards will be accepted online until 11:59 pm on May 31.
• The tax certificate sale will be held electronically on June 1 at 8:30 am. To register, please visit lienhub.com.
• To sign up for BillExpress and have your bills sent electronically, please visit monroetaxcollector.com.
• As a reminder, online rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) DO NOT remit the 5% tourist development tax to our o ce. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the tax has been remitted.
• All our o ces will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.
Follow us on for more imortant tax information.
‘‘The churches of Christ greet you.’’ Romans 16:16 NKJV
ENGLISH SERVICE
Sunday Bible Study 10am Service 11am
Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm
Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331
KREYOL SEVIS
Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm Adorasyon 8:30pm
Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm
Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331
SERVICIO ESPAÑOL
Domingo Estudio Biblico a las 5pm
Servicio de Adoración a las 6pm
Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm
Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263
1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST
‘‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, ...’’ I Peter 3:15 NKJV
Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe wins throwdown; Sandy’s Cafe takes 2nd
The judges for the third annual Cuban Sandwich Throwdown includes, from left, county commissioner Craig Cates, former police chief and city commission hopeful Donie Lee, entrepreneur Paul Menta and city commissioner Clayton Lopez. Judges also included Key West Weekly Editor Mandy Miles, who took the photo.
MANDY MILES
mandy@keysweekly.com
What can I say? My job is rough. Take, for instance, this past Saturday, April 27, when I had to drag myself out of bed at the crack of noon, and head to the Green Parrot bar, of all places. (Are you feeling any sympathy for me yet?)
Once there, I was shown a reserved seat at the “judges” table for the third annual Cuban Sandwich Throwdown, a fundraiser organized by Marcia Weaver, owner of Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe, for the Learning Center of Key West preschool.
Longtime bar manager and friend Jim Fossum hooked me up with an icy cold White Claw and Weaver deposited a literal pile of Cuban sandwiches and a score sheet in front of me, each sandwich identified only by a letter or number for the blind taste test.
See what I mean? I don’t know how I get out of bed some days.
I joined my fellow judges — former Key West mayor and current county commissioner Craig Cates, city commissioner Clayton Lopez, business owner Paul Menta and former police chief and possible future city commissioner Donie Lee — in comparing opinions and marking our tally sheets.
The lunchtime crowd at the Parrot on Saturday, April 27 joined the flavorful festivities with a $20
donation that afforded them the same pile of sandwiches and enabled them to cast a vote for the People’s Choice winner. The event, emceed by the inimitable drag queen QMitch, raised $2,700 for the preschool.
There were two professional categories: Traditional and NonTraditional Cuban Sandwiches. With only one entry in the amateur category, the trophy went to Yuri Moreno.
As for the rest of the winners, each received a one-of-a-kind trophy — a loaf of Cuban bread in a chalice — and bragging rights for the next year.
And the winners are...
TRADITIONAL
Judges’ Choice
1st Place: Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe
2nd Place: Sandy’s Cafe
3rd Place: Eaton Good
People’s Choice
1st Place: Sandy’s Cafe
2nd Place: Eaton Good
3rd Place: Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe
NON-TRADITIONAL
Judges’ Choice
1st Place: Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe
2nd Place: Kaya Island Eats
3rd Place: Big Cheezees
People’s Choice
1st Place: Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe
2nd Place: Kaya Island Eats
3rd Place: Big Cheezees
The most senior member in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections is passing the coin. Captain Joseph “Josey” Linares, who had more than 32 years of service, called it a career and retired on April 30. A standing tradition is to pass the coin to the next in line in terms of seniority. That member is Deputy John Keen, who has 31 years and counting. Good luck on your retirement, Captain Linares, and thank you for your continued service, Deputy Keen. CONTRIBUTED
Mike Stack. CONTRIBUTED
Hip-hop artist
Mike Stack
joined Side Tracks
host Gwen Filosa to talk about his performances at the Key West Songwriters Festival, which started May 1, and how he landed the opening act spot for Billy Currington’s June 7 show at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. Stack’s return to the Songwriters Festival comes with a new venture – a new band he formed with D-Lew called the Brickfinders. “This year we’ll actually be doing a live acoustic version of our songs,” said Stack, who’s happy to be one of the band members. It’s not Mike Stack AND the Brickfinders.
“Everybody’s putting in an equal amount of effort, so why
make it somebody’s band? This is our band,” he said.
Music has become his only fulltime job. Stack landed the opening spot for Currington’s June 7 show through Key West friends and Instagram.
“Billy came into the playlist when I was in high school,” Stack said. “He’s talking about all the beers and stuff. So I’m like, this is my guy.”
Currington saw an Instagram post by Rams Head’s Kelly Norman about how she had a DJ play Stack’s “I Want My Beer” while on vacation in the Bahamas. Currington messaged Stack that he liked his song. They traded messages. “I got some twang on there,” Stack said. “But I also got a hip hop verse that I rap.”
Currington eventually asked Stack if he wanted to join him at the amphitheater. “I was like, you don’t even have to ask,” Stack said.
“Mark me down right now.”
MONDAY-SATURDAY
Our bright and and airy space is a treasure trove of carefully curated clothing & accessories that embrace the island lifestyle.
Offering fabulous brands such as Farm Rio, Trina Turk, Oliphant and more, stop by and check out our island inspired collections.
5-minUTE
Limited
The 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.
not to say about this
stories
On April 26, 37 volunteers met on U.S. 1 by the golf course for a special Arbor Day cleanup hosted by the Key West Weekly, which also provided breakfast after the event. In one hour, they collected 293 pounds of trash, 24 pounds of recycling and 3 gallons of cigarette butts. In recognition of Arbor Day, they also collected 200 fallen palm limbs for pickup.
One 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 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
Mitchell,
and
represent the Keys Weekly and Overseas Media Group at the April 26 cleanup. CONTRIBUTED
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
Join a Friday morning cleanup each week from 8 to 9 a.m.
May 3: Bahama Village. Meet at the corner of Emma & Petronia streets. Hosted by ShineGroup & Kenna Construction
May 10: Upper Duval Street. Meet in front of Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy, 1319 Duval St., which is the host this week
May 17: Bertha Street & Flagler Avenue. Meet in Brady’s Pub parking lot, which is the host. May 24: South Roosevelt at Deadman’s Curve. Meet by the last parking spot before the big curve by the Doubletree Grand Key Resort.
May 31: Truman Waterfront. Meet in the large parking lot closest to the Fitness Trail on the right.
Hosted by the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation
OPENS TONIGHT THU MAY 2, 6-8PM ON VIEW MAY 2-30, 2024
Anthony Mancuso
Mancuso focuses on how domestic spaces fit into Florida’s light and landscape, distorting and rendering them with unnatural color to convey the psychological experience of the Sunshine State.
sponsored by Team Kaufelt
Andy Thurber + Sean P. Dwyer
Beloved Conch artist Andy Thurber and relative newcomer Sean Dwyer employ their distinct styles for an exhibit of local scenes that’s dripping with color and charm. sponsored by 5 Brothers
Smith’s silkscreens begin with photographs of the human face, abstracting the images with paint and gilding to evoke the complexity and universality of human emotion.
sponsored by Craig Reynolds Landscape Architects
A multimedia artist and endurance swimmer, Lai traces her body navigating water to evoke where the body meets the world.
sponsored by Fury Water Adventures
GALLERY & BOX OFFICE HOURS: TUE-SUN, 10AM-4PM
is an astrologer, wanderer, bartender and advocate for queer justice. He is a loquacious Gemini with a cozy Cancer rising. Find him at hearthandheraldastrology.com
The planet Venus has just entered Taurus. It’s as if the Goddess of Love is coming home to her lush, fragrant, peaceful garden temple after a long journey abroad. She can breathe, rest and access all the resources she needs to get her work done — and Venus’ work is about managing relationships, enhancing beauty and overseeing the intricacies of love. As Venus crosses the threshold of Taurus, she is also forming a 90-degree square to Pluto in Aquarius, and Pluto has just turned retrograde. It’s almost as if the Lord of the Underworld simply can’t face the radiant beauty of Venus standing proudly in her garden. This aspect can bring about power struggles in relationships — a search for stability versus a craving for change, a challenging temptation toward the taboo, or a financial conundrum between safety and risk. All in all, though, Venus remains queen of her castle, and love will rule the day.
Here are your horoscopes for the Venus-Pluto square. Read for your rising and sun signs.
April 20 - May 20
Self-love is taking over, and you deserve it wholeheartedly. Appreciate your own personality and the way you move through the world. Do what you feel is appropriate to enhance your natural beauty. There is a struggle taking place at work between sustaining yourself and changing. Choose yourself first, then make your decisions.
May 21 - June 21
You may be feeling a tug-of-war between a luscious love for solitude and a powerful drive for adventure. The need to get out and explore is not going anywhere, so enjoy the beauty of your alone time now and feed the wanderlust later. Let your reverie for places beyond fill your time while you luxuriate in isolation. Oh, and try to love your enemies right now and see where that goes.
June 22 - July 22
Soak up the love of your friends that is and will be enveloping you, Cancer. There is a great impulse to just be with the people who support you, and I highly recommend giving in. At the same time, there is an intense drive to seek opportunities for collective investments of time or money. Enjoying time together may be stifled by the call to invest, so strategize on your own, but be present with your people.
July 23 - Aug. 22
Your work world is receiving a beautiful blessing. Perhaps an office renovation is taking place, money is starting to flow in or your colleagues are being extra pleasant. Soak up the grace taking place. Some intensity in an important relationship may challenge the pleasant environment at work, but now is the time for reflection rather than action in this relationship.
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
Step out of your comfort zone. You are awash in love for new places and ideas, and I highly recommend jumping on that train without an itinerary. There is a powerful pull to focus on transforming the routines that structure your everyday life, and this might discourage an adventure. I promise the work will be there when you get back. Go on … scram.
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23
There is a lovely project calling you to invest and to be a part of it. Whether the return on investment is financial, social or moral, the return will shimmer with goodness. Dive in and trust the collective work. You may feel a powerful challenge to turn away and focus on your own creative endeavor, but your work will always be there and this opportunity won’t. So there.
Oct. 24 - Nov. 21
Love for the other, love for the other, love for the other. Whoever your other is, take this opportunity to bask and bathe in your love for them. There may be some powerful and perhaps unconscious complexes from home and family that challenge the simplicity of loving a partner, but take this time to set those aside and know that you can come back to them later. See what transpires when you let your heart take the helm.
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21
Time to get your hands dirty and love the feeling of the soil under your nails. While work and toil are not always a source of joy, right now the grind is offering you some bliss. Get into a routine, put your nose to the grindstone and watch the beauty emerge like gold from straw. You may feel an intense tug to keep on planning, but now is a time for action.
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
Inspiration is everywhere, and you are fertile soil for it to take root. However you produce as a creative being, it is currently the best time for you to plant, water and grow your creative projects. Don’t fret, just do. There may be a powerful desire to ensure that your creative output creates financial return, but catch your muse now and address money later.
