Key West Weekly 24-0509

Enchanted Island

This unparalleled private island located 1.5 miles from Key West accessible via its own private highway exit from US 1. Presently zoned for sub urban residential use, the island permits the construction of up to two homes. Elevated 15 feet to meet construction codes and with building permits already secured, Enchanted Island is posed for your development aspirations. Additionally, the seller has completed engineered architectural plans for a 7,437 SF home. For those with a vision grander in scale, the option of rezoning and securing permits for up to ten homes exists, providing endless possibilities for your imagination. With building permits in hand, your journey from blueprint to building can commence without delay. Spanning an impressive 4 acres, Enchanted Island offers both tranquility and unique features, such as a private ocean reef and partial dredging, ideal for potential boat dock installation. In addition to its private highway access, the island has a history with helicopter use, hinting at the potential for establishing a heliport to further enhance its exclusivity and convenience for the distinguished few who will call it home or their luxury getaway. Seize the unmatched opportunity to turn your dream of island living into your reality with Enchanted Island.

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$1.07B

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a tax relief package bill on May 7. Some of the tax cuts include two disaster preparedness holidays June 1-14 and Aug. 24-Sept. 6 to help people prepare for hurricane season. There’s also a back-to-school tax holiday between July and August. In total, the tax cut package equates to $1.07 billion in relief for Floridians.

Newly crowned Miss Island Queen 2024, photographer Nick Doll, has got legs, and knows how to use them — to raise money for his turn in the amateur drag contest that raised $113,000 for Samuel’s House on May 7. See page 18. NICK DOLL/Contributed

MARATHON COUPLE PLEADS GUILTY TO JANUARY 6

RIOT CHARGES

Bryan and Tonya Bishop await sentencing this summer

ALEX RICKERT alex@keysweekly.com

AMarathon couple will both await sentencing after pleading guilty for their roles in the U.S. Capitol riots on Jan. 6, 2021.

According to court documents filed April 30, 51-year-old Bryan Bishop, a Marathon resident living in Boot Key Harbor at the time of his August 2023 arrest, pleaded guilty in federal court to a felony charge of “assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.”

The offense carries a maximum sentence of up to eight years in prison, a $200,000 fine and a supervised release term of up to three years, along with restitution to be paid for damages to the Capitol building and for bodily harm to Metropolitan Police Department members injured by Bishop’s actions.

Court documents also stipulate that Bishop will allow law enforcement to review his social media accounts for statements and postings around the time of the capitol riots prior to his sentencing, expected on Thursday, Aug. 29. Prosecutors currently estimate an appropriate prison sentence of 51 to 63 months, based on the facts of Bishop’s case.

Bishop had pleaded not guilty in November 2023 to nine counts

Images and video from outside and within the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 helped identify Bryan Bishop as one of several individuals who assaulted Metropolitan Police Department officers before entering the Capitol. SEDITION HUNTERS/Contributed

included in his original federal indictment.

Bishop’s wife Tonya, 47, pleaded guilty in March, though to lesser misdemeanor charges of “disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building or grounds” and “parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building,” each carrying a maximum six-month prison sentence, up to five years of probation and up to a $5,000 fine. Her sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, July 11.

Both Bishops were taken into custody in a joint operation of the FBI, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement partners after FBI investigators cross-referenced photos of Bryan Bishop from previous Florida, Minnesota and Idaho driver’s licenses and passport re-

newal application with videos, CCTV and police body camera footage recorded during the insurrection. The imagery identified him as one of several individuals who assaulted police officers on the Capitol’s West Terrace before entering the building for roughly 17 minutes.

Bryan had additionally become known as the #UnderHelmetSprayer after Sedition Hunters, a community group dedicated to aiding riot investigators, released video of an individual spraying two officers in the face with a chemical irritant.

Although Tonya’s complaint and charges make no mention of assaults on officers, video footage and location data provided by Google and TracFone placed a device associated with her email address and TracFone account inside the Capitol at the time of the riot.

Before the riots, recorded calls made by the phone number associated with her TracFone account included a female voice stating, “On the 6th, Trump has called the patriots together, a bunch of us are headed over there.”

Upon their initial release from the Monroe County Detention Center in Key West on Aug. 8, Tonya Bishop told the Weekly she “hope(s) you’re using the word ‘allegedly,’ because we’re innocent until proven guilty,” adding that “due process has not been served. We’re just regular people who want to live our lives quietly.”

Bryan Bishop called his arrest “dramatic.”

MOMS MAKE US WHO WE ARE

Key West kids & husbands pay tribute

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

One day a year is wildly insufficient to honor the women who gave us life, helped us create our own life and make us who we are. (Yes, dads are part of that, too, but we’ll get to them next month).

Like snowflakes, no two moms are the same — but, thankfully, they’re a heck of a lot stronger than snowflakes. My own mom, Mary Ann Bolen, is unlike any other, and she’s been my rock, my cheerleader, my very first editor and my soft place to land when I’ve tripped and fallen. Neither she nor my dad have ever let me doubt for a single second that I’m loved beyond belief. I just hope neither of them ever doubt the love and gratitude I have for them. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom — I love you so much more than you’d ever believe.

Here are a few tributes to Key West moms from their kids and husbands.

FORMICO

“She is fun-loving and always understanding. Our kids are so lucky to have her as their mom, she is simply the BEST!”

“Melanie, you hold our family together with grace, love and unwavering strength, I am thankful for having you as the mother of our two beautiful girls and as my wife for 16 years. Happy Mother’s Day, my love!”

JACQUI NORMAN

Kara - “My mom is the most generous person I have ever met. She is generous with her time, with her love and with her never-ending support.”

Emma - “My mum is so kind and generous. She’s always trying as hard as she can to do things for everyone else, disregarding her own needs. She is an amazing person, and I’m so glad she’s my mother. I don’t know what I’d do without her :).”

CATHY CRANE

“She puts her daughter (Kristin) above everything else in the world. She is the best role model that one can ask for. She and Kristin are truly the best of friends.”

PAULINA SMITH

“I’m not sure the best way to say it, but she always makes sure the kids are having fun and doing things, whether it’s going to the soccer field to be goalie for Ryder or taking Scarlet to the park. Our kids never watch TV because they are never bored. She is completely selfless and always puts them first. She makes sure they always have a homemade lunch for school.

Oh, and she is also known as ‘Bruh.’ (LOL, it seems all the kids call their parents this now.)”

Taryn - “Happy Mother’s Day!” All of Us - “We Love You!!!”

SHELLEY CASTILLO

“For our first date, my dad gave me the money to buy her dinner at Logan Lobster House, but she told me to take her to Burger King instead,” recalls husband Aaron Castillo. “My dad told me I better marry that girl. We got married on Valentine’s Day 37 years ago, and she is still the love of my life and the world’s best mother and grandmother. She taught our three kids to be strong and independent.”

STEPHANIE BRUNO

“My favorite thing about being Hudson’s mom aka “Bruh” is making him laugh uncontrollably, but also torturing him with embarrassment as only a mom can do. There is no in-between.”

MINDY CONN

“Mindy is not only the best mom in the world or in our family, but she also takes care of the schools and the community as if she’s everyone’s mom. She makes the world a better place one day at a time. Happy Mother’s Day to the best mom and wife in the world!”

Pictured with kids Josh and Emily and husband Abe.

JESSICA HORAN

Mom to daughters Audrey, Monroe and Amore (not pictured.)

“You always figure out ways to make the impossible possible. Thank you for loving us as you do and for pushing us to be the best versions of ourselves. Happy Mother’s Day to our superhero!”

VICTORIA

MELANIE RODRIGUEZ

MIKE ROONEY

Dedicated to full time plein air painting, Rooney chooses the outdoors to a comfortable studio. Bugs, bystanders and bad weather are just a few of the inconveniences he endures to capture the colors and nuances of nature and shifting light. His paintings although observed from life, are pared down to colorful recognizable blurs, documenting his sensualist encounter with his surroundings. He has painted all his life.

Florida Keys’ & Cuba’s Finest Regional Art “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso HAVANA ART BIENNIAL TOUR

THREE COUNTY POSTS GO UNOPPOSED

Top prosecutor, head public defender and county judge return

JIM McCARTHY jim@keysweekly.com

Monroe County’s lead prosecutor and public defender will return to their posts after a qualifying period ended with no challengers. A county judge will also return to the bench having gone unopposed.

Incumbents and challengers for state attorney, public defender and county court judge needed to qualify by submitting the necessary documents between April 22 and April 26. Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward, county Public Defender Robert Lockwood and County Judge James “Jimmy” Morgan III all were unopposed by the noon deadline on April 26.

A Republican, Ward bested two challengers in the November 2016 election to serve a four-year term as state attorney for the 16th Judicial Circuit. He secured 50% of the vote to beat out Democratic incumbent Catherine Vogel and Libertarian Shad Neiss. Ward secured a second term in 2020, this time beating fellow Republican Mark Kohl in an August primary with 67% of the vote and Democrat Donald Barrett in the November election with 58.2% of the vote.

“It’s a very good feeling going unopposed in the 2024 election cycle,” Ward told Keys Weekly. “No fundraising, meet-and-greets or pounding signs into sheetrock. It’s also heartening to know that the voters of Monroe County have faith in the work that you do to keep them safe and our natural resources intact.”

Like Ward, Lockwood will return as Monroe County public defender for another four years. A Republican, Lockwood was first elected in November 2016, beating Democrat Trish Docherty with 55.4% of the vote. Lockwood went on to serve another four-year term in

2020 after he didn’t see a challenger. Lockwood said he’s humbled to receive such a vote of confidence from Monroe County.

"Words cannot express my gratitude for the overwhelming support and trust everyone has placed in me by reelecting me unopposed,” Lockwood said following the qualifying period. “Most of all, I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the dedicated employees of the Public Defender's Office. Their unwavering commitment to justice and tireless advocacy for our clients is the backbone of our mission. Their hard work and passion inspires me every day, and I am honored to serve alongside such a dedicated team."

Morgan was appointed county court judge in 2021 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The appointment was a true honor for Morgan, a graduate from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law who served eight-plus years with the U.S. Marine Corps as a prosecutor. Before he became a judge, Morgan was a public defender for the 16th Judicial Circuit.

“I am honored by and extend my sincerest gratitude to my family, friends, staff and all of Monroe County for the support, trust and confidence,” Morgan told Keys Weekly. “I will continue to uphold the rule of law with integrity and ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice in the 16th Judicial Circuit.”

