Marathon Weekly 24-0502

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9709 Overseas Hwy.

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Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

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Marathon Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

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Mandy Miles mandy@keysweekly.com

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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.

POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO THE KEYS WEEKLY, 9709 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY, MARATHON FL 33050

The Key West Songwriters Festival will feature 227 acts May 1-5. Visit keywestsongwritersfestival.com for a complete schedule.

NEW SEASON, NEW LIMITS

2023 regulation changes landscape of grouper fishing in the Keys

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

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

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

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 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

Christopher Wren (Brian Witte) is a lot to handle for guest-house proprietor Mollie Ralston (Karen Shotwell) in Marathon Community Theatre’s ‘The Mousetrap,’ opening this weekend. See page 10. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

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.”

ADDITIONAL TIPS

• If planning a trip to fish in both state and federal waters, leave the “tracks” feature of your GPS on to verify your location and fishing spots throughout the day.

• Depending on users’ settings, the majority of smartphones have the ability to tag photos with GPS coordinates. Taking a photograph after catching each fish can help to verify its catch location.

• When in doubt, the Fish Rules app will provide fishing regulations and photos of various species for identification purposes based on your GPS location. Use it.

• To learn more about the new NOAA Fisheries rule, scan the QR code:

Welcome to Even More Convenient Care.

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.

THUNDER ON THE WATER

Seven Mile Grand Prix perseveres through high winds

High winds challenging drivers, throttlemen and race crews for a second straight year couldn’t derail a successful weekend of speed on the water for the Race World Offshore’s 2024 Seven Mile Grand Prix.

Two days of racing on April 27 and 28 saw more than 40 teams make their way to the Middle Keys to kick off the American Power Boat Association’s national racing season, which will conclude later this year as teams return to Key West in November. Offshore testing on Saturday morning soon gave way to five races on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to crown winners in nine classes of boats, with racers frequently cracking triple-digit speeds around the 5.6-mile course. For full race results, see raceworldoffshore.com.

1. Driver Scott Brown, left, Two Conchs owner Jack Carlson, throttleman Eddie Tamberino and crew members Tom and Chad host a meet-and-greet for H2O Performance and Two Conchs Charters’ Bracket Class 2 race boat.

2. M-Con/Monster Energy, left, and Dirty Money run neck and neck to open the signature Super Cat race on Sunday afternoon. Dirty Money would go on to lead for the majority of the race before a mechanical issue in the final lap allowed M-Con to emerge victorious.

3. The crew of Jackhammer, including driver Reese Langheim and Julian Maldonado, wave the checkered flag after crossing the finish line first on Sunday in the Super Stock class. But the Palmetto, Florida-based team’s celebration was short-lived as they were hit with a 10-minute penalty for failing to report to post-race inspections in time and dropped to sixth place.

4. Spectators line the Old Seven Mile Bridge to catch a glimpse of high-octane offshore racing.

5. Bumpy conditions and high winds put a premium on race crews’ ability to keep boats level with their outdrives in the water.

6. Staff from the Turtle Hospital patrol the skies, keeping eyes peeled for any marine life in danger on the course.

7. Driver Steve Adams and throttleman JD Ivines rip through the water in the Bracket Class 5 race.

Photos by Andy Newman, Barry Gaukel and Alex Rickert

Florida Highway Patrol troopers and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office assist federal authorities on a migrant landing on April 23. They were rescued off an uninhabited island off Key Largo and brought to an area near MM 97. CONTRIBUTED

STOPPING MIGRANT VOYAGES AT SEA

Keys haven’t seen major landings yet

JIM

McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

At sea, a federal task force works to deter illegal voyages among migrants in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Cuba seeking to flee political unrest and violence.

Close to the Florida Keys shore, state resources deployed by Gov. Ron DeSantis are ready to assist in the event of a migrant landing. All in all, the Keys haven’t witnessed any major landings in 2024 despite fears of mass migrant flows at sea, especially among Haitians seeking to escape gang violence.

The Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast (HSTF-SE), a Department of Homeland Security team made up of federal, state and local partners, continues to patrol major water routes including the Florida Straits, Windward and Mona Passages. With assets on the water and in the air, HSTF-SE seeks not only to protect life at sea but prevent unlawful entry into the U.S. by sea.

"Our DHS-led task force partners are postured to prevent and deter irregular maritime migration, respond to dangerous voyages of unseaworthy and overloaded vessels, and conduct humanitarian assistance at sea," said Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield, HSTFSE director and Coast Guard District Seven commander. "Our U.S. maritime borders are not open and taking to the sea is not an option. Anyone desiring to come to the United States must do so through safe, legal pathways."

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, migrants who are interdicted at sea or apprehended ashore will not be allowed to stay in the United States or a U.S. territory. Anyone who arrives unlawfully may be declared ineligible for legal immigration parole options

and be repatriated to their country of origin or returned to the country from where the voyage departed.

Perils faced at sea and the chances of being intercepted by U.S. authorities haven’t stopped the voyages among migrants. A chug carrying a group of Cuban migrants set sail to the Florida Keys, ultimately landing on an uninhabited Upper Keys island on April 23.

Federal, state and local authorities responded to the landing on Rodriguez Key, just off Key Largo. The migrants were rescued by U.S. Customs & Border Patrol and the Coast Guard. They were transported to land near MM 97 in Key Largo where Florida Highway Patrol troopers and Monroe County sheriff’s deputies assisted federal authorities.

The vessel contained 17 males and one female. They were expected to go through removal proceedings.

On April 22, U.S Customs & Border patrol agents responded to a migrant landing in the Marquesas Keys. According to Samuel Briggs II, chief patrol agent, authorities encountered 21 Cuban migrants. They were taken into Border Patrol custody and processed for removal proceedings.

In March, DeSantis deployed more than 130 Florida guardsmen to South Florida and the Keys in response to a potential influx of Haitian migrants fleeing gang violence. FHP troopers, Florida Fish & Wildlife officers and Florida National Guard members were also deployed to assist federal authorities with migrant landings.