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18
Home. Family. The place you rest your head and plant your feet. Roots. Whatever these things mean to you and however they show up in your life, they are shining for you to appreciate them. Face them, stand in awe, and help them grow with your acknowledgement. You probably feel your usual demons about yourself popping up, but set them aside and appreciate what grounds you.
Feb. 19 - March 20
Step outside, walk your block, take an extra moment to appreciate your grocer, check out your neighbor’s garden, love your immediate and usual surroundings. What surrounds you regularly influences and informs how you think and communicate, so imbibe your environment with gratitude now and enjoy what has always been there in a new way. Do your best to ignore the powerful impulse to isolate.
March 21 - April 19
How is your material foundation doing? Yes, your bank account, but also food in your cupboard, the art on your walls, the pillows on your bed. Do you have all you need? If so, radically appreciate that. If not, turn on your peripheral awareness and what you need will emerge. A powerful urge to socialize may pull your attention, but get your own “stuff” right first.
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... is a photographer, writer, and semi-professional birdwatcher. He has lived in Key West for more than 25 years and may no longer be employable in the real world. He is also executive director of the Florida Keys Audubon Society.
There was no path up the mountain. They had to hire some local field workers to create one with machetes, which was fine with the field workers. It was a nice change from harvesting bananas.
Once there was a path to the top, they could see it – the treetop canopy below, which was what they wanted.
Jeffrey Podos, a biology professor at the University of Massachusetts, had his suspicions about the white bellbird before he and his research partner, Mario Cohn-Haf of the Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, climbed that path up the mountain in Amazonian Brazil. They went to study and record two species of birds, the screaming piha and the white bellbird. Both were canopy dwellers, birds that lived in treetops that were often 60, 80, 100 feet above the ground, which made them difficult to study. Unless you found the right mountaintop.
Previously it was thought the screaming piha was the loudest known bird species in the world. Recordings Podos, Cohn-Haf and their team made showed it was actually the white bellbird, which could produce a call three times as loud as the piha’s.
They published their findings in a 2019 paper entitled, “Extremely loud mating songs at close range in white bellbirds,” in the journal “Current Biology.”
I’ve always thought the screaming pihas would be a great name for a punk band and, who knows, there is still a chance that some day some small cadre of maladjusted young musicians could take it up. And I’ve actually heard screaming pihas a couple times in real life, both in Peru and Guyana, and they lived up to their name, their call being a very loud and high pea pea-ha. If you want to hear them from the comfort of your own couch, you can Google it. You can also watch Werner Herzog’s epic “Fitzcarraldo,” as they are calling all over the soundscape of that movie. (They are probably also in the background of “Burden of Dreams,” the documentary about Herzog’s torturous and insane struggle to complete “Fitzcarraldo,” but I mostly just remember them fighting to portage a 320-ton steamship over a mud-slicked hill.)
I’ve seen and heard the bearded bellbird, which is closely related to the white bellbird, quite a few times in Trinidad. They are loud, though I’m not sure exactly how loud, and their call doesn’t sound like a bell so much as two clappers banging together.
I’ve never seen or heard a white bellbird in real life, though I have been thinking about them quite a lot lately.
It started when someone asked me a question with local import a couple months ago: “Is it true the rooster is the loudest bird in the world?”
I didn’t know. So I started doing a little research. And it turns out that both the rooster — the male gallus gallus domesticus — and the white bellbird have been recorded at levels of 125 decibels, but the bellbird was generally considered the loudest bird in the world. I read up on different recording methods, how sound travels through different types of air, how it diminishes over distance, what the different units of measurements were and other bits of acoustical science, and realized there was a reason I quit engineering school. But I also got pretty curious. How do you accurately measure the call of a bird 100 feet up in the canopy?
So I reached out to Jeffrey Podos and he kindly agreed to talk to me on Zoom, which is how I learned about the path up the mountain.
In the canopy below, they could see and hear up to eight adults singing at a time. They could triangulate their sound, figure out which bird was calling when. Occasionally they could get as close as 25 meters to one of them.
The white bellbird has two calls, both of which are very simple, the first being a brief sort of bell-like bong, with amplitude being prized over nuance, musicality or duration. The second is two brief bongs with very similar characteristics to the single bong call. It is basically audible brute force.
What is the point of all this loudness? Podos thinks it comes down to the fact that they are fruit eaters.
“Most birds are just desperately hungry all the time, and they devote most of their waking hours to getting food,” Podos said. For frugivores, though, life is much different than it is for songbirds who spend their days searching for insects and seeds. “If you can find a fruiting tree, then you can just take a couple of trips per day. So you have all this time to spend.”
Male white bellbirds are a very crisp, conspicuous white, with a single wattle that looks a bit like a small snake hanging out of their nostril, something they fling around when they make their calls. Females are drab and incon-
spicuous, able to disappear in the shadows of the forest.
“Basically females can feed babies very well on their own. They don’t need the males to be good dads,” he said. “Males can actually harm babies because they’re so conspicuous. And if they are there helping with the nest, then predators are more likely to find the babies and eat them.”
The males are left with not much else to do but compete with each other for female attention – the avian equivalent of dance-hall lotharios – and somewhere in the evolutionary process females showed a preference for the louder males.
Males being males, it is possible their competitiveness outpaced the thing that initially attracted females – as evidenced by the fact that most times, when a female white bellbird sidles up to a male, and he decides to give her his best bong, or bong bong, the female will duck her head and turn away, as if to avoid the full brunt of the call.
Podos gave me some good, clear explanations for why the white bellbird holds the title of loudest bird, covering such subjects as distance, calibrated electronics, the spherical spreading equation, frequencies, microphone placement, background noise, how sound energy moves through the air, how it dissipates and degrades, and several other aspects of acoustic measurements that totally lost me. So I’m going to trust his doctorate, his research and his basic understanding of how all this works, because science is real, no matter how much it confounds you.
Also, he said that while the white bellbird is the loudest bird that has been recorded, it may not be the loudest bird in the world.
“I think there are louder birds out there,” he said. “There are just not that many people running around with these calibrated recorders.
“They’re so mysterious, these animals,” he said.
Carretera
1/Overseas Highway
Puente de las Siete Millas
Estudio de Desarrollo del Proyecto y Medio Ambiente (PD&E)
Little Duck Key (MP 8.649) hasta Knights Key (MP 16.202)
Número de Gestión Financiera: 448207-1-22-01 | ETDM 14513
El Departamento de Transporte de la Florida (FDOT) llevará a cabo una reunión pública para el lanzamiento del estudio de Desarollo de Proyecto y Medio Ambiente (PD&E) a lo largo de la Carretera Estatal 5/US 1/Overseas Highway Puente de las Siete Millas sobre el canal Moser desde Little Duck Key (Milepost 8.649) hasta Knights Key (Milepost 16.202) en el condado de Monroe, Florida. La revisión ambiental, la consulta y otras acciones requeridas por las leyes ambientales federales aplicables para este proyecto están siendo, o han sido, llevadas a cabo por el FDOT de conformidad con 23 USC § 327 y un Memorando de Entendimiento con fecha del 26 de mayo del 2022, y ejecutado por la Administración Federal de Carreteras y FDOT.
La reunión pública se llevará a cabo de manera presencial, virtual, y será transmitida por MCTV/76 el jueves 16 de mayo del 2024, desde las 5:30 p.m. hasta las 7:30 p.m. Se presentará y compartirá la misma información para todos los formatos. Puede asistir en persona al Marathon Government Center, BOCC, 2798 Overseas Highway, Segundo piso, Marathon, FL 33050.
No es necesario registrarse para asistir en persona. Para participar virtualmente desde su computadora, tableta o celular, regístrese utilizando el siguiente enlace, www.bit.ly/SevenMileBridgePublicKickoffMeeting, o escaneando el código QR. Los participantes también pueden llamar al +1 (631) 992-3221; código de acceso: 751-806-642.
La reunión pública consistirá de una presentación formal que comenzará a las 5:30 p.m. seguida de una discusión abierta. El propósito de este estudio es considerar alternativas que mejoren la resistencia estructural, la seguridad, la evacuación y respuesta de emergencia, y la movilidad de todos los usuarios que cruzan el puente. Esta reunión pública se lleva a cabo para brindar a las personas interesadas la oportunidad de expresar sus puntos de vista sobre la ubicación, el diseño conceptual y los efectos sociales, económicos y ambientales de las propuestas de mejora.
Las exhibiciones y folletos del proyecto estarán disponibles poco antes de la reunión en la página web del proyecto, www.SevenMileBridge.com. Las personas que deseen presentar declaraciones podrán hacerlo en la reunión o enviándolas al Gerente de Proyecto, Raul Quintela, P.E., al (305) 4705271 o por correo electrónico a Raul.Quintela@dot.state.fl.us. Se solicita la participación del público sin distinción de raza, color, origen nacional, edad, sexo, religión, discapacidad o situación familiar. Las personas que requieran adaptaciones especiales según la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o las personas que requieran servicios de traducción (sin cargo) deben comunicarse con Tish Burgher, al menos siete (7) días antes de la reunión pública al (305) 470-5277 o por correo electrónico a Tish.Burgher@dot.state.fl.us
SR 5/US 1/Overseas Highway Seven Mile Bridge
Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study
Little Duck Key (MP 8.649) to Knights Key (MP 16.202) Financial Management Number: 448207-1-22-01 | ETDM 14513
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct a Public Kick-off Meeting for the proposed improvements to the SR 5/US 1/ Overseas Highway Seven Mile Bridge over the Moser Channel Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study from Little Duck Key (Milepost 8.649) to Knights Key (Milepost 16.202) in Monroe County, Florida. The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried-out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. § 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated May 26, 2022, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.
The Public Kick-off Meeting will be held in person, virtually, and broadcast on MCTV/76 on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The same information will be presented and shared for all formats. Attend in person at the Marathon Government Center, BOCC, 2798 Overseas Highway, 2nd Floor Marathon, FL 33050.
You do not need to register to attend in person. To participate virtually from your computer, tablet, or smartphone please register using the following link, www.bit.ly/SevenMileBridgePublicKickoffMeeting, or by scanning the QR code. Participants can also call in by dialing +1 (631) 992-3221; access code: 751-806-642.
The public meeting will consist of a formal presentation starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by an open discussion. The purpose of this study is to consider alternatives that improve structural resiliency, safety, evacuation and emergency response, and mobility for all users who travel across the bridge. This public meeting is being conducted to give interested persons an opportunity to express their views concerning the location, conceptual design, and social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.