KEYS REPUBLICANS QUESTION ENDORSEMENT IN PRIMARY

Committee supports Sherri Hodies for elections job despite party concerns

Monroe County Republicans are taking some heat from their own members in light of the local party’s recent endorsement of a candidate for supervisor of elections, which some say was done without the necessary 60% or two-thirds majority needed for the vote. Other Keys Republicans have said it’s improper for the committee to endorse a candidate in the primary when there’s another Republican running.

The Monroe County Republican Executive Committee voted April 20 to endorse its treasurer, Sherri Hodies, for supervisor of elections in the Aug. 20 primary over fellow Republican Margaret Romero of Key West.

A congratulatory announcement on the Keys GOP website calls it “the first endorsement ever given by the Monroe County Republican Executive Committee.”

But members of the executive committee, as well as other Republicans Keyswide have questioned the procedure of the vote and the fact that an endorsement occurred at all.

Whichever Republican candidate — Hodies or Romero — wins the primary will face Democrat Ron Saunders in the November general election.

“Historically, both parties leave it up to the voters in the primaries, and then once that decision is made, the parties can turn on the support for the general election,” said county Mayor Holly Raschein, who lives in the Upper Keys and spent eight years as a Republican state representative until she reached her term limits.

“This sounds to me like favoritism; it’s not right,” said former Key West city commissioner Mark Rossi, a longtime member of the Southernmost Republican Club in Key West. “You don’t endorse a same-party candidate in a primary when you have two Republicans running. For supervisor of elections, we need someone who is stable and who will follow the rules.”

Hodies is a MAGA Republican, according to posts on her personal Facebook page, but not her campaign page.

“Aides from the White House have seen President Trump on his knees with his face to the floor and tears running down his face as he prayed for the people of the United States. … If President Trump can get on his knees and his face and cry to almighty God, you should know he was sent by God to help us save this nation,” Hodies posted in March 2020, at the start of the COVID pandemic. Photos show her at a Trump rally in a red MAGA hat.

While she has expressed faith in Monroe County elections and the retiring supervisor of elections Joyce Griffin publicly, she has questioned the results of the 2020 election in other states.

The vote to endorse

The executive committee on April 20 voted 20-18 to endorse Hodies, despite a state party rule, Rule 8, which states, “a County Executive Committee may endorse a Republican candidate in a contested primary … upon the affirmative vote of 60% of County Executive Committee present and voting at a duly called meeting, or upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of those present and voting at such meeting.”

The 20-18 vote means 38 members were present to vote. Sixty percent of 38 is 22.8, and two-thirds of 38 is 25.3, both of which are more than the 20 endorsement votes Hodies received.

Patrick Foley, a member of the REC, wrote to Lopez, stating, “After a careful reading of Rule 8, the motion (to endorse Hodies) did not pass.” Foley reiterated the 60% rule in his letter.

When reached by the Keys Weekly on April 30, Foley said he was not authorized to speak on behalf of the executive committee, but said the rule is poorly worded and open to various interpretations.

Republican Executive Committee Chair Rhonda Rebman Lopez approved the endorsement despite some committee members’ and fellow Republicans’ concerns.

Romero, a lifelong Republican and former Key West city commissioner, went to the REC meeting to oppose the motion to endorse, but was asked to leave because she isn’t a committee member. Romero had not filed any complaints or taken any action as of press time.

Neither Lopez nor Hodies responded to requests for comment via text message, email and voicemail.

Dennis Ward Robert Lockwood

Jimmy Morgan with daughter, Savannah, and wife, Allison. ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES mandy@keysweekly.com

A Key West police officer reportedly shot at a man when he rammed a tractor into a patrol vehicle on May 4. KWPD/Contributed

TRACTOR DRIVER GOES ON RAMPAGE ON COLLEGE CAMPUS

He’s charged with attempted murder of a police officer for ramming patrol car

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

A22-year-old Key West man drove a tractor into the dorm building on the Key West campus of the College of the Florida Keys as he went on an inexplicable rampage on May 4, 2024, smashing parked cars with the tractor before, police said, he rammed into one of their patrol vehicles on College Road.

A KWPD officer was inside the police SUV as the tractor drove into it, and an officer fired shots in response.

Suspect Ethan Robert Layne was taken into custody at the scene and was charged with attempted murder of a police officer.

No injuries were reported in the bizarre incident that happened on a Saturday afternoon the day after CFK’s graduation ceremony.

Layne remains locked up without bond at the county jail on Stock Island and is due in court for a hearing set for 1:30 p.m. on May 17.

It was unclear whether Layne has legal representation.

Additional charges have piled up for Layne, who is listed as a groundskeeper who lives in Key West.

At press time he was facing charges of aggravated assault, property damage, burglary and two charges of public order crimes and a second attempted murder charge.

So far, police witness statements and information on whether Layne spoke to police after his arrest aren’t available to the public, including college officials.

In this image from a FaceTime call, people gather around an overturned vehicle on campus after a tractor driver destroyed vehicles and drove into the entrance of a college dorm building on May 4. CONTRIBUTED

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating, which is a common practice when an officer fires a weapon.

No police reports can be released while the FDLE review is ongoing, police spokeswoman Alyson Crean said.

Photos show the tractor rampage left plenty of damage on campus, where there weren’t many students at the time, a college official said.

The Lagoon Landing dorm at the rear of the campus had a smashed entrance with a wall knocked down – that’s the front entrance where the resident advisor usually sits, a Key West resident told Keys Weekly on Saturday.

A vehicle was on its side in the parking lot and a car was left with a crushed side.

The college opened as usual on the Monday after the tractor incident. A CFK spokeswoman didn’t return a message for comment.

Layne is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. His only prior criminal record in Monroe County is a speeding ticket from 2021.

On his Facebook profile, Layne states that he studied at CFK and has worked as a groundskeeper at the Key West Golf Club since May 2022.

‘TREEHOUSE MURDER’ SUSPECT JAILED IN OREGON ON $3.1M BOND

Franklin

Tyrone

Tucker violated pretrial release, court records say

GWEN FILOSA gwen@keysweekly.com

AMonroe County judge issued an arrest warrant for the suspect in the 2017 murder of 59-year-old Matthew Bonnett on Stock Island, a case that became known as the “treehouse murder,” for the open-air location where a woman was living at the time.

Franklin Tyrone Tucker, 52, has fended off prosecutors since then, and walked out of court in January on bond after a hung jury. He has been free after posting a $2 million bond in 2019.

But on May 3, Tucker was arrested and booked into the Multnomah County jail in Portland, Oregon, after court officials said he violated the conditions of his pretrial release by missing a scheduled urinalysis test for alcohol. His bond is set at $3.1 million.

Tucker has been living in Oregon while awaiting a second trial in Monroe County. He’s due to appear at the courthouse in Key West at 1:30 p.m. on June 17.

The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office wants to bring Tucker to trial for a second time.

“A man’s life was lost and he was involved in it,” prosecutor Joe Mansfield told Keys Weekly. “He needs to be held accountable for it. Several jurors believed in the evidence.”

On April 30, Monroe County Judge James W. Morgan III signed an arrest warrant based on a pretrial services officer’s report that Tucker had missed a random urinalysis test he’s required to take for alcohol on April 10. Morgan set the $3.1 million bond.

“I know it’s most likely a trap, even if it is and while I have a bad feeling about it, I’d rather walk in like a man than be drug in like a dog,” Tucker posted on Facebook, with regard to the newly issued warrant requiring him to return to Monroe County, where State Attorney Dennis Ward’s office wants to try him again for the murder.

After a series of tabloid-style twists in the murder case, Tucker became the story.

He married a woman who’s a regular item in the New York Post’s Page 6 society column, and with her help posted a $2 million bond. And after Court TV’s gavel-to-gavel livestream coverage of his January trial in Key West, Tucker became a minor cause célèbre with an online following.

Tucker represented himself at court. And while his amateur lawyering frustrated prosecutors, he placed sufficient doubt in at least one juror’s mind to dodge conviction.

Monroe County Judge Mark Jones declared a mistrial after jurors couldn’t reach the required unanimous decision.

The jury had one holdout who refused to change her mind that Tucker was not guilty, according to a juror who spoke with Keys Weekly. Deliberations began and ended on the same day, with a majority of the jurors voting guilty. A couple had questions.

The juror told Keys Weekly that in the end, it was the holdout whose refusal to budge led to the hung jury. Judge Jones disqualified himself from the case on Jan. 29 and the court assigned it to Morgan.

Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward’s office wants a judge to place a gag order on Tucker, citing his regular Facebook posts and videos on his YouTube channel, where he discusses his case and accuses prosecutors and the sheriff’s office of misconduct.

Franklin Tyrone Tucker represents himself during his trial in January. GWEN FILOSA/Keys Weekly

COME WORSHIP WITH US

‘‘The churches of Christ greet you.’’ Romans 16:16 NKJV

ENGLISH SERVICE

Sunday Bible Study 10am

Service 11am

Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm

Evangelist Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

KREYOL SEVIS

Dimanch Klas Biblik 7:30pm Adorasyon 8:30pm

Madi Klas Biblik 7:30pm Minis Rodrigue Aleandre Cell 305.296.3331

SERVICIO ESPAÑOL

Domingo Estudio Biblico a las 5pm Servicio de Adoración a las 6pm Jueves Estudio Biblico a las 7pm Ministro Pedro Ruiz Celda 347.430.2263

1700 VON PHISTER ST, KEY WEST

‘‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.’’ Deuteronomy 5:16 NKJV

BLOOD DRIVE TO BE HELD IN HONOR OF INJURED SHERIFF’S DEPUTY

Garcia remains hospitalized one month after being hit by an accused drunk driver

KELLIE BUTLER FARRELL www.keysweekly.com

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Julian Garcia has undergone multiple surgeries since a traffic stop in Islamorada one month ago nearly cost him his life.

“I think he’s had like eight surgeries, so he’s in a very difficult state,” said Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay, who talks to Garcia every few days. “He’s in really good spirits considering what he’s going through.”

On Thursday, May 9, a communitywide blood drive will be held in Garcia’s honor. OneBlood and its big red buses will be stationed at MCSO facilities from Islamorada to Key West.

Garcia’s injuries serve as a poignant reminder of the life-saving role blood donations play.

“In this case, a family member of MCSO has required a lot of donated blood from others to help save his life,” Ramsay said.

Garcia was conducting a traffic stop along U.S. 1 on April 9 when a suspected drunk driver slammed into his patrol car as he was walking between his car and a car he had pulled over.

The 27-year-old deputy was pinned between the two vehicles on the side of the road near MM 87.

The deputy, who has been on the force since February 2022, suffered serious injuries to his lower body. He was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Authorities say Alexandra Marlene Baraga, 26, was behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck deputy Garcia. She had a blood alcohol level of 0.310, nearly four times the legal limit. Baraga is from Minnesota originally but lives in the Keys and listed animal care as her occupation. The day after the accident, she was released from jail after posting a $95,000 bond. She was not injured.