Law enforcement agencies haven’t witnessed the large vessels carrying Haitian migrants like those seen in 2023, when local authorities confronted increased landings — and groundings — involving hundreds of Haitian and Cuban migrants. DeSantis, speaking during an April 24 press conference in Redington Shores, stated the voyage among migrants to places like the Florida Keys isn’t worth it knowing they’ll be “stopped, turned around and sent back to where you came from.”

6-WEEK ABORTION BAN NOW IN EFFECT FOR FLORIDA

Voters could restore access with November vote

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.”

SOUTH FLORIDA’S PREMIER LEGAL DRAG RACE

6:00 PM - MIDNIGHT | BUY TICKETS ONLINE

Rev up your Friday nights! Push your street-legal car to the limit, drag race against car enthusiasts, and live your ultimate racing fantasy on a NASCAR track. Spectators welcome!

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$25 Participant EVENT DAY PRICING

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Kids 12 and under FREE. Ticket and order fees may apply.

BUSINESS

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Contact us if you have any questions 1-866-409-RACE | HomesteadMiamiSpeedway.com

@homesteadmiami EARLY BIRD PRICING

Who: Dolphin Research Center

When: Wednesday, May 8th 5:30 - 7:30pm

Where: 58901 Overseas Highway

What: Great networking, food & beverages; come promote your business and meet Marathon business owners, executives, and leaders!

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON

May 21st 12pm - 1pm

When: Tuesday, May 21st 12:00 - 1:00pm

Where: Marathon Grill & Ale House 5800 Overseas Hwy, #12

Speaker: David Dipre, Captain, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Topic: FWC Updates, Initiatives, Spinning Fish & More

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED – SPACE

WHODUNIT HITS THE STAGE

‘The

Mousetrap’ opens at MCT this weekend

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Keep your eyes peeled and ears open. In Marathon Community Theatre’s final main stage show of the season, every second counts.

“The Mousetrap,” opening May 2, carries the weight of the world’s alltime best-selling fiction author, Agatha Christie, along with an unchallenged record as by far the longest-running play in history since its London opening in 1952. It’s a name, and a run, the MCT cast hopes to live up to as they bring the whodunit with a twist ending to life.

“It’s come a very long way from the beginning, but they’re definitely ready,” director Maresa Casey said of her cast.

Technical director Jim Zimmerman’s meticulous set transports audiences to Monkswell Manor, a newly-converted guest house run by Mollie (Karen Shotwell) and Giles (Larry Garrison) Ralston. Soon after a host of guests arrive, each none too thrilled to be in the presence of the others, the snowed-in home receives an unsettling visitor arriving on skis – Detective Sergeant Trotter (Lee Lawson), sent to head off an expected murder attempt by a suspected serial killer in the making.

In less than 12 hours, Monkswell Manor itself becomes a crime scene. And while MCT has become known for interactive performances in recent years, Casey said “The Mousetrap” demands absolute focus to root out the killer.

“Listen for the clues,” she said. “There are so many clues in each little scene, in things that are said and in the props.”

The cast of “The Mousetrap” runs the gamut from decades-long perform-

ers to those making their main-stage debuts. It’s a blend Casey said helped her in her own main-stage directorial premiere, along with the advice of her mentor and longtime MCT director Jackie O’Neil.

“Jackie is a great inspiration, and so easy to work with. And Jerry (Nussenblatt), Brian (Witte) and John (Schaefer), they’ve given me advice along the way, and I’ve definitely taken it,” she said. “Mary (Stella) is the newest person, and she just got right in there and was great from the beginning.”

Others, like Dion Watson and Lawson, are a far cry from their respective deadpan and Speedo-clad debut roles in “The Rocky Horror Show.”

“Lee has come out of his shell,” Casey said. “We’ve seen a whole 180 with him, and this has been a very good blend.”

“The Mousetrap” runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. from May 2 through 18, with a closing 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 19. Tickets are $28 before tax and are available at marathontheater.org or by calling 305-743-0994.

1. Mary Stella plays the impossible-toplease Mrs. Boyle.

2. Arriving on skis in the middle of a snowstorm, Detective Sergeant Trotter (Lee Lawson) does his best to head off a murder attempt in ‘The Mousetrap.’

3. Brian Witte brings over-the-top eccentricity to the role of Christopher Wren.

4. Mollie and Giles Ralston (Karen Shotwell and Larry Garrison) run the ill-fated Monkswell Manor.

5. Mr. Paravicini (John Schaefer) delights in the suspicions of his fellow guests at Monkswell Manor.

Photos by Alex Rickert and Lee Lawson.

• 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.

SPINNING GOLIATH GROUPER RECOVERED IN ISLAMORADA CANAL

Strange fish behavior continues to baffle biologists

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

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. As of April 24, there have been 43 sawfish deaths. But that may be just one part of the picture. FWC reports over

Biologist Travis Lowke handles the juvenile goliath grouper found spinning and in distress in Old Conch Harbor canal on April 23. BRAD NORRIS/Contributed

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.

The wildlife agency has sent 52 fish to the University of South Alabama for analysis and report there are no signs of a communicable pathogen or bacterial infection. So far, the investigation has also ruled out dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and temperature as causes of the strange fish behavior or kills.

On top of that, water testing and analysis of fish tissue did not indicate red tide as the cause.

The Department of Environmental Protection continues to test the water for a variety of chemicals, which were either not present or below normal limits. Getting to the bottom of this bizarre fish behavior involves an all-hands-on-deck multi-agency response.

“It hits close to home when you see it somewhere you’ve never seen it before and it’s right there in your backyard.”

— Brad Norris

In the Florida Keys, the quality of our water and the health of the amazing creatures that call it home affect us all. Answers to what is causing this disturbing fish behavior cannot come soon enough.

“A lot of our industry comes off of the fish, whether it’s to look at it or eat it,” Norris said.