Project displays and handouts will be available shortly before the meeting on the project website, www.SevenMileBridge.com. Persons wishing to submit statements may do so at the meeting or by sending them to Project Manager, Raul Quintela, P.E., at (305) 470-5271 or by email at Raul.Quintela@dot.state.fl.us. Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Tish Burgher, at least seven (7) days prior to the public meeting at (305) 470-5277 or by email at Tish.Burgher@dot.state.fl.us
Anew batch of the Florida Keys’ most dedicated community leaders saw their year-long efforts rewarded as Leadership Monroe County (LMC) celebrated its graduation for Class XXXI – “31 Fators” – on April 27 at Marathon Community Park.
Building upon its community festival format from 2023, the day included demos and booths from dozens of partner organizations, including everything from live baby alligators with FWC to bomb squad demos and roaming members of the Key West Police Department’s mounted patrol unit. Axthrowing, bounce houses, field games and a row of food trucks rounded out the family-friendly day at the park.
A short ceremony closed the day’s festivities by honoring each of the graduates and acknowledging the
contributions of outgoing LMC board members. As is tradition, Class XXXI’s leadership development journey included completion of a class project – in this case, a raffle with cash prizes and funds earmarked to support LMC itself ($5,000) and swim lessons for children through Keys Kids Swim ($8,500).
Established in 1992, Leadership Monroe County is an educational nonprofit community leadership organization developed to address the rapidly changing needs and concerns of the county, develop a group of well-educated leaders, help guide the community in a positive direction and foster countywide effective and nonpartisan alliances. Through a series of single or multi-day sessions over seven months, participants examine the fundamental public and private segments throughout the county. More information is at leadershipmonroecounty.org.
1. Key West mounted police officers Mike Wolf, top left, and Nick Revoredo stop for a photo op with Emily Samess, bottom left, and Maya Christensen. 2. Saturday’s family-friendly celebration included plenty of kid-friendly booths, like this live baby gator from FWC. 3. Class XXXI -- the ‘31 Fators’ – takes one last class photo. 4. Karen Neely, second from left, Brian Shea, Mindy McKenzie and Chuck Licis-Masson receive their tokens of thanks for service on LMC’s board from George Garrett. 5. Proceeds from Class XXXI’s class project raffle will see $8,500 go to support swim lessons for Keys kids, along with $5,000 to support the continuing mission of Leadership Monroe. 6. The ‘31 Fators’ close their graduation ceremony with a kazoo performance. 7. Luke Blanton, left, Skylar Seligson and Elle Mowry are #CertifiedMalPals as they set up shop with a lemonade stand, auction items and bracelets to aid local dolphin trainer Mallory Martin in her battle with cancer. 8. LMC Program Coordinator Michael Shields gets an end-of-year gift from Class XXXI. 9. Marathon Chamber CEO Daniel Samess, left, finds the right tent with Florida Keys Brewing Company owner Craig McBay. 10. Class XXXI graduate Donny Barrios rocks the official 31 Fators hat. Photos by Alex Rickert and Jason Koler. See more graduation photos at keysweekly.com
Through May 5
• Key West Songwriters Festival packs more than 100 songwriters from Nashville into scores of performances at more than 30 local venues. Visit keywestsongwritersfestival.com for information and a schedule. And see page 10.
Sunday, May 5
• Running for Rhonda, a charity honoring the late Key Wester Rhonda Flores, will host a fundraising 5K race and one-mile fun run, starting at 8 a.m. at Truman Waterfront. All proceeds will benefit a scholarship in her name to help a Take Stock in Children student. A Cinco de Mayo celebration will follow, featuring tunes by DJ Top Jimmy, food, drinks, raffles and more.
Wednesday, May 8
• Lower Florida Keys Hospital District board meeting, 2:30 p.m. at Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave. A citizens advocacy group will raise the issue of the lease/operating agreement for the public hospital, which expires in five years. Visit OHKW. org for more information.
• The Key West library will host a free screening of “Cycle of Memory,” at 6 p.m. The documentary follows two grandsons’ quest to find the memories their grandfather lost to Alzheimer’s by recreating his 1945 bicycle adventure. A virtual Q&A with the filmmaker will follow. The event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, May 9
• Key West City Commission meeting at City Hall. Morning session starts at 9 am. Evening session begins at 5 p.m. Visit cityofkeywest-fl.gov for a full agenda.
Sunday, May 19
• Support FIRM’s efforts to fight unfairly high insurance rates in the Florida Keys by participating in the Charity Mini Golf Tournament, 2 to 5 p.m. at Boondocks, MM 27, Ramrod Key. Prizes, sponsorships and teams are still being accepted. Contact Wayne Carter at 305-743-2485 or CEO@ MLKAR.com.
Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.
What: “My Husband” by Maud Ventura
Why: This is genuinely one of the best books I’ve read since rediscovering my love for reading post-college. The novel, translated from French, is about a wife whose every waking moment revolves around her husband. She dedicates all her time to analyzing her husband’s behaviors and adjusting hers accordingly, despite having a job and young children.
I love books with unhinged female main characters, especially if they are also the narrator. The narration in this novel is sharp and cunning.
Anyone who has been driven crazy by love or a romantic partner can relate to this novel during at least one moment.
Despite the main character being so reliant on her husband for her emotional wellbeing, the novel is feminist and fresh for the modern woman.
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 e-books and e-audiobooks 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: Carly Neilson, library assistant, Key West Library
See previous recommendtions at keyslibraries.org/shelf-help.
As the calendars turned to May this week, a fleet of boats with expectant anglers descended with renewed fervor on the Keys’ reefs and wrecks. The opening of grouper and hogfish season every May 1 is nearly as much of a holiday for some local anglers as Christmas – but this year, a set of regulation changes will muddy the waters as fishermen try to color within the lines of the law.
Though many are still unaware of the change, a NOAA Fisheries regulation enacted in October 2023 will significantly limit recreational, commercial and charter anglers targeting two species of grouper in federal waters – in other words, more than 3 nautical miles off the coast on the Atlantic side of the Keys, or 9 nautical miles into the Gulf of Mexico.
Grouper hunters have long been accustomed to harvesting a maximum of one black or gag grouper per angler per day, as part of the three-grouper daily aggregate – in other words, a recreational boat with four anglers could return to the dock with a maximum of 12 total groupers, including a maximum of four gag or black groupers, while the rest could be more looselyregulated species like red grouper.
However, in an effort to rebuild struggling gag grouper stocks, the October 2023 rule imposes a vessel limit of two black or gag groupers per vessel per day – but only in federal waters. The translation: no more loading up the boat with friends and family, heading to the reef, and returning to the docks with a cooler full of black or gag groupers.
A shortened season is projected to close for gag grouper on June 15. Charter trips are similarly limited to two gag or black grouper per vessel per trip, while the rule also establishes a lower per-trip commercial threshold for gag grouper harvest at 300 pounds gutted weight per trip
As published on NOAA Fisheries’ website, the rule change resulted from a gag grouper stock assessment that determined the species was over-fished, resulting in the 10-year rebuilding schedule now in place. The inclusion of black grouper in the new rule, the release stated, was due to
Marathon spearfisherman Chris Campbell holds a trophy black grouper from the 2023 season. Harvest of the species in federal waters off the Keys is subject to new regulations that took effect in October 2023. CONTRIBUTED
misidentification issues between the two species, not a targeted rebuild of black grouper stocks.
“Gag and black grouper are often misidentified by recreational fishermen,” the release states. “Because of these misidentification issues, and with the need to greatly reduce the harvest of gag to rebuild the stock, the rule implements recreational harvest constraints for black grouper to indirectly benefit the gag portion of the snappergrouper fishery.”
Though fishing the outer edges of the Keys’ reefs and wrecks, the majority of which fall in federal waters, will be more restricted, the rule does not apply to state waters, where the former grouper aggregate limit still applies without vessel limits.
The change leaves some anglers asking how to navigate the blurred line between the two fishing grounds when visiting both in a single trip – and raises questions of enforcement protocols for agencies like FWC. The obvious question: if a vessel reaches its limit in federal waters, can it move inshore to a location in state waters and harvest additional fish? And if so, how can anglers prove their catch is in line with the law?
“Be honest, tell us your story, and we’re going to ask some questions,” FWC Capt. David Dipre told the Weekly by phone. Though Dipre agreed that the new rule could allow boats with more than two anglers returning from federal waters to potentially harvest additional fish closer to shore, proof of the harvest locations could go a long way to answer officers’ questions.
“Leave your tracks (on your GPS) on, so that way you can show the officers where you’ve been and where you fished, and we’ll take it from there,” Dipre said. “We ask people to be patient, because if you are near the border of state and federal waters, officers will be asking you a number of questions about where you caught the fish.”
Brad Norris has been running personal watercraft tours out of Old Conch Harbor canal since 2014. He knows this Islamorada waterway behind Old Tavernier Restaurant very well.
But recently, Norris saw something he had never seen before, and it was cause for concern.
“When you see an upside-down goliath grouper spinning on the surface, it catches your attention quickly,” recalled Norris, who owns JSK Watersports.
Norris said the distressed juvenile goliath grouper was at the end of the canal, in the harbor area. The fish was struggling and kept repeating the same troubling movements, over and over again.
“He would come to the surface, spin around a little bit, then he would flip upside down, like his buoyancy was off and then eventually slowly sink to the bottom,” said Norris, who immediately called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hotline.
An FWC response team came out twice, but could not capture the grouper.
“They failed twice at trying to get the fish and had kind of thrown in the white flag,” said Norris.
But this story did not end there. Eventually Norris managed to grab the grouper.
“I was there later in the evening and I had a big dip net ready and I saw him come up,” he recalled. Norris scooped up the grouper, borrowed a neighbor’s fish well and kept the fish alive until FWC returned to retrieve it.
What Norris witnessed may be part of an ongoing fish kill that began last year in the Keys and continues to stump marine biologists.
Since last year, FWC has been recording and investigating what the agency calls abnormal fish behavior off the island chain. Reports of fish spinning started to come into FWC in the fall of 2023. Most of the attention has focused on the endangered smalltooth sawfish.
April 23. BRAD NORRIS/Contributed
As of April 24, there have been 43 sawfish deaths. But that may be just one part of the picture. FWC reports over 50 other species of fish, including the goliath grouper, have also been observed displaying this unusual and distressing behavior.
“It hits close to home when you see it somewhere you’ve never seen it before and it’s right there in your backyard,” Norris said .
“FWC have received two goliath grouper for testing; one has already been sent to the University of Southern Alabama for testing last week, the most recent is going to be sent in the near future, both of which had histology and toxin samples taken,” said FWC spokesman Jonathan Veach via an email to Keys Weekly.
So far, FWC has fielded 458 calls to its fish kill hotline, collected 251 fish samples and 200 water samples. Some samples and hotline submissions came from partners at the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, Lower Keys Guides Association and the Sawfish Hotline.
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MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com ted their names ahead of time for a random drawing of contestants who are urged to “Come on down! You’re the next contestant on ‘The Price is Right.’”
Siconic TV game show played out in a live, on-stage version. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly 5
ince when does knowing the price of furniture polish, sunscreen, laundry detergent or other mundane household products lead to big winnings?