“She bonded out; in a matter of eight hours, she was back to her normal life,” said Ramsay.

Appointments to donate blood in honor of Garcia are not required but they are recommended.

Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 16 years old. Any donors 16 or 17 years old also need consent from their parents or guardian.

“You’ve probably heard that phrase that one donation can affect three people. It’s because we take the whole blood unit and we separate it into red blood cells, plasma and plate-

MCSO/Contributed

lets,” said OneBlood spokesman Pat Michaels. “So one person could treat three different people,” he added.

Those who donate blood will receive a $20 e-gift card, a Big Red Bus T-shirt and a wellness checkup.

Recently, OneBlood started a program called “message my donor” where each unit of donated blood has a tag on it that goes to the hospital and that tag has an option for a patient, doctor or nurse to write a note which would go back to the donor. The donor and the recipient remain anonymous.

“We have had many of our donors tell us ‘I got this message back,’” Michaels said. “That hits home. We can give you a gift card or a T-shirt for saying thanks, but I think a big thanks is when you get a message from someone saying ‘thank you so much, you’ve given me blood.’ I think that’s the payoff in a big way,” he added.

The blood drives will take place on Thursday, May 9 at:

• MCSO Substation Islamorada at 86800 Overseas Highway from noon to 6 p.m.

• MCSO Substation Marathon at 3103 Overseas Highway from noon to 6 p.m.

• MCSO Headquarters Key West at 5525 College Road from 2 to 7 p.m.

• Berkshire Hathaway Keys Real Estate Big Pine Key at 30085 Overseas Highway from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.

• Key Plaza Key West at 2928 N. Roosevelt Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donors may make an appointment at oneblood.org or 888-936-6283.

A MAD DASH

Offbeat Cow Key Bridge Run draws wacky competitors

Some runners push themselves to sweat through marathons, but not the competitors in the weekend Cow Key Bridge Run in the Florida Keys.

“Athletes” in the “zero-k race” followed a course on May 4 across one of the shortest bridges along the Overseas Highway, spanning about 300 feet between Key West and neighboring Stock Island.

In honor of the race’s “May the 4th” date and “Cow Wars” theme, many participants wore costumes inspired by the blockbuster “Star Wars” film series and carried lightsabers. There was even a miniature horse from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Animal Farm, dressed and bewigged as the character Princess Leia and dubbed “Princess Neigha” as it was led across the short bridge.

The date is marked by “Star Wars” fans each year to salute the films’ iconic catchphrase, “May the force (fourth) be with you.”

Other intrepid “racers” were garbed in bull or cow ensembles, prompted by the name of the bridge over the Florida Keys’ Cow Key Channel. The quirky challenge took place on the Overseas Heritage Trail beside the bridge so vehicular traffic was not disrupted. Directly afterward, participants headed for an awards ceremony at the Keys Collection’s Sunset Green Event Lawn. Proceeds from the race benefited the Sheriff’s Animal Farm and the Highgate Charitable Foundation.

— Contributed

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Julian Garcia was injured on April 9 as he was conducting a traffic stop in Islamorada.

Participants celebrate the ‘zero-k’ Cow Key Channel Bridge Run and Star Wars Day as they cross the 300-foot-long Cow Key Channel Bridge on May 4 in Key West. CONTRIBUTED

MAY IS FOR MOMS

Join the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition in raising funds to support the needs of moms in the Keys.

During the month of May we are looking for businesses to commit to a goal of their choosing to help the Coalition reach our goal of $25,000.

To sign your business up or to simply make a donation to support moms and babies in the Keys, scan the QR code below or call 305.293.8424.

Proudly display that your business is committed to supporting families in the Keys.

78% of families welcoming new babies in the Florida Keys are served by the Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition.

The Coalition is the only organization available to all families in the Keys BEFORE, DURING & AFTER pregnancy.

HEALTHY START - Focuses on helping mothers deliver healthy babies, prevent premature births & prevent maternal death during delivery

HEALTHY BABIES - Addresses the health and well being of mom and baby during pregnancy and for the first few months of life

KEYS TO KIDS SAFETY - Provides resources to parents and caregivers, empowering them to raise their children in safe & healthy environments

KEYS TO GROWING KIDS - Facilitates family health, education workshops, developmental playgroups & parent support groups

KEYS TO SUPPORTING FAMILIES - Provides client assistance through nutrition support & essential baby care.

KEYS TO HOPE - Provides support to parents & families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy, baby or child

KEEPING FAMILIES HEALTHY, SAFE & EMPOWERED.

... 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.

When I came through the entrance to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden the woman who works in the gift shop gave me grief for referring to her as “the woman who works in the gift shop” in a column a couple weeks ago, and not using her name. She pointed out that I’d used a lot of other people’s names in this column. I pointed out that I’d known most of those guys for close to 20 years and that unfortunately I didn’t know her name at the time. But I do now. It’s Cindy Walker. Please accept this lede by way of apology, Cindy.

I’d been up in north Florida for a week, and then spent a few days catching up and had missed a lot of late April, which is generally the peak migration season here. We live in one of the best places in America to see migrating birds, but I was letting this hometown phenomenon slip by unseen, which made me question my bona fides somewhat as a birder.

May can be an interesting month, though. There’s still some chance for a fallout, as well as a decent number of late migrants. Also, the birds that have been gone all winter start to dominate the landscape.

I could tell it wasn’t going to be terribly birdy in the parking lot as I hadn’t even seen a grackle. But you miss 100% of the birds you don’t look for. and in recent years early May has actually been pretty good.

It took a while, but I did finally cross paths with a real live actual migrant – a common yellowthroat lurking low in the bushes on one of the back paths. I remember years ago, sitting with my friend, Julie Heath, in a hammock in Key Largo, where she was working with a team banding and measuring migrating songbirds. She had a male common yellowthroat (a species of warbler) in her hand. I was familiar with the bright yellow belly and the black mask across the eyes that made it look like he wanted to steal your silverware, but I never had noticed the delicate white fringe of feathers above the burglar mask.

“How can anyone call this bird common?” Julie said before releasing it.

Back at the botanical garden, the yellowthroat was working his way low through the shadowy foliage, his brilliance flashing as he moved through the occasional shaft of light.

In the bush above him I counted at least 80 Atala butterflies – the Lower Keys celebrity butterflies of the season, not seen here last year – lounging on the leaves.

Zipping around the Atalas, and from bush to bush, was a Tantalus sphinx moth, which regularly convinces people it’s a bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world, native to

A WALK IN THE PARK

Cuba. Except it’s not. It looks totally different – a brown or brownish green, compared to the shiny blues and greens of the bee hummingbird. The Tantalus sphinx moth is very small, though, and does look kinda sorta like a hummingbird, so much so that we often get emails at the Florida Keys Audubon Society from people saying they’ve seen a bee hummingbird in their backyard. I came up with a form letter reply that aims to gently let people know they are mistaken, though it doesn’t always get a happy response.

I tried to get a photo of this particular Tantalus Sphinx moth, but it moved too quickly and everything I shot was a fuzzy blur.

Out on the patio area, next to the pond, a trio of gray kingbirds were chasing after each other. I spent a bit of time trying to figure out the social dynamic. Were they three males competing for territory? Were two males competing to attract a female? Was something else going on? It would be helpful if one could tell the males from the females, but that is not the way with gray kingbirds, which are essentially androgynous. Their ways are a mystery, clearly understood only by their own kind.

As I was walking toward one of the tables, a common grackle shot by, a flash of purple haze iridescence disappearing into a bush.

A minute or two after I sat down, a palm warbler came hopping up in the grass with the telltale tail twitch. We get so many of them in the winter, but this one, he or she (palm warblers are another sexually monomorphic species) should have skedaddled north by now.

More than a few of us have decided to stay in the Keys for the summers when we should have headed north, but that generally isn’t the case with birds.

I caught sight of a blackpoll warbler in the fruiting ficus tree overhead, a male with his orange legs and Moe-from-the-Three-Stooges mop of black feathers on his head, which was not unexpected. They usually bring up the rear in the fall migration.

Blackpolls are interesting because they go against the basic migration paradigm. Most migratory North American species head south in the fall in a leisurely manner, and return with something of a fervor to claim territory and find a mate in the spring. Blackpolls take an incredibly risky route to South America, leaving the coast of New England and flying 3,000 miles across open water in the fall, but then take a safer, slower overland route north to their boreal breeding territories in the spring.

A few minutes later, in the same tree, was a Cape May warbler, a species I’m always happy to see, though I have something of a quibble with the name. Cape May is a damn wonderful shore town at the southern tip of New Jersey, and smart like Key West in the preservation of its ornate historic architecture. It is one of the great places in the world to bird, partly for its geography and habitats, but also because with so many really good birders living there, not much gets missed. But that species also breeds in the boreal forests of Canada and the extreme northern parts of a few states. They are named for Cape May because the first specimen was captured there during migration.

Their Latin name is Setophaga tigrina, the tigrina part meaning tiger-like in appearance, because their breasts are a dynamically streaked gold and black. I’m considering starting a petition, once the American Ornithological Society finishes renaming all the birds named for people, to rename the bird the tiger warbler, which would be much cooler, though possibly not favored by people from South Jersey.

When I ran into Amy Grimm a little later, I told her I felt I’d missed the best parts of migration this spring by being out of town. She said I hadn’t really missed much. The weather had been clear and the birds had largely been flying over without stopping. Which made me feel a little better about my life choices.

I headed out after that, making sure to say goodbye to Cindy Walker as I left.

MARK HEDDEN

A NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER

“Miss Island Queen” amateur drag show is everything great about Key West

MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

IBRITT MYERS

britt@keysweekly.com

n what has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the year, the third annual Key West Amateur Drag Show, “Miss Island Queen” event, took place May 7 before a soldout Key West Theater. The benefit for Samuel’s House raised over $113,000 for the local women’s and children’s shelters.

“Our island community never ceases to amaze me,” said Samuel’s House board member and event creator/host, Kirby Myers. “Three years ago, I never imagined we would reach this level of support and love, not only for Samuel’s House, but for our drag and LGBTQIA+ community.”

The show featured six local contestants, each paired with a professional drag queen coach, who campaigned weeks in advance to raise funds leading up to the big night.

Aside from an evening of laughs and love, the highlight included a talent competition among the six contestants — ranging from live singing to acrobatic performances. Also in this year’s program, Pasion Project Studio & Dance Company kicked the night off with an electric performance, and the amazing Bria Ansara dazzled the crowd between acts.

“Thanks also to my co-host, Landon Bradbary, who pours his heart and soul into hosting events and supporting this community,” Myers said.