Sadly, the grouper Norris rescued did not make it.

FWC released the following statement, “Unfortunately, after three days of distress, the goliath grouper had not recovered; therefore, the decision was made to euthanize the fish humanely. Staff collected blood and tissue samples and sent them to specialized laboratories for examination. These samples are of utmost importance in identifying the cause of the distress.”

Report fish kills or abnormal fish behavior to FWC at 1-800-636-0511 or by visiting MyFWC.com/ReportFishKill. To report a distressed sawfish, call 844-472-9347 or email Sawfish@MyFWC.com.

An offshore hunt is a great experience for family and first-time anglers

GRAB MOM AND GO FISHING

Mother’s Day dolphin tournament to benefit Habitat for Humanity

Avid family anglers can treat mom to a fun fishing competition that supports a worthy cause May 1011, during the 18th annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament to benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys.

A captains meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 10 at Island Fish Co. Restaurant & Tiki Bar, 12648 Overseas Highway in Marathon.

Fishing takes place Saturday, May 11, in the tournament known as a great event for first-time anglers. Linesin is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and lines-out at 3:30 p.m. A weigh-in will follow from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Curly’s Coffee and Marina, 11601 Overseas Highway.

The tournament awards banquet and ceremony are set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Marathon Yacht Club, 825 33rd St. Gulf.

Cash prizes totaling $9,250 will be awarded, with prizes for first, second and third place in four divisions: junior, ladies, weekend warrior and pro. Raffles and giveaways also will be featured.

The challenge supports Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys’ work dedicated to the development of safe, decent and affordable homes.

Registration is open through May 10 at the captains meeting. Registration fees are $75 for junior anglers, $100 for lady anglers and $175 for both weekend warrior and pro anglers.

More information is at mothersdaydolphintournament. com or via email to execdirector@habitatmiddlekeys.org. — Contributed

KWPD SAVES DRIVER FROM SINKING SPORTS CAR

Driver, charged with DUI, couldn’t explain what happened

Before sunrise on Sunday, April 28, a guest at a Key West hotel decided to smoke a cigarette on the balcony overlooking the ocean, when an unexpected sight appeared.

Were those car lights in the water below?

The smoker called police and was right: a black Dodge Challenger had plunged into the water off Simonton Beach with the driver trapped inside.

Key West officers were already nearby and were on the scene in under a minute.

Police eventually arrested the driver, Michael Lee Grimes, 41, a Master-of-Arms in the Navy who’s new to Key West, and charged him with misdemeanor DUI.

But first, they saved his life.

“You were pulled out as the vehicle was sinking,” KWPD Officer Timothy Malak later told Grimes at the county jail, before he agreed to a breathalyzer test. “So your car was full of water by the time they pulled you out.”

The test showed Grimes’ bloodalcohol content was 0.14. The legal limit is 0.08.

The life-saving mission by KWPD plays out on footage from multiple body cameras, showing officers arriving at the dark beach and finding the Challenger.

Three officers dove into the water and found Grimes, who couldn’t get out.

Officers broke a car window, freed Grimes and got him to the beach. He refused medical treatment and told them he was OK.

“As soon as we broke the window, it started going down,” an officer on the beach says of the Challenger.

Seated on the sand by the water’s edge in wet clothes, Grimes told police he had moved to Key West a week ago and was unfamiliar with the area.

After a night out on his own, Grimes said he was on his way home when he hit the water. He couldn’t provide details to officers at the scene.

“I was just driving behind a car, the next thing I know I’m in the (expletive) water,” Grimes said. “I remember leaving a bar. The next thing you know, I’m here. I wasn’t even drinking that much at all. Barely.”

Grimes later said he couldn’t get out of the submerged Challenger and that for the first time in his life, he felt helpless. He cried as Malak explained how timing and police response saved him.

The car, which Grimes owns, had begun to float with the current.

“How the hell did you end up in the water?” an officer asked Grimes while he was still seated on the beach.

Grimes doesn’t answer.

“What the f—, man,” he then says. His T-shirt, still soaked from the saltwater, reads, “Hennything is Possible,” a reference to Hennessy cognac.

“I think it hit the water and just floated,” another officer on the beach says. “There’s no tire tracks in the sand.”

The Key West Fire Department put additional divers in the water to check the sinking car, which had floated a good distance away from where it was when officers first arrived, Key West spokeswoman Alyson Crean said.

“It was fortunate that one of the first officers on scene was a former Special Forces dive school training officer,” said Chief Sean Brandenburg. “Teamwork is vital in a situation that could have been life-threatening.”

During the crash investigation, officers detected a smell of alcohol and conducted a field sobriety test. They handcuffed Grimes and took him to jail.

Grimes was released the next day without having to post a bond, according to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office records.

Key West police saved a man who drove his Dodge Challenger into the ocean near Simonton Beach on April 28, 2024. KWPD/contributed

at the Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

CONFERENCE 2024

FRIDAY, MAY 3rd

5:30-9:30pm (snacks +refreshments provided)

SATURDAY, MAY 4th

9:30-4:30pm

*doors open at nine o’clock (lunch +refreshments provided)

CONGRATS TO THE GRADS

Leadership Monroe County celebrates Class XXXI - ‘31 Fators’

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

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. Ax-throwing, 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

TURTLE HOSPITAL, STATION MARATHON FEED FIRST RESPONDERS

The Seven Mile Offshore Grand Prix would be impossible without the work of partner agencies ensuring safety and smooth operation on the course. On April 28, thanks to food donated by Marathon’s Turtle Hospital, Coast Guard Station Marathon culinary specialist Cienna Rodriguez prepared lunch for an estimated 50 first responders across four government agencies as they worked to cap off a safe and enjoyable race weekend for Marathon residents and visiting spectators. COAST GUARD STATION MARATHON/Contributed

FOOD PANTRY MANAGER NEEDED

KAIR is seeking a dedicated and organized individual to join our team as a Food Pantry Manager. This role will oversee all aspects of our pantry operations, including stocking shelves, managing volunteers, distributing food, completing intake applications, and ensuring compliance with all regulations. This role requires a compassionate individual with strong organizational skills, the ability to manage groups of people and to work independently.