Actually, since 1972, when “The Price is Right” game show started airing on CBS. It’s the longestrunning game show in TV history and has aired more than 9,000 episodes.
A touring version of the game show, “The Price is Right Live,” launched in 2003 and returned to Key West’s Coffee Butler Amphitheater for the second time on April 28.
Hopeful contestants packed the amphitheater, having submit-
Todd Newton hosts the live version, and has a personal connection to Key West, as he told Gwen Filosa on the Keys Weekly Podcast last month,
“I took my first steps as a baby on the beaches of Key West,” Newton told Keys Weekly. “I went there throughout my entire childhood. In my 20s, I started going alone and having the kind of fun a young man in his 20s can have in Key West. It’s gonna be a homecoming for me.”
Newton had an apartment in Old Town in his 30s and spent most of the pandemic lockdown in the Keys.
JUNE 14-16, 2024
— Derek Epperly | Real Estate Broker
Derek Epperly, Keys Atlantic Real Estate Broker and Biote user says, “After turning 50 I was struggling with diminished energy levels. I tried all sorts of vitamins and energy supplements but it was Dr. Petersen & Biote that got me back in the game with the energy of my 25 year old self.
Although the following signs may indicate a problem with alcohol or other drugs, some also reflect normal growing pains. Experts believe that a drinking problem is more likely if you notice several of these signs at the same time, if they occur suddenly, or if some of them are extreme in nature.
» Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and defensiveness
» School problems: poor attendance, low grades, and/or disciplinary action
» Rebellion against family rules
» Friend changes: switching friends and a reluctance to let you know the new friends
» A “nothing matters” attitude: sloppy appearance, a lack of involvement in former interests, & general low energy
» Finding Alcohol in your child’s room or backpack, smelling alcohol on his/her breath
» Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination,or slurred speech
It is hard for most parents to believe that their child might be caught up in alcohol & drug use and in need of professional help but it happens more often than you think.
Monroe County 24 Hr. Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline 305-434-7660 press 8
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Last week, I drove down to Stock Island from the Sioux Street office on Plantation Key. I should have driven over the Cow Key Channel Bridge, into Key West, down to Greene Street, and picked up a new pair of Kinos, black, size 11.
However, I did not. Fortunately, I can order them online and have the sandals my feet love the most shipped up to the house. Between the cost of parking in Key West and shipping to Islamorada, the price is about the same.
The two stops I did make on Stock Island left substantial impressions. While I did not expect my reaction to the first, the second was exactly what I hoped it would be. My primary destination was a marina at the end of Old Shrimp Road. The historic schooner Western Union is dry-docked in the boatyard, and I wanted to see it. Though that part of the boatyard is not open to the public, I was given permission to go to the property and see the ship.
Like many people, the last time I saw the schooner was while it was still in the water at Schooner Wharf. I never set foot on the vessel or took a sunset cruise when it was still sailing out of the Key West harbor. While I knew that the ship was not in
great shape, I was not prepared for what I saw, considering the Western Union’s legacy.
Built in 1939, the ship, named for the most reasonable of reasons, had a long working life. Launched on April 7, 1939, the schooner was the last tall ship built in Key West. Because it served the Western Union Telegraph Company, it was appropriately named the Western Union.
The vessel was leased to the Western Union Telegraph Company and employed to maintain telegraph cables connecting Key West to Havana from 1939 to 1973. After 1973, the schooner was bought, sold and finally donated to a not-forprofit called the Schooner Western Union Preservation Society Inc. The society’s mission was “to restore and maintain the historic vessel to benefit the local community and for education and outreach programs.”
The historic schooner gained local, state and national recognition in the interim. The Western Union was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 1997, it was designated the flagship of Key West and, in 2012, the flagship of the State of Florida.
In 2011, the 130-foot schooner underwent a million-dollar restoration project and was once again sailing through the clear waters surrounding the Florida Keys. However, the breathtaking sight of the schooner at full sail was relatively shortlived. Sadly, the ship fell into disrepair again and was taken to Tarpon
Springs in 2016 to undergo another round of restoration projects.
After a series of problems (and complications associated with the pandemic), the once majestic Western Union was towed back to Key West in 2019 sans masts, sails and railings. It has been at the marina at the end of Old Shrimp Road since December 2019. Despite the ship’s designation as a historic landmark and its status as the official flagship of both Key West and Florida, it has sat for years relatively untouched by everyone but the hands of time. Suffice it to say, the Western Union has seen better days.
While at the boatyard, I took a few pictures and scribbled a few notes in my notebook. When I was done, I walked back across the dusty property to where I had parked, stepped up into the Jeep, turned the engine over, and let the air conditioner do its magic. Then, I called to arrange the second of my Stock Island stops.
Mexican food is some of my favorite, and I rarely make the drive down to Key West (or Stock Island) without bringing back tamales and a pork burrito with verde sauce from Chico’s Cantina. Tamales are my favorite, and Chico’s are the best I have had in the Keys. So, I called, placed the order, picked it up 15 minutes later, and headed back up the Overseas Highway to Plantation Key.
All the way home, I smelled those Mexican flavors seeping out
of the brown paper bag sitting in the passenger seat. No matter how mouth-watering they were, as I drove past the Key deer at Big Pine and over the Seven Mile Bridge (where I waved at Fred the Tree), I could not help but think about the ship. For me, thinking generally leads to writing, and while there is more to write about the larger story of the schooner, for now, I am going to focus on what seeing the schooner firsthand brought to mind. It is important to keep writing about, talking about and sharing these island histories because when they are tucked away or left on dusty bookshelves (or in dusty boatyards), they are easily overlooked or, worse, forgotten. While it takes work to keep these histories alive, and I am by no means the only one putting in the effort, it is one of the reasons I write this column. Also, as expected, the tamales were excellent and the burrito was delicious.
Conchs track and field racks up titles | P.9
Team Sport Opponent Date Result
Coral Shores Baseball ABF Academy (Homestead) 4/22 L, 7-3
Key West Softball Palmer 4/23 W, 14-3
Key West Softball Miami Christian 4/24 L, 6-3
Key West Softball Miami Christian 4/24 L, 10-3
Marathon Baseball Riviera Prep 4/25 W, 6-0
Coral Shores Baseball LaSalle 4/25 W, 8-0
Marathon Softball Gulliver 4/25 W, 17-0
Key West Baseball Eustis 4/26 W, 3-0
Key West Baseball Eustis 4/27 L, 5-1
Date School Sport Opponent Start Time
5/2 Key West Softball @ St. Brendan 6 p.m.
5/7 All Keys Schools Track & Field Regionals @ Calvary Christian 9 a.m.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Clerf
Senior, Key West Track & Field
A model studentathlete, Clerf understands the importance of balancing academics and athletics. He actively seeks improvement by studying the techniques of legendary triple jumpers and sprinters.”
– Dave Perkins, head track and field coach
The Key West Conchs will send a bevy of competitors to the FHSAA track and field regional championships after strong showings at districts. The boys claimed their second straight District 2A title, while the girls finished second. See page 9. MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly stands the imporniques of legendary
Key West High School’s Clerf Alexandre pays attention to the little things, understanding that in the end, they add up to greatness. Alexandre combines his athleticism, of which there is no shortage, with a willingness to do what it takes to fine-tune his events, and his work has paid off. The senior sprinter will represent the Conchs at the FHSAA 2A Region 4 Championships this week in the maximum four events, after winning the triple jump outright, taking fourth in the 100 and running a leg on two of Key West’s three qualifying relay teams. For his unwavering commitment to self-improvement and strong performances both on the track and in the field, Key West’s Clerf Alexandre is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.
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.
sean mcdonald
grew up in Miami and moved to the Keys in 1997. He has spent the last 25 years teaching physical education and coaching virtually every sport for Florida Keys kids ages 4 to 18. If you are reading this and live or lived in the Florida Keys, he has probably taught, coached, or coached against someone you know.
Marathon - Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com
Upper Keys - Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com
Key West - Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com
The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap is proud to be the only locally-owned 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.
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Se habla español THE MARATHON 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.
On the Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast, Sean and Tracy go over all of the week’s games, scores and events. You will catch some behind-the-scenes information you won’t hear anywhere else. In this week’s edition, you will get some updated baseball and softball information to help you follow along as the Fins, ’Canes and Conchs set off down the long, arduous road toward the state championships.
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After watching the South Florida Baseball Conference title just barely slip from their grasp in the last few seasons, the 2024 Marathon Dolphins refused to be denied.
Leo Mendez and Gavin Leal added a base hit each in the win.
The Fins played in their conference championship game at Riviera Prep on April 25, facing the Bulldogs for the third time this season. In one of those matchups, Marathon struggled late in the game, eventually losing to the Bulldogs in extra innings. Fins head coach Joey Gonzalez made sure that would be an anomaly.
Ziels’ pitching shut down the Bulldog offense, spanning 6 innings on the mound for Marathon with 9 strikeouts, 2 walks and just 5 hits allowed before eventually being named the tournament’s MVP. Mason Thornton closed out the game facing just 3 batters, all of whom the Dolphins defense quickly dispatched in part of their error-free performance. Gonzalez did not hesitate for a moment when asked what he attributed the team’s success to this season.
“We knew that Riviera Prep was scrappy and had a couple of mid- to upper-80s power arms at the top of the rotation,” he said. “Our plan was to just work really good at-bats and force the opposing pitcher to get deep into counts, focusing on stretching out the offensive innings. We wanted to go in and get Dylan (Ziels) four to five runs of support off of those quality arms and let him have the breathing room to slam the door shut.”
The Fins did exactly what they set out to do, picking up 7 hits, 7 walks and taking another 3 bases on hit batters. Defensively, Marathon was impeccable, shutting out any hopes of a Riviera Prep comeback and delivering a 6-0 win for the team’s first-ever conference championship. Jack Chapman hammered a pair of doubles to lead the offensive onslaught. Gabe Leal’s pair of base hits added 3 RBIs to his stats and Bryan Broche,
“The brotherhood,” he said. “Every single guy, 1 through 19, has been pulling on the same side of the rope all season. No egos, no jealousy, everybody in it for the same exact reason: to win together and make Marathon proud.”
The Hurricanes split a pair of games last week, starting with a road loss to ABF Academy Homestead on April 22. The Bandits bested the ’Canes 7-3, scoring all of their runs in an unfortunate inning 6. Coral Shores pulled ahead early, scoring 2 in the first inning and another in the second. The ’Canes held on to that lead, shutting out the Bandits until the bottom of the sixth, which began with a hit batter and included 6 walks, a single and a triple to result in 7 Bandit runs. AJ Putetti blasted a triple for one of 4 hits against the Bandits. Donovan Thiery, Riley O’Berry and Keller Blackburn accounted for the other three.