This year’s event featured Nick Doll, Haig, Liz Love, Jordan Upchurch, Loren Ament and Paul Brooks as contestants, paired with Sushi, Jessica Devereaux, Hugh Janus, Q-Mitch, Puddin’ Taine and Blu Diamond.

A complete video of the evening can be found on Samuel’s House Facebook page @samuelshousekw or visit samuelshouse.org to donate.

‘THERE WAS MUSIC EVERYWHERE’ Songwriters

Festival wraps up another success

Country singer-songwriter Dallas Davidson headlines a free concert on May 4, packing the 200 block of Duval Street for the Key West Songwriters Festival. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Baggage handlers at Key West International Airport last week may have toted more guitar cases than suitcases, as 250 of Nashville’s top music makers flocked to the island for the 28th annual Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI.

Publishers and songwriters returned to Music City after a week of sunshine and songs in the Southernmost City. They are armed with inspiration, snippets of lyrics jotted on cocktail napkins, calendar dates for songwriting sessions with new connections and plenty of memories, some of them a bit hazy.

Crowds packed 50 different venues, provided by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents, during the five-day festival to hear their favorite acts and add new ones to their playlists.

On May 2, a sold-out crowd packed the Coffee Butler Amphitheater for Mackenzie Carpenter, Restless Road and headliner Cole Swindell, who wouldn’t have left the stage without offering his hit, “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.”

An even bigger crowd filled lower Duval Street for the free street show the night of May 4, when Kaleb Sanders, Lily Rose and headliner Dallas Davidson offered an unforgettable evening.

Country star Cole Swindell performs May 2 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater during the Key West Songwriters Festival.

The Miss Island Queen amateur drag show raised the roof and $113K for Samuel’s House women’s shelter.

Meet directly with our Consumer Loan Manager!

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MAY WORKSHOPS

LEARN

THE STUDIOS

LEARN THE LATHE

Wood Turning a Bowl

with Trevor Martineau

SAT MAY 18, 10AM-2PM

Learn the different stages of wood turning in this handson workshop offered at the Studios Woodshop on Stock Island.

PHOTOGRAPH

KEY WEST FROM A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT

Denise Burge, PEAR THU MAY 23, 12-4PM

Look for beauty in lesspicturesque spaces, hopefully deepening your love of the lush beauty of the island.

WRITING VILLAINS AND ANTI-HEROES

Rachael Allen, PEAR

FRI MAY 24, 11AM-2PM

Learn to create compelling villains, anti-heroes, and antagonists like Ursula, Vader, Harley Quinn, or Maleficent.

DROP OFF MAY 21-26 ON VIEW JUN 6-JULY 25

Stop in to our island style general store located in the heart of the historic seaport district. Offering a wide variety of gifts, clothing, accessories and coastal home goods, all inspired by island living.

Dinner Specials:

We’re Bringing back Your favorites!

Sunday

Family Fried Chicken $28

2 Pieces of Fried Chicken | Beer-Battered Fries Cole Slaw | NA Beverage | Dessert

Monday st louis Ribs $34 Cole Slaw | Sweet Potato Fries

Tuesday

2 Asian Tuna Tacos in Wonton Shell $28 Sweet Soy & Wasabi Aioli | Kimchi

Wednesday

Prime Rib Night 12oz $60 | 16oz $70 Mashed Potatoes | Green Beans

Thursday Jumbo Shrimp & Grits: $32

Friday

Swordfish Rockefeller: $48 Potato Croquette | Grilled Asparagus

Saturday Seafood Strudel with Broccolini: $42

CHRIS McNULTY

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

This week, the sun is encroaching on the conversation that Jupiter and Uranus are having. Jupiter and Uranus are in the same place in the sky, sparking big upheavals and joyful revolutions.

The sun, in all of its bright glory, is moving in on these two, both shining a light on them and washing them out. It’s a great time for imagining your ideal version of a happy, free life even though the practical steps to get there may be elusive. Consider the changes that need to be made, let them percolate and distill. Actions will be coming down the road. Another dance taking place in the sky is the tango of Mercury and the asteroid Chiron, which embodies the archetype of the wounded healer, representing our vulnerabilities and capacity for integration. Whenever Mercury is involved, it is time to be thinking and talking. There’s a high capacity for self-victimizing and defeatist thinking right now, but there is an equal possibility for thoughts that can empower and cure. Wounding and healing are two sides of one coin, and you get to choose where your mind and words take you. Here are your horoscopes for the sun-Uranus-Jupiter conjunction and the Mercury-Chiron conjunction. Read for your rising and sun signs.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20

You may find yourself exhibiting new personality quirks or new ways of moving through the world, but you might not know exactly why. Go with it, Discover this new, free version of yourself. When you have your alone time, let your thoughts linger on difficult or painful experiences, but quickly turn your focus to how far you’ve come. Time to break some cycles.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

Sacrifice can be a letting-go to make room for more bounty, and that is exactly what is available to you right now. You don’t need to make the moves, but in your quiet hours consider what can be let go so you can fly higher. Your friends are readily available to discuss life’s challenges, and the conversations could be exactly what you need to regenerate.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

Being vulnerable in a public setting can be scary, but it can also be incredibly healing both for you and your audience. Under this sky, sharing your insecurities in public has high potential for transformative results. Be wary of trauma dumping, though. Have a point. Seek out the people in your network who bring joyful freedom into your life. They should be easy to spot now, and they’ll lead you in the right direction.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 22

A big change is underway at work — perhaps there’s a merger, a promotion or surprise firing. The why and the how might seem a bit hazy at the moment, but trust that there is greater freedom on the other side. When it comes to thinking through your personal healing process, it would be very helpful to find a new location for thinking and communicating. Change the scenery.

VIRGO

Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Are you being sent somewhere or pushed into something you’ve never done before? Nerves are natural, but trust that this experience will liberate you in ways you might not clearly understand now. The vulnerabilities and emotional frustrations you feel are shared by others. If healing is your goal, find the folks who already know what you’re going through and learn from them.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Particularly in the U.S., we tend to equate freedom with individualism. However, freedom WITH others is very much at your fingertips right now. How do you work with others to achieve liberation that works for the collective? Look around and find your co-conspirators. Under this sky, let your words do the work to heal an important relationship in your life. Communication is fundamental.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 21

If you’re having a struggle, the best way to process right now is through your hands rather than your head. Work those frustrations out through physical labor and building good habits – sweat therapy. An important partner in your life is presenting you with an enormous surprise. After you gain your composure, realize that this unexpected offering will free you from your bonds.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Routine can feel like a form of monotonous enslavement, but, right now, getting into the right daily habits will emancipate you. Try a different daily schedule, but find one that is easily duplicated so you can fall into a new flow. The goal is a new muscle memory. However you express yourself creatively, weave your wounds into your work and watch the healing happen.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

When it comes to family, anticipating a hard conversation can sometimes be worse than just having the conversation. Under this sky, empathetic conversations are readily available to you with your family, so see if you can let the anxiety dissolve. You are giving birth to something exciting and surprising. A literal baby? Maybe. A creative project? More likely. Releasing this entity into the world will also liberate you. Have faith in the process.

REVOLUTION & REVITALIZATION

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Just keep talking. There is alchemy in communication for you right now, so let your discourse transmute your pain into power. The words themselves are less important than the actual act. Big, beneficial surprises are coming to you from home – whether that is your shelter or your family. Perhaps you have to move out of the blue or your parents dropped an info bomb. This surprise can liberate you with the right perspective.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

You don’t have to go far for a lifechanging surprise. In fact, I think there is something in your daily life and familiar stomping grounds that is waiting for you to discover it. Is there a person you see every day but know nothing about? Is there a secret garden on your block that you can meditate in? Is there a new store that stocks the yarn you needed? Keep your eyes peeled, Pisces.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

The hardest conversations we need to have tend to be with ourselves. Right now, you can have a difficult conversation but also be an empathetic ear. Look at your difficulties but be kind and understanding at the same time. Healing requires acceptance. On a happy note, it looks like a big money surprise is underway. Maybe you can’t see how it will work out, but trust that you will get your payout.

KIDS ON THE MOVE

Basilica School hosts 7th annual Run-a-Thon for 300+ kids

Students at the Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea celebrate the coming end of the school year with the annual Run-a-Thon, a culmination of the school’s Running Club, which meets every Wednesday. KASIA KAZMIERSKA/Contributed

MANDY MILES

mandy@keysweekly.com

Coach JJ Noah launched the Running Club at the Basilica School seven years ago, offering students the chance to run with her each Wednesday after school. The first year, 10 kids showed up and five of them ended up completing the 7 Mile Bridge Run.

This year, the April 24 Run-aThon, the club’s annual celebration of the coming summer, drew more than 300 student runners.

“During COVID we opened Running Club to kindergarten students for the simple fact that they could take their masks off and talk and run outside,” Noah said. “Running

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Club exploded that year. Everyone loved the fact that they could come outside, take their masks off and run and talk and play. This connection represents everything I love about running.”

The joy the kids bring out to the school’s field every Wednesday from August to April is unsurpassed, she added.

“These kids are my inspiration. They’re the best thing that happens each week and I’m so proud of every one of them,” she said, thanking the Southernmost Runners Club, which has volunteered time and equipment to the Run-a-Thon for the past two years.

“Pinning running bibs on 300 kids is no easy task,” Noah said, “I owe them so much.”

LITERARY LOVE FOR MOM

THREE HEARTWARMING BOOKS TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY

READY OR NOT

By Cara Bastone

The two lines couldn’t have been more clear – Eve is pregnant. The girl who has been a lifelong rule-follower had a one night stand with a sexy bartender and finds herself at a doctor’s office confirming what she already knew. In her 30s and very single, Eve isn’t even certain she wanted children. To add to the turmoil, her best friend Willa, who has been trying to get pregnant for years, finds the news devastating. Of all people, Shep, Willa’s older brother, steps in. This once-nerdy computer geek has really grown up. He takes the reins, mentally and physically, helping Eve in any way he can. This unexpected loyalty sparks a new layer to their friendship. While hot bartender Ethan struggles with the news, Shep supports Eve, showering her with treats and spectacular foot rubs. Eve cannot decide if Shep was always this handsome or it’s the pregnancy hormones going berserk, but it takes a lot of self-control not to literally jump all over his kindness. This beautiful story flows through nine months of love, friendship and backaches, continually surprising Eve toward the moment of truth.

First and foremost a reader, she has reviewed hundreds of books on her blog www.readingandeating.com. And, more recently, this new Keys resident has also begun writing.