20 -25 hours per week $20/hour

Ability to Lift and Move Boxes

Proficiency in data entry & basic computer skills

Please submit your resume to

at mhroberts2@gmail.com

City Council

Robyn Still, Mayor

Lynn Landry, Vice Mayor Luis Gonzalez, Councilmember

Jeff Smith, Councilmember Kenny Matlock, Councilmember

SUBJECT

Firefighter Pension Board Meeting

City Manager

George Garrett

City Attorney

Steve Williams

City Clerk

Diane Clavier, CMC

5/10/24 9:00am Marathon Fire Station #14, 8900 Overseas Hwy. Notice of Attorney-Client Session: FOLKs

5/14/24 4:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. City Council Meeting

5/14/24 5:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. City Council Workshop

5/28/24 5:30pm Council Chambers, 9805 Overseas Hwy. Code Compliance Hearing

5/30/24 2:00pm Council Chambers,

Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes, if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Council with respect to any matter considered at any meeting or workshop noted herein, he or she will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. The City of Marathon complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a disabled person requiring special accommodations or assistance, please notify the City ADA Coordinator at (305) 289-5022 of such need at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance.

WELCOME HOME

On April 28, Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys held its home dedication ceremony at Bell Haven for the 10 newest homeowners. The habitat staff and board gathered with members of the community to bless the homes and the new owners. Nearly two years after the groundbreaking ceremony, Bell Haven is complete, and all the homes are occupied. The process of homeownership with the Habitat program, from application to selection, completion of sweat equity hours and homeownership classes, is intense, but the hard-working community members selected for this opportunity shared their gratitude and thanks for the chance to purchase an affordable and stable forever home. On behalf of Habitat and the Keys Weekly Newspapers, welcome home! CONTRIBUTED

UP & OVER

Marathon High School principal Christine Paul, right, and assistant principal Rebecca Keenum were in the hot seats on April 25 as MHS students saw their superb attendance record rewarded with a high-flying display from Josh James’ South Florida Xtreme BMX Stunt Show. Challenged with improving their average daily attendance, the Middle Keys high schoolers tallied the highest mark in Monroe County at 95% to earn the mystery reward through the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) program. DAVID ORNELAS/ Contributed

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Key Colony Beach Pickleball Club

Established in 2023, the Key Colony Beach Pickleball Club is a not for profit recreational club. Pickleball has recently been deemed the fastest growing sport in the United States. The ever-growing number of pickleball players in, around, and visiting Key Colony Beach has quickly exceeded the number of available courts. The Key Colony Beach Pickleball Club was formed to organize play at the 8th Street facility and lead the fundraising efforts to expand the pickleball courts at 8th Street and create a tennis complex on 7th Street in Key Colony Beach. The club currently has 286 members and some of the benefits include daily league play, free balls, skills/drills, clinics, round robins and ladder league, social events, instructional lesson opportunities, a voice in needed enhancements at the facility and a vote at the annual general meeting.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon - Fri 11am to Close Sat & Sun 10am to Close

HAPPY HOUR 1-4PM $7 Menu

• Chicken wings, chicken livers and More!

• 32 beers on tap 1/2 off 2pm - 3pm

* $2 Pints of Yuengling and Bud Light!

BREAKFAST SERVED UNTIL 2PM

• Unique & interesting menu

• $3 Mimosas • $5 Breakfast Shots

LUNCH & DINNER

• Lobster Enchiladas

• Diver Speared Local Fish

• Prime Rib • Local Lobster

• Cook Your Own Catch

• Great Seafood Selections

SUSHI

• Toro • Lionfish • Poke • Hamachi collar

• Fresh Uni arrives on Thursday

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

Four musical ensembles at Marathon High School ended the 2023-24 school year on a high note – actually, several – with an evening of performances on April 25 to show off their progress on 11 musical pieces. Led by band director Chuck Brooker, the school’s Advanced Band, Beginning Band, Flute Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble worked their way through the diverse array of pieces ranging from “Jamaican Jack” to “First Waltz” and the “Mission Impossible” theme.

Led by Chuck Brooker, students in MHS’ Advanced Band, Beginning Band, Flute Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble work their way through an evening of performances to end the school year.

Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly. See more concert photos at keysweekly.com and instagram.com/islandexposureco.

1507 B SOMBRERO BOULEVARD

MARATHON | $3,850,000

Brand new 2024 CBS construction with gorgeous Boot Key Harbor views and excellent boating! Every detail has been considered in this turnkey pool home! Open-concept great room is bright and spacious and a wall of impact-resistant glass doors leading out to a full-length covered veranda boasting stunning open water views! An opulent primary suite o ers sweeping views of Boot Key Harbor and overlooks sparkling pool & generous T-dock.

7 CORMORANT LANE

GEIGER KEY | $1,299,000

Picturesque waterfront home, on 2.5 lots with RV hookups and private bay bottom ownership in desirable Geiger Key! After a day on the water, dock your boat in a protected boat basin. Upon entry, a beautifully designed open concept living area flows into a well-equipped kitchen. Seller financing possible. Within walking distance to Geiger Key Marina, with restaurant and the beach, you'll always be close to the action at this slice of paradise!

146 SUGARLOAF DRIVE

SUGARLOAF KEY | $1,365,999

271 WEST INDIES DRIVE

RAMROD KEY | $2,850,000

Brand new construction pool home with endless open water views! Sprawling floor plan o ers high-end finishes and tasteful designs. A chef's kitchen with premium appliances and quartz countertops. Walls of sliding glass doors open onto an expansive veranda, with stunning views of the sparkling pool and turquoise ocean beyond. Outside, this manicured lot is adorned with lush native

Iconic Key West Character at this sprawling 1,859 Sq. Ft. canal front home in desirable Sugarloaf Shores! Generous 55' dock with 10K boat lift provides for excellent boating. An open and airy interior with soaring cathedral ceilings and wood-burning fireplace gives way to five sets of pocket sliding doors opening onto an expansive veranda. An additional, sizable downstairs storage room and a generous serene lawn and mature tropical flora.