Three nights later, Coral Shores took out their frustrations against LaSalle, racking up 13 hits against the Royal Lions in an 8-0 shutout. Tate Brumbalow had a fantastic showing on the mound, fanning 4 with no hits and no walks over 6 innings. Riley O’Berry closed out the final regular-season game for Coral Shores, pitching the final inning. Campbell Lavoie was 3 for 4 with a single, double and triple at bat. Zeke Myers had 3 base hits while Grady Temkin had a single and a double. Thiery, Putetti, Ben Friedman, Dominic Batista and Hugh Connolly accounted for the rest of Coral Shores’ hits.
Marathon and Coral Shores must now figure out how to stay alive in FHSAA 2A District 16 action. Marathon’s record earned them a bye in round one, while the ’Canes faced Somerset South Homestead in the quarterfinals on April 29.
Coral Shores kept its offensive firepower rolling, blasting 11 hits and scoring 14 runs to send the mainland Hurricanes home early in five innings, 14-2. Grayden Ross, Brumbalow and O’Berry teamed up on the mound in the ‘Canes’ win.
It was straight to the semis for the Fins to play Somerset Silver Palms on April 30 (results not available at press time). If the stars align, a Battle of the Keys rematch could become reality in the district championship game.
Key West finished out its regular season on April 26 and 27 with a pair of games against Eustis, splitting the series with the Panthers. In game one, four seniors shared pitching duties. Anthony Lariz, Jacob Burnham, Julian Brown and Hunter White combined for 8 strikeouts, walking 2 and allowing just 3 hits. Lariz worked the mound for 4 innings while the rest of the crew took care of 1 each. Offensively, the Conchs out-hit the Panthers 4-3, with 2 of those hits coming from Steel Mientkiewicz. Roman Garcia and Jose Perdigon added 1 base hit each in the 3-0 shutout.
In game two, Eustis struck first, scoring in the top of the first off a trio of walks and a hit batter. Key West managed to tie the game up in inning two, taking advantage of a walk and a single from Noah Burnham. Eustis reclaimed the lead in the fourth and added 3 more in the sixth to seal the 5-1 win. Burnham’s hit was one of just two from Conch bats, with the second coming from freshman Nelson Ong. Senior Felix Ong struck out 10 batters in 5 innings, giving up just 1 hit and walking 4. Vinnie Moline pitched two innings of relief, fanning 4 and walking 2 while giving up a pair of hits in the loss.
Key West earned a bye for the quarterfinals and advanced to the FHSAA 4A District 16 semifinal game against St. Brendan on May 1 (results not available at press time). A win against the Sabres would give the Conchs a chance to defend their district title on May 2.
When it comes to gym time, no one beats Marathon’s Justice Lee. In fact, nobody beats Lee in much at all. Lee showed maturity and dedication to make it to a level unmatched by any other female Keys lifter. Just a sophomore, Lee won double district gold at 183 pounds in both the Olympic and traditional events. She went on to claim double gold again at regionals, then secured two state championships, winning gold medals and making school history. Lee holds school records in all three lifts, and her records continue to fall as she breaks them again and again. Currently, she boasts a 150-pound snatch, 190-pound clean and jerk, and 180-pound bench.
Sierra Earnhardt
SENIOR MARATHON
Marathon’s Sierra Earnhardt claimed double district gold at 119 pounds this season, then won the regional championship in traditional lifts with a runner-up medal in Olympic. Earnhardt brought home bronze at states in the Olympic event, and was eighth in traditional. Though she has a season of eligibility remaining, Earnhardt elected to graduate early, but not before leaving her mark in Marathon weightlifting.
Ella Dunn
JUNIOR MARATHON
Marathon’s Ella Dunn made her second trip to the FHSAA 1A State Championships this season after claiming two district runner-up medals, a regional championship in traditional lifts and a runnerup medal in Olympic in her 110-lb. weight class. Dunn went on to bring home a fifth-place medal in Olympic lifts and broke into the top 10 in traditional, finishing seventh in the event.
Mikkel Ross brought home a third-place district medal in Olympic lifts and a second place in traditional in the 129-lb. class. Ross went on to capture the same titles in the events at regionals. Her totals at regionals qualified her for her second FHSAA State Championship appearance in as many years.
The Florida Keys put the rest of the state on notice this season, as three schools with relatively new girls weightlifting programs managed to secure medals and championships like they have been doing it forever. No longer is the panhandle Florida’s breeding ground for top lifters; the southernmost schools are quickly becoming where it’s at as far as girl power goes. All three teams had individual athletes qualify for states, and two schools brought home medals, given out to just the top six lifters in each weight class for the entire state.
Marathon’s Sabrina Schofield won a district title at 193 pounds in traditional lifting and a runner-up medal in Olympic. At regionals, she lifted enough to secure a fifth-place spot in Olympic lifts, which gave her a spot at states for her first big show.
strongwoman
Maradiaga managed to bring home a sixth-place medal at districts in both lifting events despite being the Fins’ second lifter at 101 pounds. She went on to place seventh at regionals in traditional and 10th in Olympic, qualifying for states.
Claire Boysen
SENIOR KEY WEST
Key West’s Claire Boysen won double district runnerup medals this season, qualifying for regionals in both events. The senior represented well in the 190lb. class, taking sixth place in traditional lifts and ninth in Olympic at the regional event.
Key West’s top lifter at 154 pounds brought home a variety of hardware in her senior campaign. Jenkins was the district runner-up in Olympic lifts and went on to take the same place in regionals with strong enough lifts to qualify for states. In the traditional category, she was fourth at districts and seventh at regionals.
Rachel Rusch won a district championship in traditional and was the runner-up in Olympic at 110 pounds this season. At regionals, she was sixth in Olympic and third in traditional, qualifying for the state championships in both events.
Jennille Arias
SOPHOMORE
CORAL SHORES
Hurricane Jennille Arias won the district championship at 169 pounds in both events this season. She then placed second at regionals in traditional and third in Olympic, qualifying for states in both events. Arias brought home a pair of medals from the state championships, placing second in traditional lifts and sixth in Olympic. Just a sophomore, Arias has all the potential to bring home the gold next season.
Sydney Eysenbach won double district titles this season, competing in the unlimited category. She brought home a third-place medal from regionals in traditional and a fourth in Olympic, qualifying for the state championships in both events.
The 101-lb. weight class was stacked with Keys lifters this season, and Coral Shores’ Julia Rusch held her own, bringing home a third-place medal in traditional and fifth in Olympic lifts from districts. She then claimed sixth in traditional and seventh in Olympic at regionals. Her lifts in traditional were strong enough to qualify for states as just a freshman.
Coral Shores had two talented lifters in the unlimited category this season, and Vanessa Gabriel was one of them. At districts, she claimed the runner-up medal in traditional lifts and third place in Olympic. At regionals, she was third in Olympic and fourth in traditional and earned a spot at states in both events.
Coral Shores junior Kali Gomer was the district runner-up in Olympic and traditional lifts at 139 pounds this season. She went on to secure second place in Olympic and seventh in traditional at regionals and qualified for the state meet with Olympic lifts.
Fins rack up the hits in final regular-season game
Two Keys softball teams are bringing their offensive prowess and some strong pitching into the postseason.
Key West needed only six innings to beat Palmer Trinity, 14-3, on April 23 in Miami.
Breanna Breener struck out 10 while allowing only 6 hits over 6 innings. Scarlet Niles, Tavyn Gage, Vera Rodger and Nina Manresa each had 2 hits for the Conchs. Manresa connected for a grand slam to left field. Alexa Condella, Shylo Sanchez and Skye Sterling added 1 hit each to make 11 for Key West.
Miami Christian proved to be a more formidable opponent. On April 24, the Lady Conchs hosted the Victors for a double header. In game one, the aptly-named Miami squad held the Conchs to just 4 hits, winning 6-3. Gage had 2 of those hits with the others coming from Rodger and Manresa. Chloe Gilday split time with Breener in the circle for game one.
With little time to regroup, the teams faced off again in game two. Gilday and Lilee Gage shared the pitching duties. Gage had 2 more hits for 6 total in a week’s time. Sterling, Nevaeh Arnold and Alexandra Rodriguez had 1 hit each in the 10-3 loss. Key West, the reigning district champs, will defend their title May 2 against the St. Brendan Sabres in Miami.
The Lady Fins defeated Gulliver Prep in a resounding 17-0 road win on April 24. Marathon hit often and hard against the Warriors. Daniuska Perdomo ripped a double and a single for 4 RBIs. Allison Garcia connected for a double and a triple, while Madelyn Thornton and Shynell McGuire had a single and a triple each. Elena Eubank added a double and a single with 2 RBIs.
Maeve Merryman and Eli Roque registered a pair of base hits and Sara Robinson had 1 for 15 total team hits. Garcia handled pitching duties and struck out 8 batters over 5 innings in the mercy-rule shutout. Five Fins now boast a batting average above .400, including Roque, Garcia, Eubank, Robinson and Thornton. Marathon is going to need those bats fully awake if they hope to make it past the district semifinals.
The Fins face Mater Academy Bay, a team they beat 11-1 a few weeks ago, in the district quarterfinals. A win there would again pit the Fins against the No. 1 seed Miami Christian Victors in the semis.
The Key West boys track and field team successfully defended their district title April 24 at the FHSAA 2A District 16 Championships at Tropical Park. The win marks their seventh title since 2017. The Lady Conchs were the runners-up this season after winning a district title in 2023. In total, more than two dozen athletes from Key West and Coral Shores high schools qualified for the upcoming regional meet. Marathon’s championships were not held as of print time. The top four athletes in each event move on, making track and field one of the best-represented sports for Keys athletes in the postseason.
Helping the Key West boys’ team reach its 180 points were four individual winners, all claiming their wins in field events. Clerf Alexandre won the triple jump event and grabbed another handful of points with a fourth-place finish in the 100-meter race, guaranteeing him a spot at regionals in both events. He also ran legs of the 4x100 and 4x400 relays, both of which qualified for regionals, making Alexandre a busy young man next week. Jean Louis was first in the shot put and second in the discus. Noah Mercer was the district discus champ and will also compete at regionals in shot put, in which he placed fourth. Niks-Davis Suharevskis battled through a foot injury to claim the pole vault title.
Other regional qualifiers include Shane Lavallee, who will compete in four events. Lavallee was third in the 100, fourth in javelin, and is a member of the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. Walson Morin will be part of the same relays and compete individually in the 200-meter race, where he came in fourth. Colbin Hill was fourth in the 3200 and will run on the 4x800 team. Anthony Jenner was third in the 110 high hurdles and the discus. Brondson Etienne was third in high jump, Peyton Zubieta was second in javelin, and Ian Newton and Ian
Torrealba were second and fourth in pole vault, respectively. Jeef Dejean will be busy competing in long and triple jump, a pair of events in which he was second, as well as running a leg of the 4x100 relay. Cole Jackson will compete on the 4x400 team and will join Andrew Fedor, Rayan Barrios and William Forster in representing Key West on the 4x800 relay team.