THINGS I WISH I TOLD MY MOTHER

By Susan Patterson and Susan DiLallo

Laurie is in the middle of a huge presentation when she gets the call. Her mother, the famous “Dr. Liz,” has been hospitalized. Laurie races to her side to discover that her mother suffered an unexplained cardiac episode. To get her mind off the stressful situation, Laurie promises to plan a getaway when her mother feels better. What begins as a ploy to get her mother’s mind off her troubles leads to planning an elaborate adventure. The mother-daughter duo, who don’t always get along, head to Paris and Norway, where Liz was raised and has a sister she’s mysteriously not seen in 50 years. As they peruse the finest hotels, restaurants and shops, the women fare better than expected. Laurie discovers a different side from the perfectionist authority she always feared. With each day, their journey becomes more than a vacation. As Laurie delves into difficult questions, the mystery of her mother’s past begins to unravel. This heartfelt read is filled with meaningful banter as Laurie acknowledges old resentments that she has carried her entire life, ultimately realizing that every day is a gift not to be wasted.

By Mary Louise Kelly

From the moment we become parents, there is another life completely dependent on our constant care and nurturing. Everything else becomes secondary. On the same note, as the tables turn and we age, our own parents may need assistance. Those days too are cherished and counted. The circle of life described in this memoir by well-known NPR journalist Mary Louise Kelly is loving and thoughtprovoking. Having spent years reporting on war, interviewing politicians and the people affected around the world, Mary decides to take time off to be more present for her older son’s last year of high school before he leaves the nest. Diving deep into the memories of early parenting and reflecting on the painful recent loss of her beloved father, all while the actual world feels like it is falling apart, is hard and exhausting. With honesty, love and humor, Kelly shares some of her most private thoughts about motherhood, marriage and the relevance of a professional woman in midlife. Change is inevitable, but it is not always easy. The invaluable lesson that time is our greatest asset is a constant reminder to live your best life.

#WORTHWATCHING

Don’t miss “Otherhood” on Netflix. This laugh-out-loud comedy follows three best friends feeling abandoned on Mother’s Day as they chase down their adult sons in NYC to get the attention they deserve.

IT. GOES. SO. FAST.

KAREN NEWFIELD

TALK OF THE TIMES

Preserving family roots with the Father of Marathon

After almost two years working on the property, Robbie’s of Islamorada feels homey. The vibe is one of the reasons I picked it as the place to pour myself back into the hospitality industry.

Bartending was not what I planned, but sometimes you do what you do to make your world keep spinning in the right direction. Besides, if I was going to stand around mixing up excellent mojitos, at least at Robbie’s I can look up and see Indian Key if I need to regain a little balance.

For anyone who has been following my Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli group on Facebook (and you totally should), my time at Robbie’s has been about more than just working out at the little bar on the beach. There has been a definite history component, too. Check out the history tab on their website.

I developed a history tour for the glass-bottom boat Transparensea operating out of the marina. In addition to amazing trips out to the reef, they offer the history tour every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Those who take the two-hour trip listen to my recorded voice telling stories about Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key, the original Overseas Highway and the ferry system that was required to make the trek between Key West and the mainland. I also talk about the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane.

Every Thursday at Robbie’s, I have been holding “office hours” between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The decision was a good one. I hang out for a couple of hours and talk to anyone who stops, says “hello” and asks about the local history. Knowing I’ll be there, people also plan to visit and share their stories. This is one of the things that let me know establishing office hours was, indeed, a really good idea.

For instance, a couple of weeks ago one of the old marijuana smugglers stopped by to introduce himself, give me a copy of his book and chat. He told some of the best stories I have heard in a long time; some, I imagine, appear in his book “Smug-

glers’ Times: Smuggling In The Days Of Marijuana Prohibition” (as told by retired 30-plus year smuggler Keys Don and friends to M. Dennis Taylor).

If only Webb Dillard had chosen that day to come and film. Webb and I have been working together since 2022. He has been recording me talking about history and several of my lectures for the “Florida Keys History with Brad Bertelli” segment on his channel “Key West Vibes” available at Roku and the Apple app store. While Dillard did not drive up from Marathon that Thursday, his schedule freed up, so he could come last Thursday, and his timing could not have been more impeccable.

Local history matters; it is important. I like to write about and talk about these histories because when people stop talking about them, they become forgotten relics. All too often, they disappear. That said, during office hours last week, two wonderful things happened. First, Tracy and Derrick Myers coordinated a meeting before returning home to central Florida. Second, I woke up to a text from Dillard asking if it was cool that he come up to film. My response was, “Perfect day for it.”

Tracy Myers, who has deep family roots in Marathon, contacted me weeks prior, hoping we could arrange a time to meet. A tip of the cap to Tracy, who has been working diligently to make sure her family’s story will not be forgotten. It is an extraordinary story, and she has succeeded in having several plaques placed to honor the “Father of Marathon” – including a brass interpretive panel installed on a coral rock at the Seven Mile Bridge.

Marathon has long been one of my historical weak spots. Meeting Tracy and hearing her story gave me a new understanding of the Middle Keys in general and Marathon in particular. Her greatgrandfather, William Allen Parrish Sr., was a big deal in Marathon’s history.

Before Parrish came to the Keys, he lived in Dania Beach, where he was a commercial fisherman. According to Tracy, he first visited Marathon the same year Henry Flagler rode the train on its maiden run to Key West in 1912. It was 15 years later when Parrish made the big move and relocated his family to Key Vaca.

One thing became obvious after talking with Tracy and listening to her story. While Marathon came to fruition as a railroad town, with much of its early history developed due to the Florida East Coast Railway, Parrish worked to develop the community. Tracy wrote about her great-grandfather. In her own words: “He was a very generous man determined to see Marathon grow. W.A. Parrish Sr. shared his vision of Marathon by offering very great deals on property to people that he thought would contribute to the town. One example, which is typical of his kindness, is that he sold 100 feet of highway frontage extending to the Florida Bay for $300. He continued selling as well as donating his accumulated property ensuring the prosperity of Marathon and an opportunity for all, earning him the title ‘Father of Marathon.’”

Who might stop by during office hours in the weeks ahead? Please let me know if you have a story to share. If we are lucky, Webb will be available to film and capture it for others to hear. I hope to see you soon.

Brad Bertelli and Sally Myers at Robbie’s. WEBB DILLARD AND KEY WEST VIBES/Contributed

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

FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY WITH BRAD BERTELLI

HELP YOUR MAIL CARRIER ‘STAMP OUT HUNGER’

non-perishable food

Saturday, May 11 is the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Leave a bag or box of non-perishable food donations next to your mailbox that day and the donations will be given to local food banks. CONTRIBUTED

On Saturday, May 11, mail carriers throughout Florida and the nation will collect more than stamped envelopes from mailboxes along their routes.

The National Association of Letter Carriers once again will coordinate the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which the group has organized for the past 32 years.

In each community, mail carriers pick up donations of non-perishable food — cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned fruits, vegetables, soups, tuna, turkey, peanut butter, mac and cheese, beans and more.

The food drive takes place each year on the second Saturday of May and all donations are taken directly to local food

banks to ensure that people in the community are helping others in the community.

Participating is simple. Just leave non-perishable food donations in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 11, and your letter carrier will do the rest. Nationwide, over 1.9 billion pounds of food has been collected in the past 30 years.

In Key West, mail carrier Bob Killen, now retired, headed up the local effort, which resulted in record-breaking donations each year — and some back-breaking heavy lifting for the local carriers, who hold a light-hearted competition amongst themselves to see who collects the most along their route.

— Contributed

HELP KEEP KEY WEST CLEAN

JOIN A 1- HOUR CLEANUP FRIDAY MORNINGS

On May 1,

annual Realty One Day by cleaning up Truman Avenue, Bayview Park and the side streets. Twenty-three volunteers collected 80 pounds of microtrash, 9 pounds of recycling and 1 gallon of cigarette butts. CONTRIBUTED

May

One hour a week makes a huge difference, and volunteers are welcome every Friday and some Saturday mornings, from 8 to 9 a.m., when the Key West Ploggers clean up a designated area of the island.

Gloves, pickers, buckets, vests, hand sanitizer and a parking pass are provided to all volunteers.

A troubling number of cigarette butts and plastic bags have been included in recent hauls. Please remember your reusable bags when shopping so we can keep the plastic off the streets, parking lots and, most importantly, out of the water. And dispose of cigarette butts in any receptacle rather than the street or sidewalk, as from there, they easily end up in the ocean.

The city of Key West and its residents ask everyone to do their part to help keep Key West beautiful. With simple steps like making sure you bag your trash before putting it in your Waste Management trash cans or Dumpsters, and making sure the lids on Dumpsters are closed, will keep a lot of trash from blowing into the streets. Call Waste Management at 305-296-8297 for any furniture items left on the city right of way.

Please pick up around your home or apartment complex. Every piece of trash picked up is one less that may end up in the ocean that

surrounds and sustains our island community. It is not just the large items you can see easily when you are walking, but the smaller items such as bottle caps and cigarette butts that are collected by the volunteers that make the biggest difference.

It takes committed community involvement to keep Key West beautiful and we are making progress with every cleanup event and every spot that’s adopted. Call Dorian Patton at 305-809-3782 to find out how your business, nonprofit or club can help.

— Contributed

Join a Friday morning cleanup each week from 8 to 9 a.m.

May 10: Upper Duval Street. Meet in front of Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservancy, 1319 Duval St., which is the host this week

May 17: Bertha Street & Flagler Avenue. Meet in Brady’s Pub parking lot, which is the host.

May 24: South Roosevelt at Deadman’s Curve. Meet by the last parking spot before the big curve by the Doubletree Grand Key Resort.

May 31: Truman Waterfront. Meet in the large parking lot closest to the Fitness Trail on the right. Hosted by the Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation

TAKE ME HOME?

FIND A FRIEND AT THE FLORIDA KEYS SPCA

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

From cats and dogs to Guinea

Falkor is a lovely 3-year-old goldendoodle named for the dragon in ‘A Never-Ending Story,’ so it’s no coincidence that his ears are just as soft and floppy.

Say hello to Milky, an all-black 1-year-old kitty. His fur is as dark and beautiful as the Milky Way. Come visit him today.

pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles and birds, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you. The SPCA’s knowledgeable staff will help with advice and care tips while working to ensure a good fit between each pet and its people.

The SPCA’s Golden Paw program also provides special assistance with vet bills and medications for special-needs and older animals that require a little extra TLC.

Check these pages each week for just a few of the animals waiting for a home and see them all at fkspca.org.

Meet Pluto, a beautiful 1-year-old tuxedo cat who is always dressed in his best and ready to charm the pants off anyone who comes to see him.

Ozzy is 5 years old and the sweetest. Though a little shy at first, once you give him some love, he won’t stop purring.