MARATHON | $1,990,000

Amazing 5 bedroom home boasting 75' canal frontage with 7 day rentals allowed, this property is the ultimate investment opportunity, and boasts fantastic rental potential of over $175,000 a year! 75' of concrete dockage and a boat lift, and plenty of entertaining spaces including a sprawling porch overlooking the water. Room for a pool, tiki and all of your toys and just minutes to world-class fishing and diving!

22953 JOHN SILVER LANE

CUDJOE KEY | $999,000

Angler's paradise at this beauty on an oversized corner canal Lot! Boasting nearly 200' of canal frontage and featuring concrete seawall with boat lift, enjoy direct access to the Atlantic Ocean from this ideal location! The sale includes two lots, totaling ¼ acre+, at the end of a quiet street. With plenty of room for a pool, this expansive property o ers the opportunity to personalize your own island oasis!

FEATURED PROPERTIES

LOT 2 GULF OF MEXICO BOULEVARD MARATHON

| $3,899,000

Stunning open water views from this expansive 39,301 Sq. Ft. lot in gated, exclusive Seawatch! Build your dream oceanfront retreat on your timeline as this property conveys with a deeded building right attached to this property. Plans and renderings drafted, with permit in process for a gorgeous modern concrete home. Boat slip included in a protected marina with access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

58734 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY

MARATHON | $1,199,000

Customize your island dream home on this massive 20,000 Sq. Ft. lot with stunning ocean views! The existing home on property needs redevelopment and o ers a unique advantage as the present building right allows for re-build without proceeding through the BPAS/ROGO process. Oceanside of Grassy Key with approximately 62' of waterfront, packed with potential for creating the ultimate Oceanfront getaway in the Florida Keys!

205 15TH CIRCLE, KEY COLONY BEACH

$8,999,000

28565 ANNE BONNY ROAD

LITTLE

TORCH

KEY | $1,499,000

Spacious canal front home in desirable Jolly Roger Estates. No details were spared in the recent renovation transformation, resulting in impeccable design and comfort. Kitchen updates include stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Split floor plan allows for tranquil privacy in both lower bedrooms. 80' dock ensures plenty of room for your boat and there are no bridges to open water!

NEW LISTINGS

Nestled on a lushly landscaped, oversized lot, lies a stunning oceanfront estate of unrivaled opulence. Boasting in-ground saltwater pool and spa, private sandy beach, firepit, built-in outdoor kitchen, and sprawling dock with boat lift, this home caters to elevated Florida Keys living, and the 13,659 Sq. Ft. manicured lot across the street is also included in the sale! Magnificent ocean views at every turn in this gem!

94 SUNRISE DRIVE

MARATHON KEY | $3,299,000

Build your dream oceanfront home in the prestigious gated community of Sunrise Isle next to beautiful Sombrero Beach! The property comes with a deeded City of Marathon Transferrable Building Right subject to the conditions of the City of Marathon. Generous 40,249 Sq. Ft. ocean and canal front lot (a rare find in the Keys) boasts approximately 104 ft. beach frontage and approximately 467 ft. deep water canal frontage!

24833 PARK DRIVE

SUMMERLAND KEY | $959,000

Renovated, Angler's Paradise on an oversized, gated private lot! Situated on a deep-draft canal with no bridge access to the Atlantic, this home comes fully-outfitted for enjoying world famous fishing and boating with 90' concrete dock, cut-in, swim ladder, fillet station, outdoor shower, and two boat lifts! Inside, this turn-key island retreat is newly renovated with tasteful updates, and a ords spectacular views!

REEL RECS

Staff from your Monroe County Public Library recommend some of their favorites from the collection.

What: “FernGully: The Last Rainforest” (1992)

Why: Every Earth Day, people are reminded of their responsibility in stewarding the resources given to them. “FernGully” to this day remains one of the most relevant and effective arguments for conservationism. Essentially the film James Cameron redressed and called “Avatar,” it offers the same message and same outsider’s journey, but with one extra key ingredient: Robin Williams. Williams recorded his role as Batty before taking the world by storm as the Genie in “Aladdin’’ a few months later, and he brings that same manic energy here. And with rumors of a live-action remake on the horizon, what better time to catch up?

Where: This movie is available as a DVD from the Monroe County Public Library system.

How: You can browse and request DVDs online by logging in to your account at keyslibraries.org. To view our collection of streaming movies and TV, go to kanopy.com/keyslibraries and set up an account with your library card. 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: Kelvin Cedeño, library assistant, Islamorada library

SHELF HELP

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 at 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.

SOUTHERNMOST MUSIC CITY

Payton Taylor plays her 7th Key West Songwriters Festival

MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

The buzz that surrounds the annual Key West Songwriters Festival isn’t limited to our 2by 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 calendar 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

Nashville singer-songwriter Payton Taylor is participating this week in her seventh Key West Songwriters Festival. CONTRIBUTED

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SECOND FLOOR Supported Independent Living

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Rates INCLUDE electric, water, & cable, 3 restaurant style meals a day plus

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Rates INCLUDE electric, water, & cable, 3 restaurant style meals a day plus hour supervision *Rates subject to change and units subject to availability.

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BETTER WHEN THEY’RE DANCING

Prodigy Dance Center presents annual recital

ALEX RICKERT

alex@keysweekly.com

Dozens of young Middle Keys dancers brought a year’s worth of work to the stage at the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center last weekend, delighting their families and friends in Prodigy Dance Center’s spring recital – “Just Dance.” Performances on April 27 included 17 numbers featuring a mix of students, instructors and assistants under co-owners Lisa Scobba and Maria

1. Hamill Hunt, left, and Simone Pew wait for their turn on stage.

2. From left, Prodigy instructors and assistants Stacie Gonzalez, Jennifer Ward, Kayla Merrill, Cailin Harrell, Nan Young, Savannah Garcia and Olivia Banks receive an end-of-year thank you from Lisa Scobba and Maria Banks.