Coral Shores had one district champion in sophomore Xavier Johnson, who won the 110 high hurdles. Joining Johnson at regionals will be Ethan Marguet, who was second in the 800, and Alaric Rodriguez, who took fourth place in the 1600. Both will compete on the qualifying 4x800 relay team. Ambrose Sanchez was second in the 400 hurdles and Riley Fromen claimed third in pole vault. Rounding out the ’Canes qualifiers were Adrik Gadea and William Davila, who both qualified for the 4x800 team.
Key West’s girls had three district champions, winning all three throwing events. Claire Boysen won the shot put event, Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo won the discus and Audrey Smith won in javelin. Matas Cabezuelo also took third in triple jump and Smith was fourth in discus, giving them each a second event at regionals. Other qualifying Lady Conchs were Anabel Portuondo and Riley Richard, who were second and third in pole vault. Gemma Nesgaard and Colleen Barter were third and fourth in the high jump. Grace Andrew claimed a trio of thirds, in the 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles and javelin events. Caylaa Makimaa was second in the 3200 and will run a leg of the qualifying 4x800 and 4x400 relays, giving her multiple regional events. Alyssandra Camargo was fourth in the 400 and will compete on the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. Dazmine Jenkins won third in the 100 and will run a leg of the 4x100 relay. Brooke Biskupich will compete on the 4x100 and 4x400 teams. Naima Thomas will do the same on the 4x400 and 4x800 teams. Abigail Cowan will represent on the 4x100, while Emerson Jackson and Laira Anaya will run two laps each on the 4x800 relay team.
Marathon’s district competition was May 1 at Palmer Trinity. The top four Fin finishers will join Key West and Coral Shores at Calvary Christian High School on May 7 for the FHSAA 1A and 2A Region 4 Championships with a shot at a state appearance this season. State qualifiers will make the long trip to Hodges Stadium at University of North Florida in Jacksonville for the FHSAA State Championships. 1A competes on May 15 while 2A holds their events the following day.
FICTITIOUS NAME
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Turtle Time, located at112 Indies Drive North, Monroe County in the City of Duck Key, Florida 33050, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
By:
Amanda Kay LohecPublish:
May 2, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
WHEATON’S SERVICE
CENTER gives notice that on 5/24/2024 at 10:00 AM, the following vehicle(s) may be sold by public sale at 101500 OVERSEAS HWY, KEY LARGO, FL 33037 to satisfy the lien for the amount owed on each vehicle for any recovery, towing, or storage services charges and administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida statute 713.78. Wheaton’s Service Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.
JTDKN3DU1E0385228 2014
TOYT
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statutes 83.805/83.506, Upper Keys Commerce Center, 97300 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 will sell or otherwise dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.
All contents in:
Unit N03 – Chad O’Neal
Sale of all goods will be 5/24/24 at 10:00 am at 97300
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All Contents in:
Unit D-58 – Richard Daino
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Sale of all goods will be 5/24/24 at 10:00 am at 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070. Tavernier Mini Storage reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.
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Notice is hereby given that the following vehicle will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vehicle storage pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.78.
Sale: May 17, 2024 at 10:00
AM
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Boat & RV Storage, LLC, 79 Industrial Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
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Notice is hereby given that the following vessel will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vessel storage pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.78.
Sale: May 17, 2024 at 10:00
AM
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Publish: May 2 & 9, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice is hereby given that the following vessel will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for monies owed on vessel storage pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.78.
Sale: May 17, 2024 at 10:00
AM
Location: Mile Marker 31
Boat & RV Storage, LLC, 79 Industrial Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Vessel: 1989 Wellcraft Chaparral
VIN# F6BV0606E888
Mile Marker 31 Boat & RV Storage, LLC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/ all bids.
Publish: May 2 & 9, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
U-HAUL COMPANY OF MIAMI
Notice is hereby given that on May 13th, 2024, Leonard Richford Jr. Storage Auctioneer, Executive Administrator for U-Haul
LEGO Construction Company and Department of Management Services cordially invite interested subcontractors to complete and submit sealed bids by 31st May 2024 no later than 3:00 pm for the following project/bid packages: Monroe RSC – Design Fire System and Replace Fire Panel 2796 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 (MSFM-02102080) SELECT TRADE BID PACKAGES (see below)
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
Chez Adams – 1579
$588.68
Brian Long – 1504-51
$1,255.62
Sheila Chamberlain – 1167
$429.65
Alex Murgas – 1580
$517.80
Shannon Weatherman – 1161
$328.27
James Stogner – 1652
Cheryl Trent – 1180
$491.00
$260.25
Publish:
April 25 & May 2, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
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 a TOURIST RELATED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE - Shall be persons involved in business which is interdependent upon the tourist industry who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development but who shall not be employed in any position within the lodging industry (motels, hotels, recreational vehicle parks, and other tourist accommodations and whose business is in the tax collection district for which they are applying. 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
Deadline for receipt of application at the above address is 5:00 p.m. Friday May 24, 2024. A resume may be attached to the application.
Publish: May 2, 2024
IN PERSON Marathon Government Center, BOCC Room 2nd Floor
2798 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
Art in Public Places
Committee Meeting
Time: May 21, 2024 12:00 PM
Meeting ID: 883 3314 6152
Passcode: 017838
Publish: May 2, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Countywide Chiller Maintenance and ServiceMultiple Locations Monroe County, Florida Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3) (a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www. floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com OR www. monroecounty-fl.gov/ BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.
Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/ responses WILL NOT be accepted.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of George Thompson, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. 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 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 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: May 2, 2024.
Personal Representative: Robert A. Thompson 2139 W Cougar Rock Circle #157 St. George, Utah 84770
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 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: May 2, 2024. Personal Representative: Kathleen E. Pouser 751 W 63rd St Ocean Marathon, Florida 33050 Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938 Marathon, FL 33050 Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com
Publish:
May 2 & 9, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 24-CP-000200-P IN RE: ESTATE OF DOROTHEA JOAN WRIGHT, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
• Drywall
• Acoustical Ceiling
• Painting
• Fire Alarm
• Fire Protection
• Electrical
• Final Cleaning
• Site Restoration
The bid manual, bid requirements, bid forms, specifications, drawings, and other construction documents will be available by reaching out to Susmitha Kadam at sk@legocc.com or at 305-381-8421 Ext 105. There will be a non-mandatory Pre-bid conference and site visit on 10th May 2024 at 11:00 am.
All bids must be received no later than 31st May 2024 @ 3:00 pm at LEGO Construction Co office located at 1011 Sunnybrook Road Suite 905, Miami Florida 33136. Bids must be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Sealed Bid for Monroe RSC – Design Fire System and Replace Fire Panel” along with the name of your firm and the trades covered in your bid. Subcontractors interested in working with LEGO must obtain prequalification with LEGO prior to bidding. All questions regarding prequalification & the bid process should be directed to Susmitha Kadam at sk@legocc.com.
This invitation to bid (ITB) includes the following trades. All contractors certified as SBE, MBE & M/WBE are encouraged to participate in any of these trades. April 18 & 25 and May 2 & 9, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
Notice of Upcoming Meetings & Workshops
The Florida Keys Council of the Arts will hold the following meetings either in person or via Communications Media Technology using a ZOOM webinar platform. The Cultural Umbrella meeting May 20th will be an in person meeting. The access points to view the Zoom meetings or for members of the public to provide public input will be: JOIN ZOOM via the Zoom app and use each meeting ID and password listed. Meetings are open to the public, and all are invited to attend. Questions, or to RSVP, please email Liz Young at director@keysarts.com
Nominating Committee
Meeting
Time: May 10, 2024 10:00 AM
Meeting ID: 873 5348 6103
Passcode: 475036
Board of Directors Meeting
Time: May 16, 2024 4:00 PM
Meeting ID: 840 2522 5688
Passcode: 252465
Cultural Umbrella Application
Scoring & Committee Meeting
Time: May 20, 2024 10:00 AM
The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl. bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00P.M. on May 29, 2024. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/ proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. You may call in by phone or internet using the following: Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom. us/j/4509326156
Meeting ID: 4509326156
One tap mobile:
+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York) +16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)
Dial by your location: +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Publish: May 2, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 23-CP-89-M
DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE THOMPSON Deceased.
Attorney for Personal Representative: Robert K. Miller, Esq.
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 359173 Cunningham Miller Rhyne PA 10075 Overseas Hwy PO Box 500938
Marathon, FL 33050
Telephone: (305) 743-9428
Fax: (305) 743-8800
E-Mail: service@ floridakeyslaw.com
Secondary E-Mail: rmiller@ floridakeyslaw.com
Publish: May 2 & 9, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 24-CP-000144-M DIVISION: MARATHON IN RE: ESTATE OF PHYLLIS ANGRICK Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Phyllis Angrick, deceased, whose date of death was February 25, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. 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
The administration of the estate of DOROTHEA JOAN WRIGHT, deceased, whose date of death was November 12, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, 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 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 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: May 2, 2024. Personal Representative: LEE A. WRIGHT SR 213 N Putt Corners Rd New Paltz, NY 12561 Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070 E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com Publish: May 2 & 9, 2024 The Weekly
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO.: 2023-CP-000302-K
IN RE: ESTATE OF MARK PALMER
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of MARK PALMER, deceased, whose date of death was October 2, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida 33040. 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 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 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: May 2, 2024.
Personal Representative: MATTHEW PALMER Attorney for Personal Representative: MAURICE T. MCDANIEL, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0125864 MCDANIEL LAW OFFICE, LLC PO Box 930 High Springs, FL. 32655 E-Mail: marilyn@ mcdaniellawoffice.com
Publish: May 2 & 9, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2024-CP-206-P IN RE: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM LEE SPINKS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the Estate of William Lee Spinks, Deceased, whose date of death was March 21, 2024 and the last four digits of whose social security number are 4082, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida 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 WITHIN 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 §733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of the first publication of this notice is the 2nd day of May, 2024.
Personal Representative: Glenn Merfeld c/o Law Office of Jack Bridges, P.A. P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690 Attorney for Personal Representative: Jack Bridges Fla. Bar No. 175950 P.O. Box 1714 Tavernier, FL 33070-1714 (305) 664-9690 jack@jackbridges.us linda@jackbridges.us
Publish: May 2 & 9, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024-CP-000117-P DIVISION: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF ORLANDO GARCIA, SR., Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of ORLANDO GARCIA, SR., deceased, whose date of death was December 9, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Suite 2, Plantation Key, Florida 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 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 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: April 25, 2024. Personal Representative: CARLOS GARCIA 3857 Donna Road Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Attorney for Personal Representative: Mark A. Gotlieb, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 55891
The Law Office of Mark A. Gotlieb, P.A. 1200 N. Federal Highway, Suite 200
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Telephone: (561) 250-7256
Email Address: mark@ gotlieblaw.com
Secondary email: kfeeleylas@ gmail.com
Publish: April 25 and May 2, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 16TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
CASE NO.: 24-CP-000131-P
IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD KULKASKI, Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of RICHARD KULKASKI, deceased, whose date of death was February 19, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 88770 Overseas Highway, Ste. 2, 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 FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS 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: April 25, 2024.