Hello to Licorice, a charming little black bunny who loves to run, burrow and play. This active bunny is looking for a forever home.

Say

On

3, the Ploggers joined host businesses Shine Group and Kenna Construction to clean the area around Petronia and Emma streets. In one hour they collected 194 pounds of trash, 36 pounds of recycling and 1.5 gallons of cigarette butts.

Realty One Group Destination hosted its

H e a l t h y

By Dr. Kellee Reed

Wellness for Women

Prioritize your health by scheduling an appointment with your PCP

Mother’s Day serves as an opportune time to remind women to prioritize their well-being Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to ignore one ’ s health needs but dedicating time to regular well-visits and screenings is an important act of self-care and a proactive step towards a healthier life

Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) is the first step towards elevating your wellness game Your PCP can help you manage your overall vitality and wellness goals by offering:

Medical history assessments and referrals to specialists

Preventative care including mammograms and Pap smears for early cancer detection

Annual physicals covering reproductive health, birth control, menopausal care, prenatal care, and immunizations

Disease risk evaluation and physical/mental wellbeing monitoring

Mount Sinai is currently offering free/reduced mammograms for the month of May, making it an opportune time for South Florida moms to proactively maintain their health. PCPs can also assist with family planning, building healthy habits, and chronic condition management Additional health screenings are also recommended

At Mount Sinai Medical Center, we always keep women at the forefront of health care That's why we offer comprehensive medical care tailored to your needs To book an appointment with one of our Key West primary care physicians, call: 305.535.3434

— Derek Epperly | Real Estate Broker

DON’T LET AGE DICTATE YOUR WELL-BEING.

Optimize your hormone levels with Biote, hormone replacement through one of the Florida Keys most trusted local physicians.

Derek Epperly, Keys Atlantic Real Estate Broker and Biote user says, “After turning 50 I was struggling with diminished energy levels. I tried all sorts of vitamins and energy supplements but it was Dr. Petersen & Biote that got me back in the game with the energy of my 25 year old self.

PROTECTING PARADISE

Annual trash derby removes more than 10,000 pounds of debris

The second annual I.CARE Trash Derby smashed previous debris removal records and cemented its place as the premiere cleanup event of the Florida Keys. In total, some 700 participants — by land and sea — removed nearly 14,000 pounds of debris from coastlines, mangroves and waterways. Roughly 70% of the debris removed will be recycled. A festival at Founders Park capped off the weekend’s fun, with raffles, prizes, music and a celebration worthy of our waters.

“It’s really difficult to put into words how this feels,” said Cortney

Benson, the marine debris removal stewardship coordinator with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF) and the person who dreamed up the idea of a Keys trash derby.

“When I scrolled through social media and I saw all of these amazing, beautiful people all up and down the Keys showing off their work, being happy and excited that they were spending their days taking debris out of the ocean, my heart just exploded. Seeing this come to life, it means so much. I couldn’t be happier.”

The derby supports the work of I.CARE, Islamorada’s home-grown coral restoration organization, and was sponsored by NMSF’s Goal: Clean Seas initiative and others.

ATHLETE

These two pitchers were outstanding. We allowed only one run and three hits over 14 innings of baseball in one of the toughest districts in South Florida.”

– Ralph Henriquez, Conchs head coach

3

When a team has built a dynasty the way Key West has in baseball, those who unlocked the secrets behind perennial triumph command respect. So when Conchs coach Ralph Henriquez deems two athletes worthy of the honor of Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week, it stands to reason that the first-ever joint Athletes of the Week be crowned.

In their trek to their 33rd district championship, the Conchs needed a pair of wins, and fortunately for Key West fans, Henriquez had a pair of aces. Senior pitchers Anthony Lariz and Jacob Burnham have been throwing gems all season long, performing their greatest in the moments their team needed them the most.

Lariz, a daunting 6’5” right-handed pitcher, is No. 1 in District 16 with a 1.54 ERA, 5 wins and 81 strikeouts this season.

His performance in the district semifinals last week highlighted his fortitude as he threw a complete game, giving up just 1 run in 7 innings of work. Key for Lariz is keeping ahead in the count and great command on a fastball that maintains its velocity deep into the innings. A masterful performance by the senior got the Conchs to the championship game, but Key West would require another arm, and another masterpiece, to win it.

Burnham, a lefty with a nasty curveball and a laserguided fastball, worked 6-2/3 innings in the district championship last week to clinch number 33 for Key West. He was praised for a high percentage of firstpitch strikes and a collected temperament, making him an asset in any game, but indispensable in the playoffs. Burnham is tied with Lariz for the most wins in the district and has 65 strikeouts and counting to his name this season. His 1.84 ERA is fourth in the district and he is second in innings pitched, with just Lariz in front of him.

For their dominance on the mound for one of the greatest teams in prep baseball history, Key West’s Anthony Lariz and Jacob Burnham are the Keys Weekly Athletes of the Week.

THE SCOREBOARD

Jacob

Anthony Seniors, Key West Baseball

Photos by: MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

On May 2, Felix Ong, right, Sam Holland, Steel Mientkiewicz and the Key West Conchs baseball team put the clamps on the Killian Cougars to win their 33rd district championship. See page 5.

MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

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.

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.

Publisher / Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

Publishing Partner / Britt Myers britt@keysweekly.com

Managing Editor / Alex Rickert alex@keysweekly.com

Copy Editor / Mike Howie mike@keysweekly.com

Director of Sales Manuela Carrillo Mobley manuela@keysweekly.com

Business Development Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

Production Manager Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com

Executive Administrator Charlotte Hruska char@keysweekly.com

Graphic Design Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

Web Master / Travis Cready travis@keysweekly.com

Classifieds / Anneke Patterson anneke@keysweekly.com 305.743.0844

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.

Marathon eighth-grader Tony Bursa will head to regional competition after a fourth-place finish in the twomile race at districts. BARRY GAUKEL/ Keys Weekly

THE KEYS WEEKLY SPORTS WRAP PODCAST TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETES SET EYES ON STATES

The Keys Weekly Sports Wrap Podcast brings you all the week’s games, events and prep sports news. You will hear some of the week’s highlights in greater depth and hear behind-the-scenes information you won’t get anywhere else. On this week’s podcast, you will get some early results from the FHSAA Region 4 1A and 2A track and field competition and find out which Keys athletes sealed automatic bids to states.

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

tracy mcdonald

sean mcdonald

PODCAST HOST

April showers played a part in the abrupt end to the seasons of two Keys baseball teams, while the third likely benefited from a May downpour. Key West was the latter.

On May 1, the Conchs, whose strength of schedule and record afforded them a bye in the first round of the playoffs, faced the Sabres of St. Brendan School in the FHSAA 4A District 16 semifinals. Senior Anthony Lariz was trusted with the start for what could have spelled the final game of his season, but the steady righty lasted all 7 innings, striking out 8, walking 2 and giving up just 2 hits in another fantastic performance on the mound.

CONCHS SEAL 33RD DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

Lariz, Burnham masterful on the mound

Key West had another error-free game defensively, but struggled at the plate, registering just 3 hits. Freshman Roman Garcia ripped a double, while Nelson Ong and Sam Holland had a base hit each. That would be all the Conchs needed to win 3-1, sending them into the district championship game the following night.

Though weather did not factor into Key West’s game, it rained out the other District 16 semifinal game, forcing those teams to play in the afternoon of May 2 while Key West waited to see who their rival would be in the championship game that night.

The Killian Cougars defeated the Miami Sunset Knights to claim their spot in the championship game, but there was little rest for the Cougars, who then had to play the Conchs a few hours later. This time, senior Noah Burnham was handed the ball in what would become a pitchers’ duel, remaining scoreless until the fifth inning.

Key West broke it open, scoring 2 runs off 2 walks, 2 hits and a sacrifice bunt laid down perfectly by Auggy Davila. Inning five would be all the offense Key West needed to win the game. Lariz also doubled in the game while Garcia, Steel Mientkiewicz and Ong singled.

Burnham struck out 5, walking just 2 and allowing 6 hits in 6-2/3 innings. After tossing 106 pitches, fellow senior Felix Ong finished off the final batter, striking him out on three pitches to seal the 33rd district championship for Key West in a 2-0 victory over the Cougars.

The Conchs faced the District 13 runner-up Falcons of Jensen Beach High School in the FHSAA 4A Region 4 quarterfinals. Though the Conchs were seeded one place below the Falcons, their district title afforded them the home field advantage. The game was scheduled for May 8 at Rex Weech Field (results not available at press time).

Hits by Nelson Ong in both the district semifinals and championship game helped propel Key West to another district title.

MARK HEDDEN/Keys Weekly

By Tracy McDonald, Jim McCarthy and Alex Rickert

In another universe, the Marathon Dolphins and Coral Shores Hurricanes did battle last Thursday for a district championship in one of the best in-county baseball matchups in Keys history. In this universe, Mother Nature and the Florida High School Athletic Association had other plans.

Coral Shores defeated Somerset South Homestead 14-2 in a quarterfinal game on April 29. The ’Canes made short work of Somerset, defeating them in 4½ innings with 11 hits, including a triple and a grand slam home run off the bat of junior Campbell Lavoie. Lavoie drove in five of Coral Shores’ runs with senior Zeke Myers driving in four. Myers was 2 for 2 at the plate with a home run of his own, plus a double. Ben Friedman connected for a single and a double and Donovan Thiery, Eddie Holly, Riley O’Berry, Grady Temkin and Dominic Batista had base hits in the mercy-rule win. Grayden Ross, Tate Brumbalow and O’Berry combined on the mound for 9 strikeouts and 6 walks in a nohitter that knocked Somerset South Homestead out of the playoffs and propelled the ’Canes into the semifinals the following night.

Coral Shores’ competition against the Knights of Keys Gate would also end early, but not because one team was dominating. After a scoreless first inning, Keys Gate struck first, scoring 1 run in the second.

Coral Shores immediately responded with 2 runs when AJ Putetti singled, Thiery walked, then Myers and Lavoie singled to put the Hurricanes in the lead, which they held until the fourth inning.

With 5 innings of play in the books and wet conditions, a Greater Miami Athletic Conference official ruled the game was over. And so was the season for the Hurricanes, which had six seniors on the team.

“Was it a cheap way to have a season end? Absolutely,” Hammon said. “The guys were certainly discouraged and angry, as were the fans. Some of the fans would have loved for me to step in and do something to keep the game going, but that possibility didn’t exist.”

While the rules state weather can end a game, so long as it’s past the fifth inning, Hammon said he’d like to see an exception for postseason play.

“I don’t see that happening, but it’s worth pursuing,” he said.