3. Red sparkles are the perfect complement for ‘Great Balls of Fire’ in the 6-to-8-year old tap class.

4. Izabella Ward, left, Zofia Barrera and Clara Bartnik perform ‘Swan Lake.’ Not pictured: Hollinger Keeney, Adanna James.

5. Indy Ivkovich, left, Hamill Hunt and Noah Zajac are little princes in ‘A Whole New World.’

6. Prodigy’s Ballet 1 class performs ‘Artist Life.’

7. Dancers take their final bows to close the show with ‘Let’s Dance.’

8. Savannah Garcia performs ‘We Won’t Move.’

Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly. See more recital photos at keysweekly.com and instagram.com/islandexposureco.

In a market where sellers get on average 90% of their asking price. Sam Williams PA is outperforming the market by averaging 95% for his sellers putting $1000’s more in his sellers pockets.

With the Keys average sales price of just over $1M this means Sam Williams PA is putting an extra $50K more in his sellers pockets.

Sam has twice as many sales as any of his competitors which translates into twice as much experience negotiating better results for his sellers.

Why would you hire anyone else to negotiate the sale price of your home?

MARK HEDDEN

... 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?”

EXTREMELY LOUD AND VERY HIGH UP

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.

A white bellbird in the treetops of Brazil.

D’AFFONSECA/Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia

$3.50

$4

$3

$2

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

Carretera

Estatal 5/US 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.

CarreteraEstatal5/US1/OverseasHighway

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

FUNCTIONALLY CAFFEINATED WELLNESS

EXERCISE IS MEDICINE

As May arrives, so does a celebration of a powerful initiative aimed at transforming lives through the healing power of exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Is Medicine (EIM) program, recognized worldwide, marks May as EIM Month, shining a spotlight on the importance of physical activity in combating illness and promoting overall well-being.

Founded on the principle that exercise is integral to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, EIM advocates for healthcare providers to assess and prescribe exercise as part of their patients' treatment plans. With a focus on integrating physical activity into health care systems, EIM seeks to bridge the gap between medicine and fitness, promoting a holistic approach to health.

One of the fundamental aspects of EIM is its emphasis on tailoring exercise prescriptions to individual needs and conditions. Here, we explore two examples of physical conditions and their corresponding exercise protocols endorsed by EIM.

Example 1: Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects millions worldwide and is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Exercise plays a crucial role in managing hypertension by lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health. For individuals with hypertension, the EIM-recommended exercise protocol often includes a combination of aerobic exercise, resistance training, and flexibility exercises.

Aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming are recommended for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. These activities help strengthen the heart and improve circulation, leading to better blood pressure control. Additionally, incorporating resistance training exercises like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises two to three times per week can further enhance cardiovascular health and overall strength. Flexibility exercises such as yoga or stretching should be performed regularly to improve range of motion and reduce muscle tension.

...is a Marathonbased ACSMcertified personal trainer and precision nutrition coach who owns and operates Highly Motivated Functionally Caffeinated LLC. Hello@highlymotivatedfc.com

Example 2: Diabetes

Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, requires comprehensive management strategies to prevent complications and improve quality of life. Exercise is a cornerstone of diabetes management, helping to control blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. The EIM-recommended exercise protocol for individuals with diabetes typically includes a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training and balance exercises.

Aerobic activities like jogging, dancing or cycling are beneficial for improving blood sugar control and promoting weight loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic exercise per week, spread across several days. Strength training exercises using resistance bands, free weights or machines should be performed two to three times per week to build muscle mass and improve insulin sensitivity. Additionally, incorporating balance exercises such as tai chi or stability exercises can help reduce the risk of falls, especially important for older adults with diabetes.

The ACSM Exercise Is Medicine initiative underscores the transformative power of exercise in promoting health and managing chronic conditions. As a certified ACSM EIM specialist, I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their unique health goals through personalized exercise prescriptions. Whether you are managing hypertension, diabetes, or any other health condition, I am here to support you on your journey to better health. Let's work together to unlock the life-changing benefits of exercise and embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

SCOOTER

4-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: All the fun things like playing, wrestling and more play.

Turnoffs: Nothing yet –I’m just a baby.

SWIPE RIGHT

Adorable furry faces are waiting for families at the Florida Keys SPCA

Keys Weekly is thrilled each week to showcase some “furever” friends that are ready, waiting and available for their perfect adoption “match” at the Florida Keys SPCA’s Marathon campus – complete with their best qualities, preferences and turnoffs to ensure the best fit.

From cats and dogs to Guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at one of the SPCA’s two campuses, in Key West and Marathon. 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.

See all the animals waiting for a home at fkspca.org. To contact the Marathon campus, call 305-743-4800 or visit 10550 Aviation Blvd.

TOOTER

4-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: Let’s do everything together. Turnoffs: Everything is still so new to me.

SCOTTIE

4-month-old male domestic shorthair.

Looking for: My new best friend.

Turnoffs: I’m just a kitten; nothing bothers me.

JENNIFER BOLTZ HARVEY

CHRIS M cNULTY

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.

TAURUS

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.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

You may be feeling a tug-ofwar 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.

CANCER

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.

LEO

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.

VIRGO

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.

LIBRA

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.

SCORPIO

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.

SAGITTARIUS

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.

CAPRICORN

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.

LOVE AND SHADOW

AQUARIUS

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.

PISCES

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.

ARIES

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.

ORGANIC CAFE & NATURAL MARKET

A WRECKED SHIP & TAMALES

Historic schooner left drydocked on Stock Island

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.

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

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.

Brad is a local historian, author, speaker and Honorary Conch who loves sharing the history of the Florida Keys.