Personal Representative: KIRIANE KULKASKI JOHNSON 134 Peace Ave Tavernier, FL 33070
Attorney for Personal Representative: VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363 HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP 88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070
E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com
Publish:
April 25 and May 2, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS – PHILA. COUNTY - FAMILY COURT DIV. - DOMESTIC RELATIONS BRANCH – Nov.
Term ‘23/No. 8453 – Katiamarie Cosme Gonzalez, Plaintiff vs. Amy Alvira Concepcion, Defendant - To: Amy Alvira Concepcion, Defendant, whose last known addresses are 1000 S. Logan St., #12, Denver, CO 80209 and 5537 College Rd., Key West, FL 33040. This notice is given to you pursuant to an Order of Court. Take notice that a Complaint in Divorce under Sections 3301(c) (d), 3105, 3104(a)(1)(4) and 3323(b) of the divorce code has been filed against you, requesting a divorce based upon a separation of one (1) year between yourself and Plaintiff and that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You have been sued in Court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take prompt action. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a Decree of Divorce or Annulment may be entered against you by the Court. A Judgment may also be entered against you for any other claim or relief requested in these pages by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you, including custody or
visitation of your children. When the ground for divorce is indignities of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, you may request marriage counseling. A list of marriage counselors is available in the office of the Clerk of Family Court, the Family Court of Phila., 1501 Arch St., Phila., PA 19102. IF YOU DO NOT FILE A CLAIM FOR ALIMONY, MARITAL PROPERTY, COUNSEL FEES OR EXPENSES BEFORE THE FINAL DECREE OF DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT IS ENTERED, YOU MAY LOSE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM ANY OF THEM. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP. Phila. Bar Assn., Lawyer Referral & Info. Service, One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19107, 215.238.1701. Michael L. Galbraith, Atty. for Plaintiff, Galbraith Law, LLC, 1845 Walnut St., 25th Fl., Phila., PA 19103, 215.563.4800. Plaintiff has filed an Affidavit Under Section 3301(d) stating: 1. The parties to this action separated on May 31, 2015 and have continued to live separate and apart for a period of at least one year; (2) The marriage is irretrievably broken; (3) Plaintiff understands that she may lose rights concerning alimony, division of property, lawyer's fees or expenses if she does not claim them before a divorce is granted. You may file a Counter-Affidavit stating either that you do not oppose the entry of a divorce decree or that you oppose the entry of a divorce decree because the parties to this action have not lived separate and apart for a period of at least one year and/or the marriage is not irretrievably broken. You must also state either (a) that you do not wish to make any claims for economic relief and you understand that you may lose rights concerning alimony, division of property, lawyer's fees or expenses if you do not claim them before a divorce is granted; or (b) You wish to claim economic relief which may include alimony, division of property, lawyer's fees or expenses or other important rights. Further, you understand that in addition to checking (b) above, you must also file all of your economic claims with the prothonotary in writing and serve them on the other party. If you fail to do so before the date set forth on the Notice of Intention to Request Divorce Decree, the divorce decree may be entered without further notice to you, and you shall be unable thereafter to file any economic claims.
Publish: May 2, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2024-01
Notice is hereby given that TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate Number: 2021/1262 Alt Key No: 1484121
Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00394487-003800
Description of Property: LT 81 PORT ANTIGUA PLAT NO
2 LOWER MATECUMBE KEY
PB6-18 OR675-810
OR761-1868 OR1084-2348
OR1553-357 OR1913-2433/34
OR2590-2450 OR2609-1077
OR2640-128
Name in which assessed: PLAZA DEL LAGO LLC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property
described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL
Sale Date: 5/29/2024
Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 15th day of March 2024
KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-02
Notice is hereby given that TLGFY, LLC CAPITAL ONE, N.A., AS COLLATERAL ASSIGNEE OF TLGFY, LLC holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate Number: 2021/1214
Alt Key No: 1467928
Date of Issuance: June 1, 2021 RE: 00384240-000000
Description of Property: BK 1 LOT 11 DUCK KEY YACHT CLUB ISLAND SEC 4 TOMS HARBOR PB5-82 OR425-133 OR3063-2266
Name in which assessed: UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL
Sale Date: 5/29/2024
Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 15th day of March 2024
KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-03
Notice is hereby given that GLENN BREDA holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2018/1235
Alt Key No: 1457477
Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018
RE: 00374400-000000
Description of Property: BK 57 LT 1 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E OR569-305 OR786-194 OR9802340Q/C Name in which assessed: JOHNSON FREDERICK K All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL
Sale Date: 5/29/2024
Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 15th day of March
2024 KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-04
Notice is hereby given that GLENN BREDA holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate Number: 2018/1234
Alt Key No: 1457469
Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00374390-000000
Description of Property: BK 56 LT 16 CRAINS SUBD OF GRASSY KEY PB 1-51 PT SECS24-25-26 TWP 65S R 33E OR569-305 OR777-161
Name in which assessed: WARD FRANK D
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL
Sale Date: 5/29/2024
Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 15th day of March 2024
KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk Publish:
April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED
2024-05
Notice is hereby given that SCOTT V MORTON holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows:
Certificate Number: 2018/934
Alt Key No: 1406180 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2018 RE: 00331061-009200
Description of Property: BK 4 LT 32 & PT OF SANDY AVE
SEA-AIR ESTATES VACA KEY PB6-91 (AKA BAYBTM) OR847768 RES NO 373-1981 Name in which assessed: SEA-AIR ESTATES INC C/O GOSS RICHARD All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps: 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL Sale Date: 5/29/2024
Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 15th day of March
2024
KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish:
April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-06
Notice is hereby given that BENJIE SPERLING holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2019/862
Alt Key No: 1386065 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2019 RE: 00312573-004700
Description of Property: LT 46 DOCTOR’S ARM SUBD. 3RD ADD’N. SECTION C BIG PINE KEY PB6-41 OR587-384 OR1026-572 OR1874-1783 OR2805-2311 OR2808-1740
Name in which assessed: SPERLING CHASE
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps:
500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL
Sale Date: 5/29/2024
Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 15th day of March 2024
KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED 2024-08
Notice is hereby given that 5T WEALTH PARTNERS LP holder of the following Certificate(s) has filed said Tax Certificate(s) for a Tax Deed to be issued thereon. The Certificate Number and year of issuance, the description of property, and Name in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate Number: 2017/100
Alt Key No: 1027847 Date of Issuance: June 1, 2017 RE: 00027070-000000
Description of Property: COMMON AREA FOR THE SOUTHERNMOST CABANA TOWNHOMES (.5498 AC) (A/K/A KW PT SQR 1 TR 11) OR139-579/80 OR648-837 OR1086-1400/08 OR24131501/03 OR2772-779 OR2791142/44 OR3172-1526
Name in which assessed: SOUTHERNMOST CABANA TOWNHOMES OWNERS ASSOCATION INC
All of said property being in the County of Monroe, State of Florida.
Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the highest bidder at the Old Courthouse Steps:
500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL
Sale Date: 5/29/2024
Sale Time: 10:00am
Dated this 15th day of March
2024
KEVIN MADOK CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: Aneta Jodkowska, Deputy Clerk
Publish: April 25 and May 2, 9 & 16, 2024
The Weekly Newspapers
The City of Key Colony Beach is accepting applications for a FULL-TIME Police Officer.
Applicants must posses a current Florida Certification as a police officer. Applicants will undergo a thorough background investigation, including drug screening, medical, polygraph and a psychological exam.
Salary: $60,000.
Full Health & Dental Insurance, 457 (b) Participation.
Email resume to:
Chief of Police at: chief@keycolonybeach.net Or call for additional information: 305-289-1212 ext. 1
Preference in the selection of vacant positions will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of veterans. The Key Colony Beach Police Department is an EEO employer, drug-free and nicotine-free workplace.
We are looking to hire a skilled marine mechanic to inspect, service, and repair marine engines for our clients. As a lead marine mechanic, you will be responsible for traveling to the dock or seaport where the vessel is located, inspecting and servicing engine equipment, troubleshooting, and making minor repairs. You may also be required to address problems with boat steering and hydraulic systems.
To ensure success as a marine mechanic, you should have extensive knowledge of motorboat engines, be able to work on land and at sea, and be able to diagnose problems with electrical systems. Ultimately, a top-level Marine Mechanic can expertly diagnose and fix problems with marine electrical and mechanical systems of any size.
Marine Mechanic Responsibilities
Traveling to marina or dock where the vessel is located.
Testing the performance of marine engines and electrical systems.
Carrying out services and repairs on all engines.
Conducting plumbing and intake repairs.
Troubleshooting engine and electrical problems.
Replacing broken or worn-out engine parts. Repairing faulty hydraulic and steering systems. Conducting electrical AC system maintenance.
Completing service records and repair documents.
Marine Mechanic Requirements
High school diploma or GED.
Degree in mechanical engineering preferable.
Proven work experience as a marine mechanic.
Knowledge of marine engine and electrical auxiliary systems.
High-level welding skills.
Knowledge of marine hydraulic systems and related parts.
Ability to lift heavy equipment and work in confined spaces. Ability to work at sea.
AUTOS ALL YEARS! Junk or Used Cars, Vans, Trucks. Runs or Not.$CASH 305-332-0483
1964 Ford Galaxy, 427 Big Block, 5-speed, located in Key Largo. $50,000 954-445-6647
Place your AUTO FOR SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
BOAT SLIP FOR RENT
Boat Dockage for rent in Marathon. Private bay bottom, up to 40' boat, self containing, offshore water, car & dingy parking space provided. 305-610-8002
Place your BOAT SLIP FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
Camping/RV site at marina available in Marathon. $30+/day
plus misc. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002
30' X 120' LOT FOR RENT in Marathon. Keys By The Sea, MM50. Cement pad, avail. MayNov $1500/mo incl. utilities. 262-716-8987
Place your LOT FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/ week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
The Monroe County Homeless Services Continuum of Care (MC-CoC) is seeking an EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
The position of Executive Director is a full time exempt salaried supervisory position. This position requires a bachelor's degree in public administration, non-profit management, social services or related field - a graduate degree is preferred - and five (5) years of experience in management and supervision. The executive director will work with the Board of Directors to meet the goals and objectives of the agency.
Please send resume or contact Steve Torrence by email: eywsteve@icloud.com and/or Diana Flenard by email: diana.flenard@monroehomelesscoc.org
Workshop Manager (Key West)
FT administrative, salaried position. The Workshop manager will be responsible for all phases of the operation of the Adult Day Training Program in accordance with The Agency for Persons with Disabilities and Medicaid Waiver minimum standards. This includes the worksites and contracts, personnel, and training programs. The Workshop Manager will maintain a close liaison with the Group Home Managers and Medical Staff in order to maintain program consistency. Bachelor’s degree required and 2 years’ experience in field required. Computer skills: moderate to advanced. FL driver’s license with clean driving record. Pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references.