Two hours away on the same night, heartbreak struck the Middle Keys, as newly crowned South Florida Baseball Conference champion Marathon took on Somerset Silver Palms after a first-round bye.

Marathon started junior Mason Thornton on the mound. Thornton would complete 4 innings, fanning 5, walking 1 and allowing 2 hits

WHAT-IFS

mound and a .387 hitter, also Ziels, coming up next to the plate.

Ziels quickly dispatched three batters in the top of the sixth and did not disappoint at the plate with a hard double to left field. Just as Ziels reached first, the first drops of what would become a downpour came. Neither the rain nor the game stopped as Ziels advanced to third in a series of groundouts and a walk, but was left stranded in scoring position at the end of the inning.

With the game delayed due to rain, Marathon’s entire roster and coaching staff went to work, tarping and raking the home-field clay.

“Thirty minutes into the flipping of the field, the umpire came up to us and said we could go ahead and have our pitcher start getting loose,” coach Joey Gonzalez said. Fifteen minutes later, that message changed.

“I really don’t know what happened,” Gonzalez said. “All I know is that a call came in to the opposing team’s coach, (and) that coach then delivered another message to the officials. … After that phone call, the umpire called me over and told me he shouldn’t be in a position to have a lawsuit against him because of a highschool baseball game.”

Early cancellations deny comeback attempts for Marathon, Coral Shores

Three well-placed hits resulted in 3 runs, giving the Knights the 2-run lead. In inning 5, Coral Shores began to chip away at the deficit, with 1 run scored after a pair of doubles from Temkin and Thiery. Thiery took over pitching duties from Lavoie in the bottom of the fifth, but midway through the third batter, the game was stopped when lightning was detected several miles away.

Coach Tony Hammon said the teams and fans sheltered in a safe location for about 45 minutes without seeing lightning or hearing thunder.

“The guys and parents were obviously ready to play,” Hammon said. “After 40 minutes, I walked over to the Keys Gate coach and said, ‘We can’t have the game end this way. It’s a district game. This should be delayed, let’s come back tomorrow to finish.’ He wouldn’t say no to that. But I also knew he was in the lead.”

With the game expected to resume, the Hurricanes began to warm up. But rain began to fall on the field, and play never restarted.

before handing the ball off to senior Dylan Ziels. Ziels was not finished warming up in the bullpen when the barometer dropped with Somerset up 3-1.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Marathon was facing a two-out situation without a runner on base. Jack Chapman and Tiago Rivero walked, and Thornton singled on a hard ground ball. Chapman would score on the throw, but Rivero was thrown out advancing to third for the final out of the inning. Things still looked hopeful for the Fins, down 3-2 with their ace on the

“Both teams and everybody in the stands – nobody thought that game was going to get called. Both teams were warming up,” he added. “When we finished off that sixth inning, the field conditions were much worse than what they were when they called the game.”

Gonzalez said he agreed with Hammon that while the statewide game completion rules make enough sense for regular-season play, there should be “strong consideration” for a rule change to prevent a season being cut short due to weather. But after days of reflection, the termination did nothing to dim his pride in his team and the response from the entire Florida Keys community – including an outpouring of social media support from fans, residents and even the rival Key West Conchs.

“It was something that needed to be said,'' Gonzalez said. “Just knowing we are in this type of community where we all have each others’ backs.”

“Both teams and everybody in the stands – nobody thought that game was going to get called. Both teams were warming up.”

— Marathon coach Joey Gonzalez

The heartbreaking 3-2 loss ended the Fins’ otherwise stellar season. Thornton and Ziels struck out 8 batters, walked 2 and allowed 4 hits in a powerful dual-pitching performance. Ziels ended up with 3 of Marathon’s 4 hits. Thornton singled for hit number 4.

SOFTBALL: STAYING ALIVE

Despite losses, Conchs and Fins remain in hunt for state championships

Marathon’s softball team faced a familiar foe in the FHSAA 1A District 16 quarterfinals on April 29. They played Mater Academy Bay, a team they handled easily just over a week prior. This time, the Rays gave the Fins a bit more of a challenge. It came down to the wire, but in the end, the Lady Fins prevailed, winning 7-6 and staying alive in the hunt for a district championship. Senior pitcher Allison Garcia struck out 6 batters, walked 2 and gave up 6 hits over 7 innings. Offensively, freshman Maeve Merryman drove in 2 runs off a pair of base hits while junior Shynell McGuire singled and tripled for the Fins. Junior Elena Eubank doubled and added a pair of stolen bases to her stats. Freshmen Sara Robinson and Madelyn Thornton added 1 hit each, with Robinson earning extra bases with a triple. Garcia smacked a solid double to make it 8 hits for Marathon.

The quarterfinal win placed Marathon in a game against top-seeded Miami Christian in a muddy semifinal matchup. The Fins failed to register a hit against Miami Christian. Garcia was choosy at the plate, walking in a run for Marathon. Merryman scored the Fins’ other run, taking advantage of a passed ball. The woes for Marathon did not end with sloppy

field conditions or silent bats; their starting pitcher had to retire to the bench midway through inning two with shoulder soreness. Robinson took over in the circle, but by then, Miami Christian had already done enough damage to earn a 17-2 mercy-rule win. The Fins’ 12-5 record was strong enough to keep them alive in the playoffs. Marathon earned an at-large spot in the regional quarterfinals. That game was to be a rematch against Miami Christian on the road May 8 at 7 p.m. (Results not available at press time.)

Key West skipped the quarterfinals and the semifinals, heading straight to the FHSAA 4A District 16 championship game to defend its title last week. The reigning champs traveled to St. Brendan School on May 2 to face the Sabres in a game that would crown one team district champion and potentially knock the other out of contention. Key West wasted no time registering its first of 10 hits, when Scarlet Niles doubled on a hard ground ball in the first at-bat of the game. Though Key West hoped that would set the tone, their bats would go dormant until inning three and neither team got on the board until the fourth, when St. Brendan registered 7 of its 10 hits, scoring 6 runs. The disastrous half-inning woke the Conchs’ bats up, and Key West

answered with three consecutive hits, scoring 1 run and peppering the bases for Niles, the Lady Conchs’ top hitter with 6 home runs under her belt this season.

The Sabres prudently called for the intentional walk on Niles, then managed to dig their way out of what could have been a disastrous half-inning of their own. The Sabres held on to win the game and the district title in an 8-3 victory. In addition to Niles’ hit, Alexandra Rodriguez, Alexa Condella and Nevaeh Arnold each added a pair while Tavyn Gage, Shylo Sanchez and Nina Manresa had 1 each. Senior Chloe Gilday started at pitcher, striking out 5 batters and giving up 6 hits over 3-1/3 innings. Freshman Breanna Breener closed it out for Key West in what could have been the end of the season. But don’t count the Conchs out yet. Despite a 6-14 record, their strength of schedule earned them an at-large bid to regionals, keeping Key West in the hunt for a state title. The Lady Conchs had a shot at redemption on May 8, when they headed back to St. Brendan to face the Sabres in a must-win rematch in the FHSAA 4A regional quarterfinals. (Results not available at press time.)

Alexandra Rodriguez

Photos by: Maicey Malgrat and Barry Gaukel

Maeve Merryman

Nevaeh Arnold

FINS BOYS 2ND AT DISTRICTS

Track & field teams prepare for regionals on road to state

The Marathon boys and girls track & field teams earned six district championship titles at the FHSAA 1A District 16 competition at Palmer Trinity School on May 1. The boys team earned 134 total points, securing the runner-up team trophy and qualifying seven individuals and two relay teams for the regional meet. The girls team placed third with 104 team points, qualifying eight more athletes for the next level.

Junior Mikhail Marshall was Marathon’s top male performer. He brought home gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter races as well as one for the district-champion 4x400 relay. Marshall will compete in all three events next week. Other members of the 4x400 team were Caleb Shelar, Jakub Bursa and Mason Buxton. Buxton’s skills proved essential to the Fins’ final tally. He took second in the 800-meter race and third in javelin and discus. Vance Bursa was second in the one- and two-mile races and third in the 800. He ran anchor on the second-place 4x800 relay team, making it four total miles of racing at districts and four events for him at regionals. The other members of the qualifying 4x800 team were Jakub Bursa, Caleb Shelar and Dillon Shelar, making it a double brother event. Fabbianho Louis Jeune earned two medals, winning second in high jump and third in the triple jump. The final three regional-qualifying athletes were freshman Cullen Coleman-Sayer and sixth-grader Maverick McDonald, who placed second and third in pole vault, respectively, plus eighth-grader Tony Bursa, who raced to fourth in the two-mile race.

Ariel Newton

Ava Merryman

Malachi Telisma

Fabbianho

Leading the scoring for the girls team was sophomore powerlifter Justice Lee, who transferred her strength to the field events. Her 107’7” javelin toss broke her own school record and was good for district gold. Lee added another district championship title in shot put and placed second in the discus, qualifying for all three events at regionals. Classmate Ava Merryman earned a first-place medal in the pole vault with Samantha Batzer, also a sophomore, coming in third. Fellow sophomore Daysi Williams took second in high jump and fourth in the 200 to give her two events at regionals. Senior Kayesha Christian was second in long jump while Caylie Globe, a junior, took fourth in long and high jump. Marti Kilbourne was third in javelin and Tinashay Cunningham was third in the 400, rounding out Marathon’s automatic qualifiers.

The top four finishers at districts get an automatic pass to regionals while others must wait it out to see whether their best times and distances make the cut. When all the numbers were crunched, a slew of Fins were awarded spots in the regional event. Allan Taylor, an eighth-grader, qualified in the one- and two-mile events with Danny Merryman and Eian Batzer qualifying in discus and long jump, respectively. Lady Fins senior Mikkel Ross earned a place at the start of the girls’ twomile race while Cami Wrinn qualified in the 400 hurdles as the Dolphins’ final at-large place winner.

Key West and Coral Shores learned the fate of several high-performing athletes who, though they did not capture a top-four spot at districts, had a shot at regionals. The ’Canes did not receive any good news when the heat sheets came out, but Key West will need to make room for two more athletes and a few more poles for their trip to regionals. Malachi Telisma’s high-jump mark was strong enough for an at-large qualification, as was Jeremiah Harvey’s javelin throw. Audrey Smith, already on the list for javelin, also met the mark in discus. Kaylee Matas Cabezuelo added a third event with a qualifying height in pole vault, while Ariel Newton became the fourth Lady Conch vaulter to qualify. In all, Key West qualified seven pole vaulters, with five ranked in the top 10, a testament to the strength of its program.