The historic schooner Western Union is dry-docked at a Stock Island boatyard. BRAD BERTELLI/Contributed

WATERFRONT RESTAURANT

Enjoy our daily specials like Homemade Soup or Chowder, Fresh Fish Sandwich or One of our Daily Specials while overlooking Florida Bay! Open for Lunch & Dinner Every Day!

RETAIL STORE

Fish, Soups and Chowders & Key Lime Pie!

DANIEL WAYNE CHAMBERS 1954-2024

Daniel Wayne Chambers, 69, of Cadiz, Kentucky, passed away on April 23. He was born on Nov. 30, 1954 in Elmhurst, Illinois. He was a man of joyous spirit, a dedicated worker, a world-class fisherman and a man whose laughter and love for life were contagious to all who knew him.

He leaves behind a loving family: his wife Sheila Chambers; his sons, Jeremy and Jason Chambers; daughter-in-law, Audrey Chambers; grandchildren, Zachary and Madelyn Chambers; and brothers, Thomas and Robert Chambers.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Phyllis Chambers; his first wife, Kathleen Chambers; and son, Joseph Chambers.

As per Dan’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

Marathon man and woman arrested in knife incident

A man and woman, both of Marathon, were arrested after an argument with another man that allegedly included threats made with a knife. There were no life-threatening injuries reported. Robert Allen Biser, 43, was charged with aggravated assault. Desiree Natasha Downer, 33, was charged with battery, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The sheriff’s office was called to 20th Street around 8:30 p.m. on April 27 regarding an incident with a knife. The investigation allegedly showed both suspects attacked a 56-year-old victim following an argument. Biser displayed a knife, which police recovered, and threatened to “stick (the victim) like a pig.” Downer struck the victim in the head, later pulled away from deputies attempting to arrest her, and was in possession of a pipe with cocaine residue, the sheriff’s office said in a press release.

Coast Guard Auxiliary announces Safe Boating Week classes, events

In conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, the Marathon and Key West U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas will conduct a one-day boater safety class Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Coast Guard Station Marathon. The cost of materials is $35, payable at the door, but advance reservations are required by emailing carewbob@gmail.com. Students who complete the course will receive a Coast Guard Auxiliary completion certificate and boating safety card as well as a Florida boater education identification card. Also in support of National Safe Boating Week, the Marathon Coast Guard Auxiliary will be handing out paddleboard “IF FOUND” ID stickers, boating regulations, coloring books and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Marine on Saturday, May 18, Home Depot on Sunday, May 19 and at Publix Thursday, May 23.

Come take a class at the Marathon library

The Marathon library has a wide variety of class offerings, ranging from photography to book clubs, robots, virtual reality and more. Scan the QR code here to see the schedule and get involved.

A ROLLING STONE GATHERS NO MOSS

Hackney Diamonds American Tour underway

Last weekend, the Rolling Stones kicked off their Hackney Diamonds American tour in Texas. The first concert opened to rave reviews. It surely seems, some 60+ years on, that Mick and Keith and Ron haven’t lost a whole lot.

There are several fan-shot videos on YouTube, and the World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band is firing on all cylinders. Octogenarian Mick Jagger still struts around the huge stadium stage like he’s in his 20s, and his voice somehow sounds better than it did in concerts from back in the ’60s and ’70s. Eighty-year-old Keith Richards and 76-year-old Ron Wood keep the six(and 5-) strings working in that magical Stones guitar interplay that no other band does nearly as well. It’s really incredible to watch Richards play those riffs he came up with all those decades ago, especially if you’ve ever seen a close-up photo of his hands.

The legendary Steve Jordan drives the band on drums. Original Stones drummer Charlie Watts suggested to Mick and Keith that if something happened to him, they should use Jordan to replace him. Jordan is a veteran of recording and live performances with artists as diverse as Don Henley, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, Sheryl Crow, Donald Fagen, Neil Young and many more. He was also the drummer for the Saturday Night Live house band in the 1970s (and played on the Blues Brothers’ debut album). He also held the drum chair in Paul Shaffer’s Late Night with David Letterman band. He really captures Charlie’s spirit and feel on the Stones’ older and newer material.

Other Stones stalwarts on tour include Chuck Leavell on keyboards, a job he’s had on Stones tours for the last few decades. The 72-year-old Leavell was a member of the Allman Brothers, and since then he’s worked in Sea Level and with artists as varied as Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, John Mayer, the Black Crowes, George Harrison, the Indigo Girls, Blues Traveler, Train and more. He’s been the Stones’ chief keyboardist and musical director since 1982.

Bassist Darryl Jones joined up with the Stones upon founding bassist Bill Wyman’s retirement in 1993.

Before that, he was a member of Sting’s first postPolice band. Other artists he’s worked with include Miles Davis, Patti LaBelle, Eric Clapton, Philip Bailey, Joe Cocker, B.B. King and Rod Stewart. He’s a relative youngster at only 62.

Background vocalist Bernard Fowler has been with the band since the Steel Wheels tour in 1989. He shares vocal duties with Chanel Haynes, a singer who played Tina Turner in a musical staged in the West End in London. She’s Mick’s vocal foil for the classic “Gimme Shelter,” and is also featured on the new “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” where she captures Lady Gaga’s incredible duet with Mick.

The tour opener’s setlist featured a great selection of classic Stones hits, some deeper tracks, and three songs from their new album “Hackney Diamonds.” (I’m hoping that they add a couple more of the newer songs as the tour goes on.) As they’ve done in several tours, fans were able to vote for a specific song at each tour stop. The first fan-voted request was “Beast of Burden” — yet another classic from their vast repertoire.

It’s that catalog of songs and great material that keeps generations of fans coming back, decade after decade, to experience one of the greatest shows on Earth. I’ve seen the Stones several times, the last time in Miami in 2019 — sadly, the last show Watts played with the band. Sarah and I will be heading up to Orlando in June to see them one more time. The fact that the Rolling Stones, a band formed in 1962 (the year after I was born), is still out there rocking should give us all hope as we experience the consequences of the passing of time. And maybe we’ll all get just a little satisfaction as the days and years march on.