Come join our family! EOE
Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32
CAPTAIN PIP’S IS AN AWESOME PLACE TO WORK, WE TREAT OUR EMPLOYEES GREAT. COME JOIN OUR TEAM.
Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the o ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 to fill out an application.
This 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. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL Driver’s license w/clean driving record, pre-employment training online and in person. Ability to pass a Level II background screening and references. Plant Store/Nursery Associate (PT/FT)
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/clean driving record, references and background screening required.
Come join our family! EOE
Apply at the MARC office, 1401 Seminary St., Key West. Or online at www.marchouse.org. For more information, please contact hr@marchouse.org. Phone: 305-294-9526 *32
ATTENTION- Marathon Auto & Marine Services looking for Auto Techs and for Trailer Service Tech.Pay based on experience. Apply in person at 2525 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL. Ask for Steve or Jay.
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.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring parttime servers and bartenders. Private club, friendly atmosphere, guaranteed gratuities. Flexible lunch/dinner shifts available Tuesday – Sunday. Must provide photo ID, social security card or passport, and checking account. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.
Marathon Yacht Club is hiring a full-time line cook. Private club, friendly atmosphere, afternoon/evening hours Tuesday –Sunday. Must provide checking account for direct deposit, photo ID, and social security card or passport. Call 305-743-6739 to schedule an interview or email office@ marathonyachtclub. com.
City of Marathon Current Job Openings: Part-time Custodian/ Maintenance. Full Benefits for full-time positions. EOE Please see City website for details www.ci.marathon.fl.us
The Housing Authority of the City of Key West now hiring the following positions: O&A (Occupancy & Applications) Assistant, PT Housing Assistant, Housing Choice Voucher Asst., PT Receptionist, Housing ManagerMiddle Keys, HVAC Maintenance Mechanic, and Maintenance Mechanic (Maintenance Worker). 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.
Serve/Bartend on the ocean! The Cabana Club, an ocean front private swim club is seeking a customer service-oriented Server/ Bartender. Serve on pool deck, beach and/ or bar lounge. Open year round, 9:30am7pm daily. Full time/ Part time. Small friendly staff. Above average hourly wage plus tips. Apply in person at 425 E. Ocean Dr. Key Colony Beach or call 404-2193359 and ask for Dave.
Place your EMPLOYMENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844
HOBBIES/COLLECT. PRIVATE COLLECTOR
WANTS Rolex, Dive Watches and Pilot Watches. Old Model Military Clocks & Watches. Call 305-743-4578
HOUSING FOR RENT
ANNUAL RENTAL -
Key Largo - 2BR/2BA
Spacious Doublewide, 1400 sq ft modular on canal w/40’ dock, direct ocean access. Very nice community. $3,500/ month 786-258-3127
3 BR/2 BA home for rent in Key Colony Beach. 75' premium dock. $3,800/ month + utilities. F/L/S 786-229-0228
2BR/2BA Single Family Waterfront Home for rent in Marathon. Fully furnished. 70' dock.
$5,000/month includes all utilities, internet & TV. Available for 3 months - Jan, Feb & March. 727-278-1105
2/1-Marathon, furn.,duplex, w/d, near Hospital, 30’ on canal. $2,500/month, 6 mon. minimum , (or) $4,500/ monthly. Pets nego. Call/Text 409-370-0025.
Large One Bedroom Suite, Conch House, carpet, tile, appliances, available for rent in Marathon. $2,000/ month furnished, $1675/ month unfurn. includes electric, water, sewer, cable & internet. No Pets. 305-610-8002
Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305743-0844
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 $214/night. Sweet Caroline Seaport.com
YARD SALES
Place your YARD SALE ad here. $25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844 today!
Must have customer service experience working in a retail environment and using a point of sale system. Additional duties include restocking, completing purchase orders, daily ordering of basic items in the store, and maintaining a clean appearance in the store. This is an hourly position and compensation is based on experience. Work hours are flexible and we try to maintain a set weekly schedule.
DOCKHANDS Duties include customer service, helping customers with bait and ice and helping cashiers with restocking. Morning & a ernoon hours available.
Please respond by email (Ma at islamarinama @gmail.com) with any relevant previous experience and at least two references.
Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)
Dolphin Research Center has an opening for a Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent) for immediate consideration. Duties include: Supporting HR Director on everyday activities for the department, recruitment, record keeping, employee support, etc. Must be an organized team player with excellent computer & communication skills. Prior HR experience will be a benefit. Benefits include: medical insurance, 401(k), paid vacation & holidays & so much more!
Job description available at www.dolphins.org. Email resume & DRC application to drc-hr@dolphins.org. EOE 58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring
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 transapplicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $50,376.48. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.
Fast paced, busy resort in need of Of ce Help. Must be able to multi-task, stay calm under pressure and have great communication skills. Be dependable, able to work weekends, 3 to 4 days a week, hours til 7pm.
If you want to be part of a great team, please apply!
Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the of ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon to ll out an application.
Turtle Hospital in Marathon
Join our team! Full and part-time Educational Program Guides/ Gift Shop Sales. Public speaking & retail sales experience helpful. $18/hour to start. Send resume to: turtlehospital@turtlehospital.org
MANAGER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE RECEPTIONIST
Send resume to admin@cbtconstruction.com Or call 305-852-3002
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
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 eld required. Bilingual preferred, not required. Of ce located in Marathon. Contact Marcia at 305-704-0117.
PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS
- Medical Assistant, Orthopedics, PT
- Patient Access Associate, Orthopedics, $1,000 Bonus, FT
- Cook, Per Diem
- Exercise Physiologist, Per Diem
- Manager Wellness Center, FT
- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, $20,000 Bonus, FT & PT
- Nuclear Medicine Tech, Per Diem
- Pool Group Exercise Instructor
- Pool Yoga Instructor
- Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, $25,000 Bonus, FT
- Registered Nurse, Multispecialty Acute Care Center, $25,000 Bonus, FT
- Registered Nurse, Surgery, $15,000 Bonus, FT
MARATHON FISHERMEN’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
- ED Team Coordinator, Emergency Room, Part Time
- ED/Acute Care Tech, Emergency, Room, FT & PT
- Environmental Tech, $5,000 Bonus, FT
- First Cook, $5,000 Bonus, FT
- Multi-Modality Imag Tech, Radiology, $20,000 Bonus, FT
- Mechanic, Facility Operations, FT
- Medical Technologist, Laboratory, $15,000 Bonus, FT, PT and Per Diem
- Patient Experience Advocate, FT
- Radiology Technologist, $15,000 Bonus, FT
- Security Of cer, Security/Safety, FT & Per Diem
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
GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER, Inc. IS
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.
Peer Support Specialist
Advocate (PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)
Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)
Case Manager (Adult, Forensic) Substance Abuse Counselor
Prevention Specialist (any location) Care Coordinator (PT)
Behavioral Health Therapist (Child)
RNs/LPNs - 3 shifts (PT/Per Diem)
Peer Support Specialist
*Support Worker – Assisted Living (PT)
*Behavioral Health Technicians 3 shifts (also Per Diem)
*No experience required for this position. Will train. A caring heart & helpful hands required.
D’Asign Source is seeking the following professionals. Overtime and benefits are available. For full details & additional openings, please visit DAsignSource.com/careers
Strong background in designing custom manufactured cabinetry, remodeling, and FF&E specifying.
Apply knowledge & creative skills to projects at our high-end design center. Must possess history of achievement in quality projects and a strong sales background.
Ensure smooth operations at the Front Desk and provide essential administrative support. Involves coordination, communication, and document management to facilitate efficient workflow.
Volunteer Resources
Administrative Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)
Facilities Maintenance Apprentice (Full-Time, Permanent)
Education Program Host (Full-Time, Permanent)
Staff Photographer (Full-Time, Part-Time, Seasonal)
Media & Marketing Assistant (Full-Time, Permanent)
Visual Communications Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent)
Membership & Development Coordinator (Full-Time, Permanent)
Medical Technician (Full-Time, Permanent)
Human Resources Assistant (Part-Time, Permanent)
Benefits include medical, life & disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid vacation, sick time & holidays.
Full job descriptions available at www.dolphins.org/career_opportunities
Email cover letter, DRC application & resume to drc-hr@dolphins.org EOE
DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
58901 O/S Hwy - Grassy Key, FL Teaching... Learning... Caring
THEME: FICTIONAL MOTHERS
ACROSS
1. Bars
6. Escape or flee
9. Green gemstone or Heather Graham in “The Hangover”
13. Turning point
14. 34th U.S. Pres 15. Actress Sophia ____ 16. Each and all 17. Lake, in France
18. Roof overhangs
19. *Lovable mother of seven in “Harry Potter” Mrs. ____
21. *Mother in “The Terminator,”
Sarah ____
23. Not safe, in baseball
24. “Hold on!”
25. Uno ____, in Mexico
28. Iranian monarch
30. Be a go-between
35. Kind of cuckoos
37. Passing mention
39. Dwelled
40. TV show “____ 911!”
41. *”Beloved” mother
43. Like a tennis skirt
44. Scottish kinship groups
46. Spare in car
47. Email folder
48. Vertical dimension
50. Turf alternative
52. Morse Code dash
53. Hippocratic ____
55. Three, to Caesar
57. *Margaret White’s telekinetic daughter
60. *Elizabeth Zott of “____ in Chemistry”
64. Vernacular
65. R&R hot spot
67. Capital of Vietnam
68. Yours is as good as mine?
69. Tennis retry
70. Cause anxiety (2 words)
71. Bookie’s quote
72. Well-kept secret, for some
73. Teatime treat
DOWN
1. Do like volcano
2. Honey home
3. Iris holder
4. Human trunk
5. iPad “pen”
6. *Matriarch, ____ Munster of “The Munsters”
7. *Nadezhda of “The Americans,” ____ Elizabeth Jennings, acr.
8. Muhammad’s birthplace
9. Melissa Rivers’ mom
10. Australian slang for afteroon
11. Widely hunted ruminant
12. Follow ems
15. A particular legume
20. Not pathos
22. Second O in EVOO
24. Kinda white
25. *Mrs. ____, a.k.a. Marmee
26. Anoint
27. Red Sea peninsula
29. Drive a getaway car, e.g.
31. Goals
32. Like a Harvard building?
33. Plant-based laxative
34. *____ Bunker, mom to Gloria in “All in the Family”
36. Dance partner
38. Drive-____, for short
42. Like a haunted house
45. Daisy dukes, e.g.
49. ____ chi
51. Casts a line
54. Popular electric car
56. Newton’s first name
57. Foul substance
58. Matured
59. Bob of “The Joy of Painting” fame
60. Better than never?
61. On top of
62. “High” time
63. Cosine’s counterpart 64. In the past 66. *”Married... with Children” mom