All three Keys teams were set to compete May 7 at Calvary Christian High School for the 1A and 2A finals, being held in tandem this year. Athletes must perform in the top 2 in each event at regionals to guarantee a spot at the state track and field championships with a handful of at-large bids up for grabs, as well. Marathon’s state championship meet is May 15 while Coral Shores and Key West take their marks the following day. All divisions compete at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Clockwise from top left:

Marathon’s districtchampion 4x400 team.

Louis Jeune

Photos by: Rick Mackenzie and Mark Hedden

FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Splash Watersports Key West located at 5016 5th Ave, Key West, FL 33040 intends to register said name with the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

By: Lauderdale Jet Ski Adventures, LLC

Publish: May 9, 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 HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 15, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center,

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)

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.

• 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.

& 25 and May 2 & 9,

1200 Truman Ave., Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider the following: ISSUANCE OF A CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO KEY LARGO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT INC. FOR THE OPERATION OF A CLASS A ALS AND BLS AMBULANCE TRANSPORT SERVICE WITHIN MONROE COUNTY, FOR THE PERIOD MAY 16, 2024 THROUGH MAY 15, 2026. The public can participate in the May 15, 2024 meeting of the Board of CommissionersCounty of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292- 4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice- impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. DATED at Key West, Florida, this 1st day of May, 2024.

KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish:

May 9, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 15, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN UNCODIFIED ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC) OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF ACCUMULATED SURPLUS FROM TOURIST DEVELOPMENT TAX AND TOURIST IMPACT TAX REVENUES COLLECTED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 NOT TO EXCEED $35 MILLION, WHETHER HELD BY THE COUNTY DIRECTLY OR BY THE LAND AUTHORITY IN THE COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING HOUSING THAT IS AFFORDABLE, AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES OF PRIVATE SECTOR TOURISM-RELATED BUSINESSES IN THE COUNTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH CS/ CS/SB 1456; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the May 15, 2024, meeting, which will be posted beginning on May 9, 2024 at: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/citizens/default.aspx.

The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the May 15, 2024, meeting of the Board of CommissionersCounty of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http://

monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx.

ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice- impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 4th day of May, 2024. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida

Publish:

May 9, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF COUNTY ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN that on May 15, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, Florida, the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, intends to consider adopting the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 18-7 OF THE MONROE COUNTY CODE TO AMEND THE PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL BREAK CAMP TO INCLUDE ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX (6) AND SEVENTEEN (17) WHO RESIDE IN MONROE COUNTY, AND REMOVING THE MEDICAL FORM REQUIREMENT RETROACTIVE TO DECEMBER 1, 2023; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES INCONSISTENT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR INCORPORATION INTO THE MONROE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

The proposed ordinance may be inspected by the public at the Monroe County website by viewing the agenda packet for the May 15, 2024, meeting, which will be posted beginning on May 9, 2024 at: http://monroecountyfl.iqm2. com/citizens/default.aspx.

The ordinance may also be viewed at the Monroe County Attorney’s office at 1111 12th St. Ste. 408 Key West, FL 33040. The public can participate in the May 15, 2024, meeting of the Board of CommissionersCounty of Monroe County, FL by attending in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found in the agenda at http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ citizens/default.aspx. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the County Administrator’s Office, by phoning (305) 292-4441, between the hours of 8:30a.m.—5:00p.m., prior to the scheduled meeting; if you are hearing or voice- impaired, call “711”. Live Closed-Captioning is available via our web portal @ http:// monroecountyfl.iqm2.com/ Citizens/Default.aspx for meetings of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners. Dated at Key West, Florida, this 4th day of May, 2024. KEVIN MADOK, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Ex Officio Clerk of the Board

of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida Publish: May 9, 2024 The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Engineering Design and Permitting Services for the Conch ElevationKeyand Stormwater Design and Permitting Project 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 bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. 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.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00P.M. on June 6, 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 Thursday, June 6, 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 9, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 3:00 P.M., the Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following: Gato Building Spalling Repairs 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 bonfirehub.comhttps://monroecounty-fl. 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.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at bonfirehub.com,https://monroecounty-fl. no later than 3:00P.M. on June 11, 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 Tuesday, June 11, 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 9, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO. 2024-CP-000154-M IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE RALPH MURRAY, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the Estate of George Ralph Murray, deceased, whose date of death was November 27, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 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

LEGAL NOTICES

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 9, 2024.

Personal Representative: Susan Hopler 17338 Towers Falls Ln. Humble, TX 77346

Attorney for Personal Representative: Sophia Dean, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 92295 Friedman Law, P.A. 600 Rinehart Road Suite 3040 Lake Mary, FL 32746

Telephone: (407) 830-6331 Fax: (407) 878-2178 E-Mail: sdean@ff-attorneys. com

Secondary E-Mail: sbennett@ ff-attorneys.com

Theresa Ann Martinsen 307 Stone Street Wrens, Georgia 30833

Publish:

May 9 & 16, 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-000181-P IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY ELLEN SHERIFF, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARY ELLEN SHERIFF, deceased, whose date of death was January 15, 2024, 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 representatives and the personal representatives’ 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 9, 2024.

Personal Representatives:

JOSEPH A. SHERIFF

310 2nd Terrace Key Largo, FL 33037

JEFFREY S. SHERIFF

335 Sound Dr. Key Largo, FL 33037

Attorney for Personal Representatives:

VICTORIA MIRANDA, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 1015363

HERSHOFF, LUPINO & YAGEL, LLP

88539 Overseas Highway Tavernier, FL 33070

E-Mail: VMiranda@HLYlaw. com Publish: May 9 & 16, 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-000067-P IN RE: ESTATE OF SUSAN O. MATTHEWS, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of SUSAN O. MATTHEWS, deceased, whose date of death was November 1, 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 9, 2024. Personal Representative: JENNIFER L. MATTHEWS 2018 Elmwood Rd Annapolis, MD 21409

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 9 & 16, 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

DIVISION: PROBATE FILE NO.: 24-CP-63-M IN RE: ESTATE OF CARL C. MOORE, II Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of Carl C. Moore, II, deceased, whose date of death was November 22, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Monroe County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 3117 Overseas Highway, Marathon, Florida 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 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 SECTION 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 first publication of this notice is May 9, 2024. The date of the second publication of this notice is May 16, 2024.

Personal Representative:

Carl C. Moore, III 1656 Brentlawn Street Deltona, FL 32725

Attorney for Personal Representative: Anthony J. Barrows

Attorney for Carl C. Moore, III Florida Bar Number: 662569 WRIGHT BARROWS PLLC 9711 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050

Telephone: (305) 743-8118

Fax: (305) 489-0307

E-mail: Tony@keysclosings. com

Publish:

May 9 & 16, 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.

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

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 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

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 Newspapers

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

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

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.

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

AUTOS WANTED

AUTOS ALL YEARS!

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

AUTOS FOR SALE

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

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

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

Camping/RV site at marina available in Marathon. $30+/day plus misc. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002

EMPLOYMENT

Looking for Alarm Technicians with current working knowledge of fire alarm systems in Marathon & Key West. Hours: M-F 8:30a-4:30p. Email deborahg@ barnesalarmsystems. com or call 305-743-7334 for more information.

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.

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.

Send resume to captpips@aol.com or come into the o ce at 1480 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 to fill

Marathon Yacht Club is hiring part-time 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

Long-term rental on Lower Matecumbe.

2BR/1BA Tile floors, W/D, 2nd floor w/wrap around balcony on canal. Private beach access. $2,900/mo incl. internet & cable. Call Phil 305-898-2077

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

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

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 RENTED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK!!!

Place your HOUSING FOR RENT ad here.

$25.00/week for up to 5 lines of copy. Call 305-743-0844

RV SITE FOR RENT

30' X 120' LOT FOR RENT in Marathon.

Keys By The Sea, MM50. Cement pad, avail. MayNov $1000/mo plus utilities. 262-716-8987

Camping/RV site at marina available in Marathon. $30+/day plus misc. Free use of dingy & fishing on dock. 305-610-8002

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!

ORIENTATION DRIVER

WE ARE HIRING!

IN HOME SUPPORT (FT/PT) – Key West

MARC, Inc. is seeking a full-time, split-shift, In-Home Support Coach/ Trainer to provide companionship and assist clients with training/support. HSD/GED & 1 yr. exp in a related field. 1 year of college can substitute for experience. Must be able to use a tablet for documentation purposes. The shift for this job is split shift 7-9 am then 3-9 pm. We can be flexible. English language, speaking and writing, proficiency is a must. FL driver’s license w/good driving record, references and background screening required. This is a rewarding position for the right person.

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

MARINA CASHIERS

Come join our family! EOE

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

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

FULL TIME PROJECT 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.

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

THE 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: GRADUATION

ACROSS

1. Accumulate

6. Popular pickup

9. Johnny Depp’s 2001 biopic

13. Jousting pole

14. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo”

15. Figure of speech

16. Oak nut

17. Be off base

18. Less typical

19. *Graduating class

21. *S in BS

23. *Graduating NCAA player’s goal?

24. FedEx, verb

25. “I Want My ____,” television channel

28. Daytime drama

30. Online business

35. Fleur-de-lis

37. Dart

39. Planktonic tunicate

40. Not naughty

41. Break of day

43. Last row

44. Verdi’s opus

46. Lion’s do

47. D.E.A. agent

48. Sell again

50. Penny

52. To the ____ degree

53. Prep for certain potatoes

55. Metered ride

57. *Final reward

61. *Academic ____, a.k.a. Cap and Gown

65. Gibson garnish

66. Rocks, to a bartender

68. Angry

69. Lieu

70. Not solid or liquid

71. Post-it user

72. Of two minds

73. Bldg unit

74. Opposite of friend

DOWN

1. “Oh, woe!”

2. Riot spray

3. At another time, archaic

4. Substitute for tender

5. Misters in Spain

6. Fish eggs, pl.

7. Acronym, abbr.

8. Wet land

9. Highlands hillside

10. Forsaken

11. Oil org.

12. “The Way We ____”

15. *Finals at Cambridge University

20. Building toppers

22. El ____, Spain’s national hero

24. Popeye’s fuel

25. *Major’s partner

26. Beef ____, dim sum choice

27. Moral weaknesses

29. *Grad

31. Mountain lake

32. As a whistle?

33. 1960s abstractionism

34. *”Pomp and Circumstance,” e.g.

36. Dried up

38. Adjust the pitch, with “up”

42. Previous VP

45. Marcona nut

49. Skedaddle

51. Moroccan spiced stew

54. Eurasian antelope

56. Sacha Cohen’s middle name

57. Olden days “do”, second person singular

58. Sean Penn’s movie “____ the Wild”

59. Embarkation location

60. *Student aid

61. Catch one’s breath

62. Not on time

63. One on a list

64. Bald eagle’s nest

67. *Graduation garb topper