— Catch John live Thursdays at Sparky’s Landing, Friday with Jade Storm at Lorelei, this Saturday at Boardwalk on Big Pine Key, and Sundays at Skipjack Tiki Bar. Find his music anywhere you download or stream your music. www. johnbartus.com • johnbartus.hearnow. com

John Bartus is a singer-songwriter and the former mayor of Marathon. JOHN BARTUS

Friday May 3rd

Final Registration & Tournament Bag pick up for and Capt. Meeting 9am-6pm

Located at Two Conchs Bait & Tackle 11499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, Fl 33050

Saturday May 4th

8am-3:30pm Fishing Day 1

4pm-6pm Weigh-in located at Two Conchs Bait & Tackle 11499 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, Fl 33050

Sunday May 5th

8am-3:30pm Fishing Day 2

4pm-6pm Weigh-in located at Two Conchs Bait & Tackle 11499 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, Fl 33050

7:00pm Awards banquet at The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters 11710 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, Fl 33050

1st Place Prize Schedule for Largest Bull & Cow Dolphin Combined Weight GUARANTEED $18,000

90-99 boats $20,000 100 plus boats $25,000 We reward for participation only you can grow the jack-pot! Also Cash Awards for: Largest Bull Dolphin, Largest Cow Dolphin, 3 Largest Dolphin Combined Weight, Largest Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna & Tripletail 1st-3rd places

LARGEST DOLPHIN WEIGHED IN ON A FRONT RUNNER BOAT WILL WIN $5000 Boat Registration Fees: $995

DISTRICT DOMINANCE

Conchs track and field racks up titles | P.9

THE SCOREBOARD

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

THIS WEEK IN KEYS SPORTS

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

THIS WEEK

Clerf

ALEXANDRE

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.

Photo by MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

Clerf Alexandre performs one of the three steps in his district-winning triple jump on April 24. RICK MACKENZIE/Contributed

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.

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL 33050 Office: 305.743.0844 www.keysweekly.com

Tate Brumbalow and the Coral Shores Hurricanes began their postseason with a bang, defeating Somerset Academy South Homestead 14-2. JOY SMITH/Keys Weekly

tracy mcdonald

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.

FINS ARE CONFERENCE CHAMPS

District playoff action open for Keys teams

“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.

Top: Eighth-grader Jack Chapman’s pair of doubles gave the Fins an offensive boost against Riviera Prep last week. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly Below: The victorious Marathon Dolphins players, coaches and supporters hoist the 2024 South Florida Baseball Conference championship trophy for the first time in program history. CONTRIBUTED

Justice Lee

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 KEYS WEEKLY ALL-KEYS GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING TEAM

Lady lifters bring home major hardware in 2024

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.

Sophomore

Ayme

Photos by Barry Gaukel, Doug Finger, Grace Andrew, Mark Hedden and contributed images.

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.

KEY WEST SEEKS TO DEFEND DISTRICT CROWN

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.

Above: Marathon’s Dani Perdomo was good for four RBIs against Gulliver Prep last week.

Right: The Conchs’ Skye Sterling registered a hit in a win over Palmer Trinity on April 23. Photos by Barry Gaukel and Maicey Malgrat

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.

CONCHS MAKE IT TWO IN A ROW

8 Keys athletes claim individual track titles

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 Lohec

Publish:

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

Publish:

May 2 & 9, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

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

Overseas Hwy, Key Largo Florida 33037. Upper Keys Commerce Center reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids.

Publish: May 2 & 9, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice of Seizure that in accordance with Florida Statues 83.805 / 83.506, Tavernier Mini Storage, 135 Hood Ave., Tavernier, Florida 33070 will sell or otherwise will dispose of the personal contents of the following unit to satisfy the delinquent storage lien.

All Contents in:

Unit D-58 – Richard Daino

Unit E-08 – Carol Hall

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.

Publish:

May 2 & 9, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

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

Location: Mile Marker 31

Boat & RV Storage, LLC, 79 Industrial Road, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Vehicle: 2000 Fleetwood Bounder Motorhome

VIN# 3FCNF53S1YJA01487

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

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: 1996 Hunter Sail Boat

VIN# HUNF0589E696

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

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

INVITATION TO BID

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

• CLASSIFIEDS, PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES • 305.743.0844

FULL-TIME POSITION POLICE OFFICER

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.

NOW HIRING

MARINE MECHANIC

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

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 LOT

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

EMPLOYMENT

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

WE ARE HIRING!

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

WE ARE HIRING!

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!

BOAT ORIENTATION DRIVER

MARINA CASHIERS

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.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

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

DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATORS

LOCATION: MARATHON

The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority is looking for Distribution System Operators to perform semi-skilled work, involving the repair and maintenance of FKAA water distribution and transapplicants. Requires a High School, Diploma or GED and valid Florida Driver’s License. Salary: $50,376.48. Excellent benefits and opportunities for advancement.

ADMINISTRATION/OFFICE HELP

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

DUI EVALUATOR/ INSTRUCTOR

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

OPENINGS AVAILABLE

PHYSICIAN PRACTICE OPENINGS

- Medical Assistant, Orthopedics, PT

- Patient Access Associate, Orthopedics, $1,000 Bonus, FT

TAVERNIER MARINERS HOSPITAL

- 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

HIRING!

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.

KEY WEST

Peer Support Specialist

Advocate (PT)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Adult)

Behavioral Health Counselor (Child)

Case Manager (Adult, Forensic) Substance Abuse Counselor

MARATHON

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

Cabinetry Designer

Strong background in designing custom manufactured cabinetry, remodeling, and FF&E specifying.

Interior Designer

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.

Office Administrator

Ensure smooth operations at the Front Desk and provide essential administrative support. Involves coordination, communication, and document management to facilitate efficient workflow.

DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER IS HIRING

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